The wastewater and water treatment industries require flow measurement devices to control the movement of fluid moving from one step of the process to another. Depending on whether the application is a closed or open channel, there is a flow meter suitable for these scenarios.
Wastewater treatment plant application
A water flowmeter can come in a variety of specifications according to what the installation requires. In treating wastewater, for example, there are water flow meters with a magnetic function, best for a fluid with high solid content. In general, electromagnetic flow meters are highly compatible with processes involving the movement, control, and monitoring of sludge or wastewater containing a high amount of solid particles and gas.
Regeneration and maintenance of water wells
Some independent entities are responsible for inspecting and maintaining water wells and other installations for water treatment used by utility providers. Keeping these wells involves replacing pipes and pumps, cleaning filters, and well regeneration.
In some locations, these water wells are surrounded by forests, meadows, and vegetation, often without a power source. Maintenance companies need to install accurate water flow meters that won’t require a power source. These flow meters also help monitor the total volume of water available in the well at any given time. Data gathered from these observations needs to be reported to the proper authorities to verify the appropriate course of action which will not significantly impact the quality and supply of water.
Flow meters used in water distribution
Water utility companies supply water through a network of pipes running through residential areas, cities, and across other obstacles above-ground. These factors will impact the rate of water flow and volume from the time the water leaves the source to when it reaches the final destination. In choosing a water flow meter for this application, it is essential to ensure reading accuracy because the process directly involves the transfer of potable water from one source to another. Regulating the flow of clean water is also subject to government regulations; hence, process control engineers need to secure an accuracy certificate for each flow meter installed in the pipeline.
Flow meters used in open channel measurement
Water utility networks have large open channels where water flows before it gets treated for safe consumption. To prevent pipes from breaking in case of sudden pressure surges and storms, water flowing through pipes needs to be at a certain level and volume at all times. Flow meters used in this type of application are responsible for taking accurate readings of water volume and amount to maintain a continuous flow.
Monitoring flow of untreated wastewater
Wastewater treatment plants have an extensive filtering system to remove debris and particles from wastewater. This filtration system makes use of aeration so that solid particles settle at the bottom while fats and other contaminants float on top. At every stage of wastewater filtration, flow meters are necessary devices that control flow and maintain the correct volume and water velocity while moving fluid from the initial filtration stage until the final water treatment step.