Flow Measurement & Control


Battery-powered water meter

March 2017 Flow Measurement & Control

Krohne has introduced several new features and options for its Waterflux 3070. As water meters are often installed in remote locations, reducing the frequency of visits to the sites and the time spent on set-up for maintenance is crucial. This relies on aspects such as a simplified installation, integrated diagnostics, a long battery lifetime, remote communication options and low overall maintenance requirements of the meters.

All the meter’s new features contribute

In terms of installation, the polycarbonate converter housing with protection class IP68 rating is now standard for both compact and remote version, e.g. for temporarily flooded measuring pits. It features IP68 waterproof plug and play connectors that do not require wiring on site, and a small installation footprint to fit into electrical cabinets.

For locations where mains power is available, the instrument is now available with an external FlexPower unit to connect the meter to a 110-230 VAC or 10-30 VDC power source on site, e.g. an electrical grid, a solar panel or a small windmill. The FlexPower module also has an internal battery that serves as a battery backup in case the external power source fails.

The integrated pressure and temperature sensor is a new option to allow the use of Waterflux for various tasks in drinking water networks. Flow and pressure measurement data are an important input for pressure monitoring, maintaining the water balance, district zoning (DMA), and for leak detection in drinking water networks when comparison of pressure and flow values is used as method. This eliminates the need for installation

and wiring of separate flow, pressure and temperature sensors. Pressure and temperature values are available via the display or via Modbus, e.g. temperature data can be used for quality monitoring of potable water. Alarms can be generated via the status output or via Modbus when critical limits for pressure and or temperature are exceeded. The integrated pressure and temperature sensor is available for diameters DN50-200.

Communication and installation

The communication options have also been extended to meet the increasing demand for more measurement and status data from water meters. The new Modbus RTU output offers an alternative to the two pulse and two status outputs, transferred data includes measurement data (sum, forward and reverse counters, flow rate), status data (battery lifetime, meter status), actual values for pressure and temperature, and alarms. Modbus RTU can be provided via a low (battery) power and a high (mains) power version. The low power Modbus version is unique to the market and can be used for data communication between a standalone battery powered meter and a data logger GPRS module.

When mains power operated with FlexPower, the high featured Modbus option can be used for data transfer to automation and process control systems.

For the sensor, thread connections G1” for DN25 and G1,5” for DN40 are now a regular option for small nominal diameters, When ordered with flanges, nominal diameters DN25-200 are equipped with stainless steel flanges as standard. Previously only available for smaller diameters, Waterflux with large nominal diameters up to DN600 can now also be verified to OIML R49 and MID MI-001 with 0 DN/0 DN straight inlet /outlet.

Introduced in 2009, this battery powered water meter remains a successful product in the potable water market, and is continuously updated to keep up with modern requirements. It features a unique rectangular measuring tube design and because inlet or outlet sections are not required, the sensor allows for a small overall installation footprint. There is no need for grounding rings because as standard the flow sensor has a reference electrode for grounding. A special coating allows for subsoil installation of the sensor.

For more information contact Deon Rampathi, Krohne SA, +27 (0)11 314 1391, [email protected], www.za.krohne.com



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Ultra-compact mass flow meters with advanced transmitters
Emerson Automation Solutions Flow Measurement & Control
Emerson has introduced the Micro Motion G-Series line of Coriolis mass flow and density meters, the most compact dual-tube Coriolis mass flow meters on the market. They offer the same level of quality and reliability as standard designs, but in a much smaller and lighter form factor.

Read more...
Flow measurement transmitters with IO-link interface
Senseca Flow Measurement & Control
Senseca has introduced the enhanced OMNIPLUS range of transmitters that feature an intelligent IO-Link interface.

Read more...
Optimisation of alkaline electrolysers
Samson Controls Flow Measurement & Control
his application study relates to the use of a smart meter valve in alkaline electrolysers, and is based on proven experience with one of the biggest hydrogen electrolyser producers in the world. The project proves that the smart meter valve’s added functionality creates an ideal setup in alkaline electrolysers for reducing cost and improving functionality and system performance.

Read more...
Preventing spills and improving operational efficiency
Flow Measurement & Control
In an industry where every spill carries a hefty price tag, Point Energy Partners found that the manual and low-tech systems at their saltwater disposal sites were a significant problem.

Read more...
Accurate flowmeter for oil & gas
Endress+Hauser South Africa Flow Measurement & Control
Promass Q, the high-tech Coriolis flowmeter from Endress+Hauser, is now also available for larger pipe sizes with maximum flow rates between 850 and 2400 tph.

Read more...
Optimising CIP processes with precision instrumentation
Endress+Hauser South Africa Flow Measurement & Control
Many food and beverage manufacturers encounter challenges with CIP processes that take too long. Have you considered exploring potential solutions to address these issues?

Read more...
How predictive maintenance will help tackle water scarcity
ABB South Africa Flow Measurement & Control
The water industry is facing increasing pressure to optimise treatment processes and address the impending global water crisis. ABB’s global product line manager, Krishna Prashanth suggests how the integration of smart instrumentation and predictive maintenance can ensure the highest quality treatment of water.

Read more...
Multi-parameter measuring system for water quality monitoring
KROHNE Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Monitoring different parameters in water treatment processes can lead to a situation where different measuring points are scattered across the plant.

Read more...
Flowmeters with faster and more reliable data transmission
ABB South Africa Flow Measurement & Control
ABB has launched the CoriolisMaster and ProcessMaster flowmeters, which can be powered over the same Ethernet cable used for data transmission, eliminating the need for separate cabling.

Read more...
Ice cold optimisation
Turck Banner Southern Africa Flow Measurement & Control
A well-known industrial company in China specialises in the research, development and production of high-tech materials and special industrial furnaces for various fields and applications. To ensure the safe and efficient operation of the furnaces, the flow and temperature of the cooling water and the energy consumption must be constantly monitored and controlled. Turck’s FS+ flow sensors are ideal for this application as they can monitor the temperature of the cooling medium in addition to the flow.

Read more...