This article contains paid for content produced in collaboration with iCenta Controls.
Instrument specialist iCenta Controls details a demonstration of its Metri Pro-Lite ultrasonic flowmeters on a 1260-mm mains water transmission pipe (see image, right) at a Southwest Water reservoir.
The pipe was in good condition, having been manufactured in the 1980s. Two sensor types were tested, both a large 0.5 MHz and a standard 1 MHz sensor (see images, below right). Firstly, 0.5 MHz sensors were installed on the pipe in Z mode using a bubble level and a ratchet strap.
The correct factor values were entered into the meter. One sensor measured flow, but it would only give a zero value. Although the signal looked good, the meter would not read the flow, indicated by the fact the signal was negative. The parameters that decide whether to let the unit read the flow needed to be adjusted in this case. The position of the sensor was adjusted to make sure the installation was the best available.
The 1MHz sensor was tested next, set up in Z mode. Good results were obtained.
The next test was in V mode. There was less signal this time, but enough to produce accurate results.
These tests prove that the meter will work on 1250-mm pipes that are in good condition and containing water, and it will work in both Z & V mode.
The device is fast to set up and we found that it compared favourably with the reference meter. There are also some video clips of this testing available. The device has exactly what you need to test the installation and log the data. It is intuitive to use.