In water management, as in all other industry sectors, rapid changes in technology often mean that what used to be good is no longer good enough. Kamstrup advises that now is the time to replace traditional mechanical water meters with ultrasonic smart water meters and move towards the benefits of digitalisation.
In an ultrasonic meter two transducers transmit and receive ultrasonic signals to monitor water flow.
Measurement technology based on the ultrasonic principle is one of the most reliable technologies in static metering. No moving parts ensure pinpoint accuracy without any maintenance efforts or costs. A Kamstrup solution anywhere in the world will consist of an ultrasonic meter and digital remote reading system, providing an effective and efficient smart metering solution.
How it works
The ultrasonic meter contains two transducers. Each transducer transmits and receives ultrasonic signals. When there is no flow, the signal transit times are identical. With water flow, the signals speed up in the direction of flow and slow down against the direction of flow. Signal transit times increase as flow velocity increases.
The meters are designed to allow for flexible mounting – horizontally, vertically or at an angle. They have the advantage of no moving parts and thus deliver high and stable measurement accuracy and they are less vulnerable to the accumulation of dirt. These factors contribute to a low total cost of ownership, with the added benefit of connected technology which allows for smart metering.
Key benefits
Mechanical meters have long been the preferred choice in water management. But digitalisation introduces an increasing need for communication and connectivity – which offer the benefits of shared information and more agile and efficient management.
Additionally, because ultrasonic smart meters, unlike mechanical meters, have no moving parts, they are more durable and deliver reliable accuracy throughout their lifetime. Ultrasonic meters provide a clear picture of network data and enable accurate billing. In contrast to mechanical meters, ultrasonic meters can also be read remotely, without any need for add-on devices. This makes data collection faster and allows for more efficient use of resources by avoiding misreading and the need for follow-ups. In this way, utilities can save time and money, which can be used to gather insightful data that empowers them to provide a better service to customers.
Furthermore, intelligent alarms in ultrasonic meters enable efficient detection of leaks, bursts and reverse flows, and can thus contribute to lowering the amount of nonrevenue water in distribution networks and preventing revenue loss. This also supports utilities in improving water management and conserving water resources.
For more information visit: www.kamstrup.com
