Water Meter – In using water for daily needs, of course we need to know the amount of water discharge used by reading the tool at home correctly.
Water meter reading is an activity in reading the water meter index which is visible on the machine or totalister.
The function of this tool is to be able to find out the amount of the customer’s water bill every month
Table of Contents
Water Meter Body
The part where the calculator is right in the middle of this part is called the main part or body of the tool. Which side is opposite there is an inlet and outlet, which on the inside is also a series of gears or gears.
Measuring Section(Register)
This measuring section has a function to show the results of calculations in the form of value data. There are several indications in measuring the amount of water using a tool, namely:
- Maximum debit (Q4) is the highest debit in the short term.
- The discharge (Q) is the actual volume.
- Minimum debit (Q1) is the lowest debit.
- Nominal discharge (Q3) is the highest discharge in working conditions when water is flowing.
- Transitional debit (Q2) is a debit that is between the minimum and nominal debits.
- The actual volume (Va) is the total volume of water that passes through the water meter.
- Indication volume is the amount of volume indicated by the water meter.
- The maximum error is a relative error, and the error of indication is the error indicated by the water meter.
- Pressure loss (∆p) is the loss of pressure at a predetermined water flow.
- The nominal diameter is the design on the pipe component size.
Display Section
The display section shows some information such as the type of meter including multi-jet or single-jet, nominal flow rate, and metrology class which is a class classification of meters based on their accuracy values.
By knowing the components of a this tool, you can more easily understand the function of each part or as a whole. So in this case it can help you in using this tool according to its function.
Water Meter Function
Water meters have different functions according to the type, including:
Calculating Production Costs
This water meter can calculate the cost of the water bill, so that the use of the least amount of water can be calculated validly. So that PDAM can control water use.
Measuring Liquids in the Food Industry
Especially in the food industry, this flow meter can be used to increase production. The way the company can use a batching system so that it knows the amount of water in the production process.
Treating Waste
The meter can also measure the chemicals used, such as flocculants and coagulants so that this size can be used as a reference in the cost of waste treatment.
Checking Engine Performance
In some manufacturing companies also use digital meters. This tool can be used to determine the mechanism and capacity of pumps, compressors, and cooling systems. This company can detect engine failures from the start and resolve them.
Controlling Liquid Volume
This flow meter can also function in monitoring water flow where the results of these measurements are in the form of recordings, data storage, and PLCs.
Advantages of Using Flow Meter
In addition to having various functions, there are several advantages that can be felt from using a water meter, including:
Save Water
This tool can also be used as a reference for the amount of water used and save water use. One of them is the existence of a smart flow meter. This will prevent water wastage that can occur due to leaks in the pipe.
More Expenditure
This water meter can also save your expenses. You will not get an inflated bill because this tool can overcome the waste of water in the house.
More Accurate Measurement Results
This flow meter offers more accurate measurement results. So that when the water bill appears, only the volume of water used per month is used. This method is powerful enough to minimize the occurrence of errors.
Avoid Fake Flow Meters
You can avoid using fake flow meters that are rampant in the market so you can reduce losses when paying water bills.
Types of Water Meters
There are several types of water meters on the market, each of which has its own way of working as follows:
Positive Displacement (Volume)
This class C category water meter can be very suitable for small and domestic industrial customers.
The mechanics that drive the number of meters are determined by the manufacturer’s regulations so that the meter is called a volumetric meter.
Advantages of Positive Displacement Type, namely:
- Has a high level of accuracy.
- Easy to read without requiring special skills.
- Easy to read on low pressure streams.
- Can be installed in any position.
Positive Type of Displacement
Unfortunately this meter has a high level of sensitivity so that dirt or sand that enters can interfere with measurements at large water pressures. There are 2 types of positive displacement meters, namely:
Nutating Disc Meter
Nutating disc meter is characterized by the presence of plates that form a disc on the inside of the meter body. This disc can be connected to the meter register and rotates as water enters the meter.
The amount of rotation of this disc can be used as an indication of the volume of water that enters and is recorded in the meter.
