Jim ‘Slim’ Mimlitz, SCADAmetrics
McCrometer manufactures a broad line of flow meters, serving the agricultural, municipal water, and municipal wastewater industries. Here at SCADAmetrics (Wildwood, MO), we manufacture flow metering instrumentation in support of these industries, with the stated mission of helping users extend such meters for enhanced SCADA and AMI interoperability and functionality.
Like many manufacturers of process-oriented flow meters, McCrometer’s signaling options are focused upon 4-20 milliamp (rate) and pulse (totalization). Today, the new SCADAmetrics model PTE Pulse Encodalizer™ is able to leverage the available Dura Mag pulse output signal to generate additional AMI signaling and display options — thereby bridging the gap to solve the unique challenges facing the Utility AMI sphere.
Within the McCrometer Dura Mag ProComm Transmitter, two pulse-per-volume output terminals are available as an ordering option. These outputs can be configured to provide a utility with an encoded AMI signal of forward totalized flow (one Encodalizer), or encoded AMI signals of both forward and reverse totalized flow (two Encodalizers).
Forward Totalization Reported to AMI System
The following graphic illustrates how the Pulse Encodalizer can be used to transmit Forward Totalization to an AMI/AMR system. Most (but not all) municipal metering applications are uni-directional (forward flow only). Note the connection from the McCrometer Dura Mag ProComm Transmitter Pulse Output (Terminals 26,25) to the Pulse Input Terminals of the Encodalizer (Terminals 2,3):
Both Forward and Reverse Totalization Reported to AMI System
As a demonstration of even more advanced capability, the following graphic illustrates how two (2) Pulse Encodalizers can be utilized to transmit BOTH Forward Totalization and Reverse Totalization. This solution leverages the Dura Mag’s dual-pulse-output feature, where pulse #1 can be programmed to follow forward flow, and pulse #2 can be programmed to follow reverse flow.
Conclusion
The PTE Pulse Encodalizer translates the Dura Mag flow meter pulse count to a connected AMI/AMR system using the industry-standard, 3-wire encoded protocols: both Sensus Protocol and Neptune Protocol. Therefore, all major AMI systems are supported.
The Encodalizer is powered by a user-replaceable battery pack, which offers a life up to 10 years. The Encodalizer features a 9-digit LCD display of the Pulse Count / Totalization. When commissioning the Encodalizer, the user should pre-edit the 9 digits — in order to synchronize (match) with the totalization displayed on the LCD screen of the Dura Mag ProComm transmitter. From the displayed 9 digits, the user may select to transmit 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, or 4 digits to the AMI system.
Anticipated Encodalizer / Dura Mag applications include (but are not limited to):
- Connect distribution magmeters to potable water AMI systems
- Connect irrigation custody transfer flow meters to AMI systems
In addition to the Dura Mag, the PTE Pulse Encodalizer can be used to connect other types of McCrometer pulse meters to AMI systems, as well. Examples include the McMag, McPropeller, UltraMag, FPI Mag, SPI Mag, Field Mag, Vera Mag, V-Cone, and others in the McCrometer flow meter family. The only requirement is that the connected flow meter provide a 2-wire, passive pulse-per-volume output.
Although this article focuses on McCrometer’s flow meters, the Pulse Encodalizer is able to count pulses from most 2-wire, pulse-type flow meters (magmeters, wastewater meters, gas meters, steam meters, reclaimed water meters, irrigation meters, etc…) — and convert to the industry-standard 3-Wire Encoded protocol.
Want to Learn More?…
Are you interested in learning more about how SCADAmetrics flow instrumentation, when paired with McCrometer magnetic flow meters, can provide a wealth of value-added AMI and visual display options? Give us a call!… We’ll be glad to discuss the details!