How to choose a water meter for an apartment and a house

The Soviet tariff-based water metering system, when the calculation was made according to the standard depending on the number of residents, has sunk into the summer. In the modern world, every cubic meter of water must be accounted for, and modern water meters are the best helper in this situation. Compact and accurate, they can be easily integrated into almost any water supply system and correctly display the amount of water used – both cold and hot. The savings on utility costs resulting from such manipulations are an excellent incentive for those people who doubt whether to install a meter or not.

Manufacturing companies – reliability rating

Water meters are devices that are technologically advanced and highly accurate, and therefore their production requires special equipment and vast experience. When choosing such a device, you should pay attention to the products of those manufacturers who have proven themselves exclusively from the best side:

1. Viterra

2. Zenner

3. Valtec

4. Metron

5. Teplpriborkomplekt;

6. Gazelectronics;

Despite the fact that the last two brands are domestic, the quality of their products is at the highest level, and therefore their products in their basic characteristics are in no way inferior to imported, more eminent, counterparts.

Types of meters and classification

The principle of operation of such devices is based on accounting for the amount of water passing through a specific sensor. The first thing that the imagination draws is classic induction meters, in which water rotates the blades of a special disk, which measures the flow. Modern models have gone further, and the following types of water meters are currently popular

Ultrasonic meters

The principle of operation of such devices is based on measuring the density of water flow using special piezoelectric sensors. The pulses emitted by them pass through the water stream and are captured back, after which the received information is processed by a special processor and converted into precise flow rates. Most of these devices operate from the electrical network, and in the event of a power outage, they have an autonomous power source.

Electromagnetic meters

Devices based on the application of Faraday's law. The key elements of the device are two electromagnets lying on either side of the water jet. During operation, an EMF occurs between both poles, the value of which is directly proportional to the strength of the water flow. Applying simple processing algorithms, the device provides accurate figures for water consumption.

Resonant super static counters

The principle of operation of devices of this class is to take into account the resonance cycles that arise when the water flow is transferred from the main channel to the auxiliary ones. The stronger the pressure of the water, the more operating cycles the device performs, which are counted by a special piezoelectric sensor. With the help of a special bus, it exchanges data with the central processor, which performs the basic calculations.

Advantages and disadvantages of electric meters

According to the principle of their work, all of the above devices belong to electrical models that have both common advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages

• High accuracy regardless of specific operating conditions, water quality, condition of the water supply system;

• Long service life, no need for regular calibration and verification;

• Possibility of remote readings;

• Unpretentiousness and the possibility of installation in almost any conditions;

• Possibility of setting for multi-tariff accounting;

disadvantages

• High price;

• The need for an external power source;

Mechanical tachometer type

Devices well known to each of us. The key element is a special impeller of the executive unit, which sets the flow of water in motion. The rotating shaft sets in motion a counting system, which accounts for the consumed water – both cold and hot.

Mechanical meters also have both strengths and weaknesses:

Advantages

• Low cost;

• Complete non-volatility;

• Easy to install and dismantle when needed;

• Simple and clear display of current information;

• Reliability and simplicity in operation;

• High measurement accuracy;

disadvantages

• Sensitive to inductive and electromagnetic impulses;

• Demanding on water quality;

Measuring instrument selection criteria

Choosing the most suitable meter for metering water for certain operating conditions does not pose any problems. All that is required of the buyer is to know the characteristics to be paid attention to.

Body material

An important parameter that directly affects durability. Considering that the water pressure inside the meter is high enough during measurement, the device case must withstand it and not leak. Currently, meter bodies are made of the following materials:

1. Brass and bronze are the most common alloys with high strength and decent toughness. They are used for any chemical composition of water, they are distinguished by their durability and unpretentiousness in operation;

2. Silumin is a special alloy based on aluminum with the addition of a small amount of silicon. The main advantages are low price and resistance to aggressive chemical compounds. Among the disadvantages should be highlighted the increased fragility and low resistance to mechanical stress. The silumin body can fail even with careless dismantling;

3. Synthetic polymer materials. In terms of their mechanical properties, they are similar to high-quality metals and are able to withstand high pressure, and are also unpretentious to the composition of water. Of the minuses, they distinguish the impossibility of operation in cases where the water temperature is more than 85-90 degrees;

Water temperature

Depending on this parameter, all counters are divided into three general categories:

1. Cold water meters. Devices designed for operation at temperatures up to 35-40 degrees;

2. Hot water meters. Withstand temperatures up to 120-130 degrees;

3. Universal. Can be operated at any water temperature;

Counter complete set

When choosing a specific water meter, you need to pay close attention to its equipment. The package should contain all the gaskets, washers and adapters required to mount the device. This will eliminate the need to go shopping to find missing items;

Calibration, verification and certification

Water meters are devices that are subject to mandatory certification, and therefore, when purchasing a particular model, you must make sure that the device has passed all the necessary procedures determined by law and is ready for installation. In the case of imported meters, you need to make sure that the specific model is certified and allowed for installation in our country.

Reading, data transfer

If we talk about budget models, you will have to manually take readings and transfer them to interested services. Electronic devices are much more versatile in this regard. Many of them are equipped with a special PLC modem that independently transmits readings during the reporting period and does not require human intervention.

Calibration interval

A parameter reflecting the time interval after which the device must be sent for verification and, if necessary, for calibration or repair. For many manufacturers, this period is about 5-6 years, but for many electronic devices it can be increased to 8-10 years.

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Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a purchase guide.