Flow Meter / Computer generated reports
Flow Meter / Computer generated reports
(OP)
Ok, I'm a mechanical engineer but I need to install some water meters.
I have 2 4" water mains coming into my plant. They are flowing approximately 500-700 GPM each and are at 80 PSI. I would like to install two meters and feed the data into a computer to generate water usage reports for set time periods. My first step is finding meters, probably with a 4-20 ma out put.
I have heard there are meters that "piggy back" on the city meters and the only specification I need is they are 4" lines. I've looked far and wide for there water meters, but I can't find anything that looks like they piggy back off of city meters. Any input? What are they called specifically?
Any input on a software program that can handle this? I would rather not have to write my own...
Thanks!
I have 2 4" water mains coming into my plant. They are flowing approximately 500-700 GPM each and are at 80 PSI. I would like to install two meters and feed the data into a computer to generate water usage reports for set time periods. My first step is finding meters, probably with a 4-20 ma out put.
I have heard there are meters that "piggy back" on the city meters and the only specification I need is they are 4" lines. I've looked far and wide for there water meters, but I can't find anything that looks like they piggy back off of city meters. Any input? What are they called specifically?
Any input on a software program that can handle this? I would rather not have to write my own...
Thanks!





RE: Flow Meter / Computer generated reports
M777182
RE: Flow Meter / Computer generated reports
I've had it explained to me that these exist, but I wasn't given the name and in my search for meters I can't find anything like this...
RE: Flow Meter / Computer generated reports
http://www.tisales.com/pdf/PSFLOSEARCHa.pdf
Might get you started...
Sean
RE: Flow Meter / Computer generated reports
You need to find the brand of meter the city is using at your site, each brand has there own replacement resister that will continue to read a mechanical readout and produce a pulse signal, then that pulse signal can be converted to a 4-20 through another device provided by that meter company. Sometimes you can pick up the pulse signal directly from the meter, caution, some brands are picky about input voltages and will cook at 24vdc, with the pulse signal and PLC programming you can get your flow.
You will also need the city’s permission to touch their meter, and in most cases they can control or deny access.
Most water meters use a pair of magnets to transmit the use from the measuring device (chamber or turbine) to the register, there is a strap on magnet sensor that wraps around the register to pick up this magnetic movement, I have not seen it in action though, nor have I seen an ad for this device in the past few years.
For about $500 usd can install an insert meter with a control box (accuracy 10%) through a 2 inch tap, needs to be a straight run of pipe. The control boxes are self powered by the 4-20mA 24Vdc loop and can be calibrated to any size pipe. Variety of brands to choose from again available from most water works outlets including catalogs such as USA bluebook or Pollard water.
If you need greater accuracy, cut in a magnetic meter at a cost of $1000 per inch, typically has a higher accuracy than the city’s meters, and no parts to wear out.
Hydrae