Jim ‘Slim’ Mimlitz, SCADAmetrics
The majority of SCADAmetrics’ instrumentation is focused on connecting flow meters to SCADA, telemetry, and building automation systems. Today, we introduce a new device that helps to connect specialty flow meters to your AMI system: the model PTE Pulse Encodalizer™!!
Extending AMI Systems to Specialty Flow Meters (Wastewater, etc…)
Modern AMI systems excel at collecting consumption data from potable water meters outfitted with 3-wire encoded outputs; and the sophistication of these systems has evolved to such a degree that they have even begun to resemble SCADA systems — providing insight into the operational aspects of the water utility’s distribution system.
Yet after utility owners have invested to put such infrastructure in place, we are now hearing many operators ask, “How can we extend the usefulness of our AMI network into specialty meter monitoring? Think: magnetic flow meters, clamp-on ultrasonic meters, wastewater meters, venturi meters, gas meters, electric meters…
For example, a major impediment to adding wastewater meters to an AMI system is the fact that practically no wastewater meters are outfitted with encoded-output signaling (Sensus & Neptune protocols). And while most wastewater meters are equipped with pulse (per volume) output signaling, most AMI systems do not accept this signal.
Example wastewater meters include magnetic flow meters from Siemens, Endress-Hauser, Seametrics, Krohne, Rosemount, & Foxboro, and others… plus open channel meters from Vega, Eastech, Siemens, Global Water Instrumentation, ISCO, Pulsar, and others.
Making Pulse-Output Flow Meters AMI-Compatible
The new SCADAmetrics Pulse Encodalizer bridges the signal divide between AMI systems and pulse-type flow meters! The Encodalizer accepts a 2-wire, dry-contact pulse-per-volume signal from a wastewater meter (or any meter), displays the totalization on its 9-digit LCD display, and transmits the totalization to an AMI radio using the 3-wire, industry-standard Neptune or Sensus protocol.
Encodalizer Feature Highlights:
- 2-Wire Pulse Input (Dry Contact Only)
- 3-Wire Encoded Output (Neptune or Sensus Protocol)
- 9-Digit LCD Totalizer Display
- Ability to Pre-Load Starting Totalizer Reading
- Battery-Powered (Future: Mains-Powered, or Hybrid)
- Rated for both Outdoor and Indoor Environments
- User-Replaceable Batteries (4x CR-123A)
Pulse Encodalizer Internal View
Photos from our Beta-Testers…
- Utility: Elkhart, Indiana
- Water and Wastewater
- AMI System: Neptune 360
- Flow Meter: Vega Open-Channel with Pulse Output
- Utility: City of Fort Worth, Texas
- Water and Wastewater
- AMI System: Sensus FlexNet
- Flow Meter: Rosemount Magnetic Flow Meter with Pulse Output
- Facility: Raytheon (Tucson, Arizona)
- Natural Gas
- AMI System: SCADAmetrics EtherMeter
- Flow Meter: Dresser-Roots Rotary Gas Meter with Pulse Output
- Facility: LB Water (PA)
- Potable Water
- AMI System: Sensus FlexNet
- Flow Meter: Bermad PRV/Meter Combo
- Utility: Milbank WinWater SD
- Potable Water
- AMI System: Mueller MiNET
- Flow Meter: Rosemount MagMeter
- Electric Power Meter
- AMI System: Badger Orion
- Meter: Leviton Model 2000
… and more photos will be posted in the future…
Want to Learn More?…
Are you interested in learning more about how SCADAmetrics flow instrumentation can be leveraged to expand the capabilities of your AMI system to include wastewater & other types of meters? Give us a call!… We’ll be glad to discuss the details!