How to choose the best water flow meter?
Water utilities rely on precise and dependable flow meters, which are critical to the overall water flow process. Flow metering technology is always evolving, and there is a wide range of flow meters and designs to choose from. Each flow meter application is distinct, therefore flow meter selection should not be made just based on the “cheapest bid.” While price is always a consideration, there are other variables to consider when choosing a flow meter.
You have multiple meter alternatives or a single highly particular one to pick from, depending on your application and metering needs. Complicating things further are the many external considerations your meter must satisfy to accomplish its intended purpose.
When choosing the right flow meter, keep the following aspects in mind:
- Being familiar with the entire procedure
Before you choose a flowmeter, you need to first learn and comprehend how everything works and why you’ll need a flow meter for that particular operation. During the design phase, speak with certain plant operators to learn about challenges such as access, calibration, and maintenance. Is it necessary to measure total flow in addition to instantaneous flow? Should the collected data be sent to the supervisory control and data acquisition system (SCADA) or made publicly available on the Internet? Who will be in charge of utilizing the flowmeter and how will it be used? Consider all these things before choosing a flow meter.
2. Measurement of the media
The medium that will be measured is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a water flow meter. Different types of meters are affected by temperature, conductivity, viscosity, and pressure. The type and style of meter you use will also be determined by how clean or unclean the liquid is. As a result, the next step before purchasing a flow meter is to gain a thorough understanding of the characteristics of the medium to be measured.
3. Accuracy and repeatability:
When it comes to flow meter characteristics, accuracy is at the top of the list. The accuracy of a measurement refers to how close it is to the true value going through a system. A meter’s accuracy is usually measured in percentages. The smaller the percentage, the more accurate it is.
Overemphasis on a more accurate meter than is needed for your medium or the process can result in spending too much on a too simple requirement. The flow measurement used to manage chemical feed may require more accuracy, while the flow measurement used for general tracking of water treated may need a flow meter with lesser accuracy. For billing purposes, such as when a water supply authority sells water to a utility, flow measurement must be exceedingly precise.
4. Installation and location of a meter
For the meter to provide precise measurement, it must be put properly and in the best possible location. When there is a mistake in the installation process, even the costliest one will give an incorrect reading. A proper installation point is the key to installation. For proper installation, one must consider points such as:
1. The pipe should always be filled.
2. To prevent flow disruptions, flow meters require a specific volume of straight-run pipe.
3. There cannot be obvious shaking at the installation point. This needs to be fixed with proper support, or else the location needs to be changed.
4. Steady flow is helpful for measurement accuracy.
In addition, pipe size, flange rating, size and standard, pipe material, and lining to be used are also part of the meter selection process.
5. Reporting and data collection
Some applications necessitate continuous flow recording as well as total flow measurements. Frequently, data must be transferred to a SCADA system. Flow meters may be positioned in remote locations, necessitating the use of battery power or solar power. Determine the type of output required throughout the design phase. While the most frequent range is 4 to 20 mA, some facilities may require different protocols like MODBUS, MODBUS IP, or BACnet. Cloud-based communications are also getting more popular now.
6. Choosing the right supplier
Consult a few suppliers to find one who is dependable and can supply a high-quality system. Find one who can provide exceptionally knowledgeable assistance during the ordering process and can provide good aftercare service. Ensure that the supplier can manufacture, assemble, test, and calibrate the flow meters within his factory. This will assure you that you are not buying a traded product from perhaps some unknown source in some unreliable country.
The representatives of flow meter manufacturers have a wealth of knowledge. They can also assist in making cost-effective judgments. They can also assist you in selecting the appropriate meter, rather than attempting to make an ineffective meter work after it has been installed. Remember, cheap prices and poor quality go hand in hand!