Water Meters

Industrial water meters are mechanical devices that work on the principle of flow measurement. When water passes through the meter, it flows through a chamber. The chamber has a measuring element, such as a turbine or piston that rotates or oscillates as per the movement of water. The number of rotations or oscillations is proportional to the water passing through the meter. Furthermore, this movement is either mechanically or electronically translated into the readings, which will be displayed on the meter’s digital display. 

Today, most electronic water meters feature advanced technologies such as ultrasonic or magnetic sensors. These sensors detect the water flow rate without any movement. It measures the velocity of water using sound waves or magnetic fields. The gathered data is converted into digital signals representing the water volume used. Both electronic and mechanical water meters are designed to provide accurate and reliable water flow measurements, ensuring efficient water management.

At Cannon Water Technology, we offer various types of water flow meters. We source these meters from reputed manufacturers such as Carlon, Stenner, Seametrics, and more. These are made using various materials such as stainless steel, plastic, bronze, and so on.

Factor Considerations When Selecting the Right Water Meter for Your Applications

The selection of water meters is easy and straightforward. However, several key factors must be considered to ensure accurate measurements and operational efficiency. Here are some of them.

• Application Type: Understand the type of application where the water meter is being used. Whether residential, industrial or commercial water meters, the choice greatly impacts the final decision. Residential meters are small in size and less complex, while industrial meters are huge and need to handle larger volumes of different water qualities.
• Flow Rate and Pressure: This is another important consideration when selecting a industrial water meter for your application. The expected flow rate and pressure within the system dictate the meter’s type and size. Select the water meter that can accurately measure flow rates without causing significant pressure drop or damage over time.
• Water Quality: The quality of the water being measured can affect the meter’s performance. Therefore, the industrial water meters should be made of robust and resistant materials necessary for harsh conditions to avoid wear and corrosion. Stainless steel water meters are commonly used across industries.
• Accuracy Requirements: The level of accuracy varies as per the application requirement. High-precision meters are crucial in commercial and industrial settings where tight tolerances and precise measurement are mandatory. 
• Readability and Data Transmission: Based on the need for data collection and monitoring, the meters must feature remote reading capabilities, digital displays, and the ability to integrate with building management systems.
• Installation Environment: It is also essential to consider environmental factors such as temperature extremes, humidity, and potential for flooding or contamination. The meter must be durable and suitable for specific installation conditions.
• Maintenance and Durability: The ease of maintenance and expected lifespan of the meter should be considered. Both regular visual inspections and periodic maintenance by professional are essential. Some meters are designed for long-term durability with minimal maintenance, which can be advantageous for difficult-to-access installations.
• Regulatory and Standards Compliance: The meter should meet local and international standards for water measurement to avoid legal as well as compatibility issues.
• Cost: Budget constraints play a significant role in the decision-making process. There should be a balance between the meter’s upfront costs and its beneficial features.

The mentioned factors can help you choose a water consumption meter that best fits your needs, ensuring reliable performance and efficient tracking of water usage.

Types of Industrial Water Meters Offered by Cannon Water

There are various types and brands of water meters we offer. Here are some of them.

• Ultrasonic Water Meters: This water meter measures water supply volume by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves between two transducers. This is based on the time taken by the ultrasound waves to travel to and from between the transducers. Our ultrasonic meters come with a display screen that display flow value in real time. These meters can handle high temperatures above 250 degrees Fahrenheit and pressures around 230 psi. They can resist suspended particles and are low on maintenance as there are no moving parts.
• Smart Water Meters: IoT has gained traction as it facilitates inter-device communication. The same has been applied to water meters to make them smart. They facilitate communication from consumer device to service provider unit and all the steps in between including measuring water usage and preparing the bill, identifying leaks or other issues. This is possible because they are connected to ECU or an electronic control unit, which helps automate the entire process.
• Real Time Flow Meter and Data Loggers: As the term implies, this meter measures water volume and logs it in real time. This is displayed on the screen attached to it. So, it can display logged data, totalized volume of water flow, and real-time value.
• Lightweight Plastic Meters with Water Flow Sensors: These are durable yet lightweight meters made of plastic. This meter has a pump control module which receives a pulse based on a specific volume of water flow through the meter. Most models in this category are NSF/ANSI-372 (low lead) certified. They come with reed switch water flow sensors which facilitate accurate flow measurement.

Water Meters Maintenance Tips

To achieve the desired results, it is important to maintain the water meter in good working condition. The following tips help you keep your water meter in optimal condition.

