New Mag Meter Helps Measure Flow in Pump Stations

By Michelle Pawlowicz

Reducing water loss within a distribution system is important to resource preservation and controlling the high costs associated with processing finished water for consumption.

Measuring flow effectively at various points within a treatment facility provides important data necessary for understanding whether the system is operating efficiently. By monitoring flow in each pump station, critical reference points can be collected to assist with maintenance planning and potential loss analysis, as well as accurately determining how much water is being transported for billing and revenue processes.

Historically, measuring flow at various points in a pumping station included the use of technologies such as the full, in-line, spool-type electromagnetic (full bore), or propeller-type meters. While each of these methods has benefits, additional advancements in flow meter technologies, as demonstrated by McCrometer's FPI Mag electromagnetic flow meter, provide a high accuracy rating and repeatability standard. In addition, it reduces the handicap of a full bore mag or propeller meter by providing a simplified installation process, resulting in higher savings on installation costs and manpower.

The FPI Mag meter employs a new configuration whereby the coils and electrodes are assembled in a tube that inserts into a pipe perpendicular to the full profile of the flow stream. Although in fit and form the FPI Mag is unique; in function the meter is just that - a mag meter.

The FPI Mag comes with the benefits of hot tap installation, comparable specs of a full-bore mag and can be installed and removed while the pipeline is under pressure. The FPI Mag is essentially just a full-bore mag meter turned inside out, but it is still a mag meter. Further, it uses a multi-electrode sensor design that measures flow across the entire pipe.

McCrometer's flow meter features ISO 9001:2008 and CSA certification; the new M-Series Converter, which provides excellent accuracy to ± 0.5% from 1 ft/s to 32 ft/s (0.3 m/s to 10 m/s) and up to ± 1% from 0.3 ft/s to 1 ft/s (0.1 m/s to 0.3 m/s) of reading; and covers pipe sizes from 4 to 138 inches, available in both forward and bidirectional configurations.

The FPI Mag Meter can be conveniently installed in a live, pressurized pipe without impacting service, thus eliminating the revenue losses incurred during dewatering and process shutdown. Its multi-electrode sensing makes accurate flow measurement possible without the need for long upstream and downstream pipe runs. The multi-electrode sensor design compensates for variable flow profiles including swirl, turbulence and low-flow conditions.

In a pump station, the FPI Mag provides an accurate solution at a reduced cost compared to a full-bore mag meter. The meter can also assist with scheduling by providing timely flow rate data that can be used to determine when seal replacement or other routine maintenance is necessary.

About the Author: Michelle Pawlowicz is a marketing specialist with McCrometer who enjoys creative marketing, lean process improvement, business analysis, and problem solving. She began her employment with McCrometer in August 2000, spending the first eight years of service in the accounting department. Michelle has achieved a Master's of Business degree and a Bachelor's of Business and Accounting degree both from University of Phoenix.

McCrometer Inc. is an exhibitor at the WEFTEC.13 event and can be found at Booth No. 1319.