Jim Mimlitz ‘Slim’, SCADAmetrics
Within the municipal water sphere, one particularly challenging SCADA topic is flow metering at well pumping stations. Many standard potable flow meters are not suitable to the vagaries of well water which, by definition, is neither filtered nor softened.
Mechanical (moving-part) turbine flow meters are particularly problematic at wells, because suspended particulates cause abrasive wear on the turbines, and hard water can deposit minerals (iron, calcium,…) upon the turbines — both resulting in decreased accuracy and premature end-of-life.
An ideal flow meter for a well pumping site is based on a solid-state technology, such as ultrasonics or electromagnetics, and therefore has no moving parts. Furthermore, the meter should provide all three signal types for SCADA and AMI compatibility: 3-Wire Encoded, 4-20mA (per flow rate), and Pulse (per volume). When we are asked to advise in selecting an appropriate flow meter for a well pumping station, these are the factors that we offer up for consideration.
One excellent flow meter that is suitable for well pumping station applications is the Siemens FMS500 (pictured left). The FMS500 is suitable for a broad range of both water and wastewater applications. It features traditional 4-20mA and pulse SCADA signaling, and it is also available with Sensus & Neptune AMI protocols via the SCADAmetrics model MBE Modbus Encodalizer module.
The following diagram illustrates a typical application of the Siemens FMS500 magnetic flow meter within a potable water well pumping station — where SCADA signaling, AMI Signaling, or both are desired:
In the above illustration, the communication interface to the FMS500 meter is a SCADAmetrics model EM.100 EtherMeter. The EtherMeter serves as a SCADA gateway to the FMS500, enabling error-free collection of meter totalization (gallons) and rate-of-flow (gallons per minute) data using Modbus or Allen-Bradley EtherNet/IP protocols.
The Siemens FMS500 also features a 4-20mA analog rate-of-flow signal, which can be used to pace on-site chemical dosing pump(s) at a constant PPM.
Flow Metering System Bill-of-Materials
- Siemens FMS500 Magnetic Flow Meter
- Siemens FMT020 Transmitter w/ Modbus/RTU Option. 24VDC Mains Powered.
- SCADAmetrics MBE Modbus Encodalizer
- SCADAmetrics EM.100 EtherMeter
- SCADAmetrics SDA AMI Duplexer (if concurrent AMI desired)
Want to Learn More?…
Are you interested in learning more about how SCADAmetrics flow instrumentation, when paired with the Siemens FMS500 magnetic flow meter, can provide reliable flow metering, with both SCADA and AMI signaling, at municipal water well pumping stations? Give us a call!… We’ll be glad to discuss the details!