How to choose a water meter for apartment and house

The Soviet rated water metering system, when the calculation was made according to the standard depending on the number of inhabitants, has sunk into summer. In the modern world, every cubic meter of water must be taken into account, and the best helpers in this situation are modern water meters. Compact and accurate, they are easily integrated into almost any water supply system and correctly display the amount of water consumed - both cold and hot. Savings on utility costs resulting from such manipulations are a great incentive for those who doubt whether to install a meter or not.

content

1. Manufacturers - Reliability Rating
2. Types of counters and classification
3. Criteria for choosing a measuring device

Manufacturers - Reliability Rating

Water meters are devices with different manufacturability and high accuracy, and therefore their production requires special equipment and extensive experience. When choosing such a device, you should pay attention to the products of those manufacturers that have proven themselves from the best side:

1. Viterra

2. Zenner

3. Valtec

4. Metron

5. Heat appliance;

6. Gas electronics;

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 main characteristics are not inferior to imported, more eminent counterparts.

Types of counters and classification

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

Ultrasound Counters

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 flow and are captured back, after which the information obtained is processed by a special processor and converted into exact flow figures. Most of these devices operate from the electrical network, and in the event of a power outage they have an independent power source.

Electromagnetic Counters

The devices, which are based on the application of Faraday's law. The key elements of the device are two electromagnets lying on both sides of the water jet. During operation, an emf arises between both poles, the magnitude of which is directly proportional to the force of the water flow. Using simple processing algorithms, the device provides accurate figures of water consumption.

Resonant Super Static Counters

The principle of operation of devices of this class is to take into account the resonant cycles arising from the transfer of water flow from the main channel to the auxiliary.The stronger the water pressure, the more work cycles the device performs, which are counted by a special piezoelectric sensor. With the help of a special bus, it communicates with the central processor, which performs basic calculations.

Advantages and disadvantages of electric meters

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

Virtues

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

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

• The possibility of remote submission of evidence;

• Unpretentiousness and possibility of installation practically in any conditions;

• Ability to customize for multirate accounting;

disadvantages

• High price;

• The need for an external power source;

Mechanical counters tachometer type

The devices are well known to each of us. The key element is a special impeller of the actuating unit, which drives the flow of water. The rotating shaft drives the counting system, which records the water consumed - both cold and hot.

Mechanical counters also have both strengths and weaknesses:

Virtues

• Low cost;

• Full non-volatility;

• Easy to install and dismantle if necessary;

• Simple and clear display of current information;

• Reliability and simplicity in operation;

• High measurement accuracy;

disadvantages

• Sensitive to induction and electromagnetic pulses;

• Demanding on water quality;

Criteria for choosing a measuring device

Selecting the most suitable meter for water metering under certain operating conditions is no problem. All that is required of the buyer is to know the characteristics to which attention should be paid.

Body material

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

1. Brass, bronze - the most common alloys, characterized by high strength and decent viscosity. They are used with any chemical composition of water, they are distinguished by 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 shortcomings should be highlighted the increased fragility and low resistance to mechanical loads. The body of silumin can fail even with careless dismantling;

3. Synthetic polymeric materials. By its mechanical properties similar to high-quality metals and able to withstand high pressure, as well as unpretentious to the composition of water. Of the minuses emit 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. The devices intended for operation at a temperature up to 35-40 degrees;

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

3. Universal. Allow operation at any water temperature;

Counter equipment

When choosing a specific water metering device, it is necessary to pay close attention to its equipment. The package must contain all gaskets, washers and adapters necessary for mounting the device.This will eliminate the need to go shopping for missing items;

Calibration, verification and certification

Water metering devices 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 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 to be installed in our country.

Taking testimony, data transfer

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

Intertesting interval

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 extended to 8-10 years.

In the following articles, our experts tell how to choose the kitchen sink and secrets choice of toilet.

---

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