Flow Testing Water Meters

This application note provides an overview of the successful use of hydraulically flexed multi-piston diaphragm pumps for flow control testing of water meters.

THE INDUSTRY

A world leading company in Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) and the next generation of automated meter reading (AMR) in the utility industry further advances innovation by combining high quality, highly accurate meters with information technology solutions and wireless communication technology.

THE APPLICATION

R&D efforts include providing a replacement for existing multi-stage centrifugal pumps used to control water flow meters. Water meters are tested for accuracy and stability in flow. Multi-piston diaphragm pumps were chosen for their ability to control the flow of water. These pumps provided better control over the operating range of flow and also reduced operating electrical costs. Sequentially phased diaphragms provided smooth flow rates with minimal (near zero) pressure ripple.

THE PUMP SOLUTION

Hydra Cell G35 and G10 Series hydraulically flexed diaphragm pumps are long coupled to variable speed AC inverter controlled motors. The G35 series pump with five diaphragms and the G10 series pump with three diaphragms operated in sequential phase to control water flow.

FEATURE	ADVANTAGE	BENEFIT
Flexed Multi-Piston Diaphragm Design	Simple to service and maintain	Reduced downtime and less production lost
	High pressure discharge for small flow rates	High efficiency pumping and reliable flow control
	Accurate metering with near zero pulsations	Can handle a range of pressures, flows and fluid viscosities
	Precision electronic flow control	Versatility in changing applications
Hydraulic Coupling	Near balanced pressure on both sides of the pump	Unstressed diaphragm offers optimum life and performance
Inverter Controlled AC Motors	Reliable and repeatable metering or pressure control	Metering capacity or pressure can be adjusted automatically