Measuring water usage is vital in residential, commercial, and industrial premises. There are a variety of water meters that are used in these applications. The meters are installed according to the size of the premises and the amount of water used. Here is a brief of the common types to help you know the right type for you.
Positive displacement meters
It’s one of the most common mechanical water meters used for residential and small properties. They consist of an oscillating piston displaced as water flows through the meter’s main chamber. The moving parts measure the water volume and increase the reading on the meter by respective amounts. Unfortunately, these meters are susceptible to failure and noticeable pressure loss and need regular calibration and record airflow. This is because they come with moving parts, making them inaccurate.
Multi-jet Flow Meter
These types of meters are very accurate in small sizes. They mostly use up to 2inch sizes for residential and small commercial operations. These meters use several ports surrounding an internal chamber to create multiple water jets against an impeller. The speed of the impeller depends on the velocity of water flow. Multi-jet meters are only available in small sizes as they lack the straight-through flow path required for the high flow in large pipe diameters. As a result, they are vulnerable to failure and record the reverse flow of water and airflow.
Electromagnetic Flow Meter
These meter applications are mostly in commercial and industrial buildings. The meter contains an electromagnetic coil that induces a magnetic field and electrodes that capture voltage. The voltage is felt by the electrodes and processed by the transmitter to give a standard signal.
They are used in industries because the fluid flowing through the pipe is higher, enabling the magnetic coil to act as a conductor. The meters need electrical and mechanical cleaning frequently to avoid errors caused by the formation of bubbles of gas in the meter.
Picking the appropriate water meter can make a difference in water management. You can easily choose a meter that suits your application using this guide. Always remember to consider the running and maintenance costs before purchasing.
