How to choose a water meter for your apartment and home

The Soviet tariff system of water accounting, when the calculation was made by the standard depending on the number of residents, has disappeared into thin air. In the modern world every cubic meter of water must be taken into account, and the best assistant in this situation are modern water meters. Compact and accurate, they easily integrate into almost any water system and correctly display the amount of water consumed, both cold and hot. The resulting savings on utility costs is a great incentive for those people who are hesitant to install a meter or not.

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1. Producers – reliability rating
2. Meter types and classification
3. Meter selection criteria

Manufacturers – reliability rating

Water meters – the devices, different technologically and with high accuracy, and therefore their production requires special equipment and great experience. 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. Gaselectronics;

Despite the fact that the last two brands are domestic, the quality of their products is at the highest level, and therefore their products on its main characteristics are not inferior to imported, more famous analogues.

Meter types and classification

The principle of operation of such devices is based on calculating the amount of water passing through a sensor. The first thing that the imagination conjures up are the classic induction meters, where the water rotates the paddles of a special disc that measures the flow. Modern models have gone further, and now the following types of water meters are popular

Ultrasonic meters

The principle of operation of such devices is based on measuring the density of water flow by means of special piezoelectric sensors. The pulses they emit pass through the water flow and are captured back, after which the information is processed by a special processor and converted into accurate flow figures. Most of these devices operate from the mains, and in case of power outage have an autonomous power supply.

Electromagnetic meters

Devices based on Faraday’s Law. The key elements of the device are two electromagnets lying on either side of the water jet. During operation, an EMF is created between the two poles, the value of which is directly proportional to the force of the water flow. Applying uncomplicated processing algorithms, the device produces accurate figures of water consumption.

Resonant superstatic meters

The principle of operation of devices of this class is to account for resonant cycles that occur when water flow is transferred from the main channel to the auxiliary. The stronger the water pressure, the more work cycles the device performs, which is counted by a special piezoelectric sensor. Using a special bus, it communicates with a central processor, which performs the basic calculations.

Advantages and disadvantages of electric meters

According to the principle of its operation, all of the above devices belong to electric models, having both common advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages

• High accuracy regardless of the specific operating conditions, water quality, the state of the water supply system;
• Long life, no need for regular calibration and verification;
• The possibility of remote submission of readings;
• Unpretentiousness and the possibility of installation in almost any environment;
• Ability to set up for multi-tariff metering;

Disadvantages

• High cost;
• The need for an external power supply;

Mechanical meters of tachometric type

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

Mechanical meters also have both strengths and weaknesses:

Advantages

• Low cost;
• Full energy independence;
• Easy to install and dismantle as required;
• Simple and clear display of current information;
• Reliability and unpretentiousness in operation;
• High measurement accuracy;

Disadvantages

• Sensitive to induction and electromagnetic pulses;
• Demanding to water quality;

The criteria for choosing a measuring device

Choose the most suitable water meter for the specific operating conditions is not a problem. All that is required of the buyer is to know the characteristics that should be paid attention to.

case material

An important parameter that directly affects the durability. Given that the water pressure inside the meter when measuring is quite high, the body of the device must be able to withstand it and not leak. Nowadays the meter bodies are made of the following materials:

1. Brass, bronze – the most common alloys, characterized by high strength and decent toughness. Used for any chemical composition of water, are durable and unpretentious in operation;
2. Silumin – a special alloy, the basis of which is aluminum with the addition of a small amount of silicon. The main advantages – low price and resistance to aggressive chemical compounds. The disadvantages are high fragility and low resistance to mechanical stress. The case of silumin can fail even with sloppy dismantling;
3. Synthetic polymeric materials. By its mechanical properties are similar to quality metals and can withstand high pressure, and unpretentious to the composition of water. Of the disadvantages highlight the impossibility of operation in cases where the water temperature is more than 85-90 degrees;

Water temperature

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

1. Counters for cold water. Devices designed for operation at temperatures up to 35-40 degrees;
2. Hot water meters. Can withstand temperatures up to 120-130 degrees;
3. Universal. Allow operation at any water temperature;

Contents of the counter

Choosing a particular water meter, you should pay close attention to its equipment. The package should contain all the gaskets, washers and adapters necessary for installation of the device. This eliminates the need to go shopping for missing items;

Calibration, Verification and Certification

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

Getting readings, transmitting data

If we talk about the budget models, to take readings and transmit them to the appropriate services will have to manually. Electronic devices in this regard are much more universal. Many of them are equipped with a special PLC-modem, which independently transmit readings during the reporting period and does not require human intervention.

The time interval between checks

The parameter that reflects the time interval, after which the device should 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 extended to 8-10 years.

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