How to improve the measure precision of water meter?

The current lack of accuracy of water meters which corresponds to the effective use of water resources is closely related to the quality and structure of the water meters. On the one hand, improving the measurement accuracy of the water meter enhances the user's awareness of water saving and reduces the water loss rate. On the other hand, it reduces the measurement neglect caused by dripping of the water meter.

Causes of the Decrease in the Accuracy of Water Meters

Metering Problems of Traditional Mechanical Water Meters

Measurement, which is closely linked to the amount of water used and the fees paid later, is the basic function of a water meter. The measurement principle of traditional mechanical water meters mainly depends on the change of the measurement value caused by the mechanical movement in the table, thereby forming the measurement. However, in the process of use, the impeller of traditional water meters is often disturbed, such as pulse interference, magnetic field interference and human interference, which makes the accuracy of the water meter lower. In addition, when the water flow is low or the water is dripping, the impulse force is so small that the impeller cannot be driven by the water flow, and as a result, a part of the water measurement statistics is ignored, resulting in the water meter becoming inaccurate.

Magnetic Interference

Water meters, especially pulsed water meters whose accuracy depends on the accuracy of the pulse data sent by the pulse sensor, is susceptible to the surrounding magnetic field during the operation. If the pulse signal is subjected to electromagnetic interference during the transmission process, the pulse transmission will cause errors which would bring about inaccurate results of water meter measurement.

Problems During Installation and Use

Not only the problem of water itself, but also the process of installation and use has an extremely serious impact on the accuracy of the water meter. For one thing, the improper installation or deviation will affect the accuracy of the water meter, and more seriously, the service life of the water meter will be shortened. For another, improper use of water meters and failure to regularly check will also reduce the accuracy of water meters.

Measures to Improve the Accuracy of Water Meter Measurement

The Selection of Water Meters Conforms to Specifications

With the improvement of water meter manufacturing technology, there are more and more types of water meters which is mainly divided into intelligent water meters and high-precision water meters. Intelligent water meters usually use the IC card for data transmission, which is conducive to improving water charge management. The measurement of smart water meters is based on the sensors, electronic equipment, and solenoid valves inside the water meter, which give rise to be easily susceptible to electromagnetic interference, and consequently, it is slightly inferior in measurement accuracy. High-precision water meters can only be applied to pure water pipelines, and as a consequence, they have been greatly restricted in use. In addition to the above two types of water meters, water-saving water meters, whose sensitivity and high accuracy play a strikingly important role in water conservation and standardized measurement management, are widely used in various water companies. Compared to traditional water meters, the speed-type movement has been changed in order to make the measurement more accurate, which is enable to achieve drip measurement. When choosing a water meter model, users cannot blindly pursue brands and substandard products, especially some counterfeit patented water meters which may affect normal water supply and may not solve the problem of water rotation. Therefore, in the selection of water meters, products that meet national standards should be selected.

Enhanced the Manufacturing Specifications of Water Meters

Fundamentally improving the metering accuracy of water meters requires strict quality control during the manufacturing process. In the manufacture of water meters, manufacturers need to strengthen the detection of water meter measurement, especially the verification of common flow, demarcation flow and minimum flow. For different flows, they should be implemented in accordance with national standards. Commonly used flows are about 2%, demarcation flows are about 2%, and minimum flows are about 5%. In addition, the verification of the water meter should be within the allowable error range. The water consumption in the new water meter verification process should not be less than two hundred times the minimum division value, which is in the position to avoid the impact of periodic problems on the accuracy of the water meter.

Standardize the Process of Installation

The installation of the water meter includes the selection of the diameter of the water meter, the selection of the device location and the standardization of the installation of the water meter.

First, the diameter of the water meter close to the commonly used flow diameter should be selected. Secondly, the installation site should avoid the places with heavy pollution like underground water channel. Finally, during the installation of the water meter, the water meter drainage must be placed in a dry place to prevent the water meter from receiving corrosion. In terms of installation technology, it is necessary to make the water meter horizontally installed and prevent the installation from tilting, because the tilt of the water meter will affect the measurement accuracy of the water meter and shorten the service life of the water meter. In addition, before the installation of the water meter, the sundries need to be removed, and equally, the water meter needs to be protected from freezing and cracking in winter.

Improving the measurement accuracy of water meters is not only an important content of water conservation and water management, but also an important requirement of the concept of sustainable development. The measurement accuracy of water meters needs to be improved to further implement the concept of water conservation and strengthen the awareness of water conservation of ordinary citizens.