Oscillating Piston
This meter has a piston or dipper that rotates when there is a flow of water. The flow of water that enters through the input hole and will fill the dipper until it rotates.
Then channeled into the space behind the dipper through a filter. This dipper acts a mechanical which can be linked to a register number.
However, the filter on this dipper is so small that it can cause the meter to jam easily if it is blocked by sand.
Non Displacement (Non Volume)
The second type of water meter is the opposite of positive displacement. This type of meter has a non-positive displacement pump output flow rate that can change in response to pressure at the outlet. They used Newton’s first law of motion to move a fluid against the system’s resistance. Although they provide a smooth and continuous flow – the flow output decreases as the system resistance increases.
This non-displacement meter consists of several types that you need to know, including:
Non Volume Meter Type
A non volume meter can be divided into two parts namely a velocity meter and also a turbine water meter which you may have come across before, but you don’t realize that it is a type of meter that is non volume.
Velocity Meter
This type of velocity meter has the speed of water as a mechanical driver in the meter and is connected to the meter register number. The specific velocity of the water is converted to a volume that is read in the meter register. There are several types of velocity meter variations, including:
Single Jet
The water meter that is often used in shallow well pumps is a single jet type, small in size and requires minimal power to run. They use a single pipe that connects directly to the water source under your house. This well pump works with a small motor that creates suction in a single internal jet system to help water enter your home. The motor is also above ground, allowing quick access for maintenance and repairs.
The speed of the water moves the impeller in the meter and rotates the mechanical gear and is transmitted to the meter register. The difference between single-jet and multiple-jet is that if a single jet has only one input hole, the construction in the meter is generated such that the water entering only hits one side of the impeller as well as the outlet. This meter is very good at reading at low water flow (low flow), including class C meters.
Multi-jet
The multi-jet pump is a form of convertible jet pump. Unlike the single jet, which uses a single pipe to draw water through its jet assembly and into your home, the multi-jet assembly is housed in the water source connected to it. This helps create more water pressure from the source because the water is deeper underground.
In turn, it takes less suction and air pressure to push your water supply from the well pump to your home. Although the system is a bit more complicated, the motor is still above ground and easily accessible, and its life is similar to that of a single-jet.
Turbine Water Meter
This meter has a part of the fan plate or rotor mounted on the axis of the axis. The working method of this meter is the same as a velocity meter using the velocity of the water to rotate the vanes and which is passed on to a register to be converted into volume or cubication.
This turbine meter can be divided into two, namely vertical and horizontal types.
Vertical Meter (Woltmag)
The type of vertical turbine water meter is where the axis of the propeller is mounted vertically, usually applied to a flow that has turbulent flow, the meter construction is created in such a way that the flow does not immediately hit the fan / propeller. This allows this meter to get all types of water flow so that the meter reading is more accurate. This vertical Woltman type meter is also called the Woltmag type.
Horizontal Meter (Woltex)
The opposite of Woltmag is Woltex. In this type of water meter, the axis of the axis is mounted horizontally so it can also be called the horizontal Woltman type. Water enters from the input hole and then hits the vane, this kind of meter can only get water at a high speed flow, because if at a small flow it will not be able to rotate the vane.
How to Read Water Meter
Check your water meter to determine if you have an analog (dial) or digital display. Instructions for reading both types of this tool are included in this section.
How to read a water meter to find out the total usage at home
In reading a water meter, it is necessary to have a more thorough understanding. This is because this tool is useful for knowing the total water usage in your home. If you don’t understand this, of course, you probably won’t understand and even misread the meter so you might pay for water usage that doesn’t match your expectations.
The meaning of the red color of the water meter
This meter has two different colors, namely red and black. This red color is used to indicate the liter unit and water meter testing.
Meaning of Black Color Water Meter
On the other hand, it is black, showing units in m3. This is what is used to find out the water bill in your home.
