Jim ‘Slim’ Mimlitz, SCADAmetrics
Zenner Group manufactures innovative metering products for the water and gas industry, including the manufacturing and development of water meters, gas meters, meter reading systems, and submetering products as well as the support services throughout their lifecycle.
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.
Zenner’s flagship C&I flow meter is the model ZSU “Stealth”. It is available in diameter sizes 2-12 inch, leverages ultrasonic technologies, has no moving parts, and is powered by a 12-year internal/replaceable lithium battery. It is available as either a direct-read, or with a 3-wire, high-resolution, Sensus-protocol encoded output for AMI connectivity.
The purpose of this article is to illustrate how, with the addition of SCADAmetrics instrumentation, the Stealth can be enhanced to connect to SCADA, Telemetry, and Building Automation Systems, as well.
For instance, the addition of a model EM.100 EtherMeter can provide Modbus and Allen-Bradley EtherNet/IP protocols to this important flow meter. Alternatively, the addition of a model EMP Signalizer can provide 4-20mA and pulse-per-volume signaling to the meter.
It is important to note that SCADA applications are generally much more data-intensive; and therefore the SCADAmetrics instrumentation is set up to poll the Stealth Ultrasonic flow meter’s encoded signal at frequent intervals. To accommodate, Zenner USA has developed and introduced a Mains-Powered Encoder Cable that is capable of supporting these high polling rates without draining the meter’s battery. The datasheet for this special cable is available HERE.
Advanced SCADA
The following illustrates how a Zenner Stealth flow meter can provide advanced SCADA signaling (Modbus, Allen-Bradley EtherNet/IP). Excellent for custody-transfer pumping and valve stations where revenue-grade accuracy is of paramount importance. Also excellent for military bases and educational facilities. Design Basis: Model EM.100 EtherMeter:
Concurrent Advanced SCADA and AMI
The following illustrates how a Zenner Stealth flow meter can provide advanced SCADA signaling (Modbus, Allen-Bradley EtherNet/IP), while at the same time provide signaling to a connected AMI System. Excellent for custody-transfer metering, pumping, and valve stations where revenue-grade accuracy is of paramount importance for both the SCADA system and AMI system. Also excellent for commercial and industrial facilities who wish to internally track the utility-owned water meter. The inclusion of a model SDA or SDAW Duplexer (illustrated below) ensures concurrent AMI connectivity. Design Basis: Model EM.100 EtherMeter and Model SDA SCADA Duplexer for AMI:
Basic SCADA and Optional Concurrent AMI
The following illustrates how a model EMP Signalizer display can be paired with a Zenner flow meter that is outfitted with an encoded output register to provide basic SCADA signaling, while preserving the existing AMI signaling to the water utility. The SCADA signaling is in the form of a 4-20 milliamp output, a pulse-per-volume output, and a meter fault alarm output. Please note that the 4-20 milliamp SCADA output requires a 9-digit encoded signal from the meter. Excellent for custody-transfer stations. Also excellent for utility-owned water meters at commercial and industrial buildings, where the building owner desires a meter reading into its BMS system, without requiring the installation of a new water meter, or without interfering with the utility’s AMI system. Design Basis: SCADAmetrics Model EMP Signalizer:
Want to Learn More?…
Are you interested in learning more about how SCADAmetrics flow instrumentation, when paired with the Zenner Stealth Ultrasonic Flow Meter, can provide a wealth of value-added SCADA, Telemetry, and Building Automation signaling options? Give us a call!… We’ll be glad to discuss the details!