• Periodic Inspections: Conduct periodic inspections to check for any signs of contamination, corrosion, damage, or tampering. This proactive approach can help identify issues before they become significant problems.
• Hygiene Practices: Keep the water meter and its surroundings clean and free of dirt, debris, and sediment. This can accumulate and interfere with the meter's moving parts or obscure readings. Cleaning around the meter can also prevent pests and rodents that might damage the device. 
• Avoid Mechanical Stress: The water meter should be able to handle extreme mechanical stress. Use proper supports and alignment for pipes to prevent stress on the meter, which could otherwise lead to cracks or leaks.
• Monitor for Leaks: Check for leaks in and around the meter as it can lead to water wastage and damage over time. Immediate repairs can prevent further damage.
• Calibration Checks: Based on the accuracy required for your application, periodic calibration checks may be necessary to ensure the meter reads accurately. Ensure you calibrate the device monthly, annually, or as mentioned in the manufacturer’s guidelines.
• Replace Worn Parts: With years of usage, some parts of the meter such as gaskets or seals may wear out. Replacing these parts can prevent leaks and inaccuracies in meter readings.
• Consult Professionals: If the meter needs repairs beyond basic maintenance or if you notice any sign of malfunction, the best practice is to consult professionals. Unauthorized repairs can sometimes cause more harm than good.
• Maintain Records: It is essential to keep detailed records of repairs, maintenance, and inspections. This documentation can help troubleshoot future problems or during warranty claims.
• Compliance with Regulations: Ensure all maintenance and repairs comply with local water authority regulations and standards. This compliance is essential for legal and safety reasons.

Beneficial Features of Smart Industrial Water Meters

Since there is much focus on smart meters nowadays, we have focused on their beneficial features. Here are some of them.

• Smart meters have absolutely revolutionary and hence being implemented by several local governments and municipalities.
• They are beneficial in terms of their end-to-end automated functioning with little or no human intervention.  
• From an environmental and a long-term point of view, smart water meters help save water as they monitor the usage closely, identify leaks, and so on. They are a sustainable solution to reduce water scarcity in the long term.
• Most smart meters are made of recyclable thermoplastic materials which again makes them sustainable and ecofriendly.
• You can easily inspect these meters and determine if there are leakages and if they are continuous. This can be done by merely observing the screen for a few seconds and check if the low-flow indicator is flashing.

How to Read a Water Meter?

Most of our meters come with a display screen which makes it easy to read water usage values. You can check some other factors through a user-friendly menu. Here are some steps to read the water meter which may help keep the water usage in check and fix leakage issues on time.

• If you stay in a gated community or there are many meters fixed onto the roadsides placed in an enclosure, you will have to first identify your meter with the help of a serial number on it that matches with your bill.
• Ensure you close all the taps when checking your reading.
• Readings are done differently for digital and analog meters. While digital meters have a display screen, analog meters can be connected to one. For either types, readings are displayed in gallons or cubic feet.
• For most meters, there is a clock-like dial with a pointer. There is an indicator towards one of the sides for low flow. The reading value is displayed in small squares just where the unit is mentioned.
• For digital meters, there is a touchscreen or push-button menu such as arrows, flashlight, start, cancel, enter, and other tabs. You can navigate through the menu to check total volume, leakage, and other aspects you want, and the value will be displayed on the screen.
• Commercial water meters work on the principle of positive displacement. They contain an oscillating piston which moves based on the water flow through the meter chamber. We offer vertical positive displacement meters that can be installed into a vertical pipe. This can be used in residential as well as commercial properties.

Do Water Meters Lose Accuracy Over Time and How to Handle it?

The average lifespan of most meters is about 15-20 years. It is best to replace them after 20 years or so. Also, like any other operating device or equipment, they need maintenance once in a while. Some meters, especially commercial ones, may require periodic recalibration; else, they may lose accuracy in readings. Inaccurate readings may lead to unidentified water loss as well as monetary loss. To check the meter’s accuracy, it is essential to check the master meter at the supply level as well as any possible leakages in the pipeline. To avoid early aging of meters, perform regular inspections and ensure there is no mineral build-up inside the meter which may hamper the flow rate. Old meters may be replaced with smart meters to gain optimum benefits.

If you are looking for good quality water flow meters for your house or commercial premises, we are an absolutely reliable partner. At Cannon Water Technology, we offer premium quality water meters sourced from reputed brands. You can share your requirements with us and we can offer you a quick quote. If you have any further enquiries or questions about the water meter types we offer, whether technical or pricing-related, we will be happy to help you instantly.

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers on Water Meters

Here are some commonly asked questions about water meters we have answered.

• Where Can I Place My Water Meter?

Water meters are located near the property line or directly adjacent to the building. In colder climates, meters might be installed inside the building to prevent freezing. If you're unsure, check your property's blueprints or contact your local water utility service. 

• How Often Should a Water Meter be Calibrated?

The calibration frequency of the water meter depends on the type and usage volume. High-usage commercial meters require annual calibration, while residential meters are calibrated less frequently. However, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

• How Often Should a Water Meter be Replaced?

The general lifespan of any water meter lasts up to 10 to 15 years. However, this can vary based on the model and environmental factors. Replacement intervals can also be influenced by the accuracy declines over time as the mechanical parts wear out.

• How Can I Read My Water Meter?

To read your water meter, check the numbers displayed on the meter's display. For detailed instructions, consult the manual for your specific meter model or contact your water provider.

• How Do I Protect My Water Meter from Freezing?

Water meters can be protected from freezing by being insulated or installed in a location that remains above freezing temperature. Special insulated covers or enclosures can also be used.

• How is Water Usage Estimated if the Meter Fails?

If a water meter fails, water usage may be estimated based on the average past usage recorded at the property until the meter can be repaired or replaced.