Residential/small commercial water meters-what to look for
Residential/small commercial water meters-what to look for
(OP)
I am to specify new meters for a municipal client that currently does not have any meters in their system. They, like every client, have a limited budget, but want the best product they can get, and I am inexperienced when it comes to residential meters. They want a radio frequency AMR system, too. Two questions: what should I be looking for in the type of meter (disc, jet, displacement, etc.) for accuracy and longevity and reliability; what should I be looking for in the RF AMR system (frequency, power, battery life, connection to register, etc.?) I will continue to research these things on my own, but any insight that some of you with more experience might offer would be greatly appreciated.





RE: Residential/small commercial water meters-what to look for
A very general rule of thumb is to size the measuring chamber not larger than one size less than the service: 3/4 service means not more than 5/8 chamber size, 1 inch service means not more than 3/4 chamber size, 2 inch service means 1 and 1/2 " chamber size.
A calcualtion based on fixture units is more accurate-usually done on larger than 3/4 chamber sized loads. Most drawings on larger buildings tend to oversize the meter-overly large chamber will cause revenue loss on low flows ( 5/8 low flow is 1/4 gallon per minute, a 2 " PD meter begins to accurately measure at 2USGM , 1 1/2" at minimal flow 1 gpm, a fixture unit calculation will increase utility revenue .
1) Nutating disc advantages: a) slightly lower head loss b) more resistant to water hammer c) more resistant to chamber clogging d) sometimes cheaper
2) Oscillating piston advantages: a) can be installed vertically or horizontially-nutating disc will prematurely wear/seize disc if instaled vertically b) minor accuracy increase at low flows .
In my area, out of the three " big" manufacturers , Neptune, Invynsens ( sensus) and ABB , Neptune alleges to be the only one whose brass meets some future proposed Lead in-water rule -don't know about this.
Suppliers link with some flow characteristics , AMR links in there somewhere:
http://www
Example: Kent/ ABB ( for PD flow charts, not that I say one supplier is better or worse):
http://www.jerman.com/kmmeters.html
RE: Residential/small commercial water meters-what to look for
You can contact me to this adress : delta80@club-internet.fr