Odometer
The other part is the odometer. The odometer records total water usage in the same way that the odometer in your car records distance traveled. The tool odometer records water usage in cubic feet and displays as follows: numbers from right to left represent 1 cubic foot, 10 cubic feet, 100 cubic feet, and so on.
Big Dial
Next up is the big dial. The dial will rotate when the water passes through the meter. One full turn of the dial equals 1 cubic foot of water from 748 gallons.
Small Triangle Shaped Teeth
This one is useful as a submerged flow indicator and can detect water leaks early.
How to Read a Digital Water Meter
Digital meters require light to activate so you may need to shine a flashlight on them. Display alternates between meter reading and flow rate. The meter reading is equal to the gallons (or cubic feet) used while the flow rate is equal to the number of gallons (or cubic feet) per minute flowing through the tool.
How to Read Modbus Water Meter
This water meter uses a communication protocol that is easier to read or control. You can later read the amount of water applied without having to look directly at the water meter. This meter can also still be read without having to go to the location.
PDAM officers can read water meter measurement results automatically via data sent via Automatic Meter Reading. The data is connected via the network to the mobile application.
When opening the application, the data on the amount of water usage can be seen automatically, from the volume of water to the flow rate. Therefore, make sure you have chosen a water meter according to your needs and budget.
Tips to Save Water Meter
Surely you know that PDAM (Regional Drinking Water Company) is a company used by the community for their daily needs in obtaining clean water. So that you don’t pay the expensive monthly bill, there are some water saving tips that you need to know.
Don’t let the faucet keep running
This is a very effective way to save on water meters. Do not keep the faucet running. For example, when you’re brushing your teeth or washing dishes. Don’t leave the faucet running if you don’t need the water.
Just imagine, you can save about 4 liters of water per minute.
Holds Water as a Reserve
What does holding water mean? If it’s the rainy season, try to collect the rainwater to be used to water plants, for example, when the weather has become sunny, into a bucket. Keep in mind, close it when it’s full so it doesn’t become a mosquito breeding ground.
Use PDAM Water Efficiently
Just imagine, you use PDAM water to water plants during the day. Of course that doesn’t matter not because the water evaporates quickly and the plants don’t get enough water as a result.
Therefore, be wise in using PDAM water.
Calibration of Measuring Instruments
If you have recorded your water usage, but the bill still swells, you should adjust the amount of water that comes out with the movement of the numbers on the water meter (calibration).
When the water that comes out is less than the total number that rises, then immediately report the matter to the relevant PDAM officer. So, you can find out what happened in your PDAM or a water leak in your house.
Remotely Control the Water Meter
Increasingly, technology is developing and entering various domains, and one of them is the water meter which can now be controlled remotely. Isn’t this interesting?
This is a smart home technology that can be used to measure the volume of water automatically which can finally be recorded on a special server so that it can automatically adjust the amount of usage that determines the cost used.
Take Control of Remote Water Meter Usage with Smart Home
Smart home is indeed a modern home solution that can be said to be the dream of many people. Because smart homes carry various modern technologies that can help you in managing various home affairs easily and it can also be said that various aspects are found here.
The aspect of using a remote water meter is certainly very helpful for everyday life.
Difference between Mechanical Water Meter and Smart Water Meter
Some say that the smart water meter has a high level of accuracy. Whether it’s true or not, if you compare it further, there is a very basic difference between the two.
Mechanical Water Meter
- Deployment leak rate is really high because deployment data is not recorded over time (realtime)
- Manual calculations that have the possibility of miscalculation
- Payment arrears from consumers
Smart Water Meter
- Avoiding the level of leakage in the application of water, the application of water can be recorded from time to time, the valve will close automatically when the balance runs out
- Calculations are done automatically and accurately with an integrated method
- There are no more arrears in payments, because it can be done using the prepaid method, so it’s more economical
Conclusion
Remote control of the water meter is certainly a very good decision if you take this type of meter for your home. Creating a smart home with remote control of the water meter is very functional.
NetData is a company that can provide you with remote water meter control services. With various advantages such as affordable costs and guaranteed fast and professional installation, NetData is certainly the best choice for you.
