Jim ‘Slim’ Mimlitz, SCADAmetrics
The model HbMag, by Mueller Systems (Cleveland, NC), is a versatile, battery-powered magnetic flow meter that is suitable for monitoring totalization and rate-of-flow in municipal potable water applications. This meter is the same as the Siemens FM Mag8000, and therefore this article applies equally to this meter, as well.
The HbMag features two main signal outputs: a 3-wire Sensus-protocol encoded output for connection to AMI/AMR, and a 2-wire open-drain output for interfacing with SCADA systems.
Analog/Pulse Kit Solution — Generates Multiple SCADA Signals for HbMag
The SCADAmetrics models APK and APK.PLUS Analog/Pulse Kits are built to serve as signal gateways between the HbMag and SCADA system, thereby providing the following auxiliary signals:
- 4-20 milliamp rate-of-flow signal
- Pulse-per-volume (dry contact) signal
- Flow-Switch (dry contact) signal, or 2nd Pulse-per-volume signal
AMI and SCADA wiring is via the internal terminal block of the HbMag. The register lid may be removed by loosening the two (2) set screws on opposite sides of the register and carefully twisting the register lid to remove. Internal wiring is straightforward, as illustrated below.
HbMag.Terminal.56 should be connected to APK.Terminal.2. HbMag.Terminal.57 should be connected to APK.Terminal.3. APK.Terminal.1 should be left disconnected.
HbMag Terminals [91,92,93] correspond to AMI [Clock (Red), Data (Green), Common (Black)].
The afore-illustrated solutions feature the model APK Analog/Pulse Kit. Alternatively, the model APK.PLUS may also be used if a remote visual interface is required. When a customer utilizes the Analog/Pulse Kit family in conjunction with the HbMag, a modular SCADA signaling architecture is achieved, providing the customer with the following benefits:
- Use of a Single, Standard, AWWA-style Magnetic Flow Meter is Possible, Rather than a Specialty 4-20mA Flow Meter, or Two Meters.
- Hardware-Only Solution — No PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) Programming Required.
- Analog/Pulse Kit Provide Optically-Isolated Power and I/O Circuitry for Superior Lightning Protection.
- DC Low-Voltage Wiring for Increased User Safety.
- Compact, DIN-Rail Footprint Signalizer or Analog/Pulse Kit, for Easier Integration inside the Control Panels.
- User-Settable DIP Switches Allow Analog/Pulse Kit to be Used with Various HbMag Sizes, Eliminating Need for Factory Programming.
- User-Selectable 4-20 Milliamp Span (Digitally Self-Calibrated).
Want to Learn More?…
Are you interested in learning more about how SCADAmetrics flow instrumentation can be leveraged to expand the capabilities of the Mueller HbMag? Give us a call!… We’ll be glad to discuss the details!