The U500w Ultrasonic meter uses solid-state technology in a
compact, totally encapsulated, weatherproof, and UV-resistant
housing, suitable for building and property management
submetering applications. Electronic metering provides
information—such as rate of flow and reverse flow indication—and
data not typically available through traditional, mechanical meters
and registers. Electronic metering eliminates measurement errors
due to sand, suspended particles and pressure fluctuations.
APPLICATIONS Use the U500w meter for measuring potable cold water in
building/property management and industrial applications. The
meter is also ideal for non-potable, reclaimed irrigation water
applications or less than optimum water conditions where small
particles exist.
The U500w meter complies with applicable portions of
ANSI/AWWA Standard C700 and NSF/ANSI Standard 61, Annex G.
There is currently no AWWA standard that specifically addresses
ultrasonic meters for residential applications.
OPERATION AND PERFORMANCE As water flows into the measuring tube, ultrasonic signals are sent
consecutively in forward and reverse directions of flow. Velocity
is then determined by measuring the time difference between
the measurement in the forward and reverse directions. Total
volume is calculated from the measured flow velocity using water
temperature and pipe diameter. The LCD display shows total
volume and alarm conditions and can toggle to display rate of flow
CONSTRUCTION The U500w meters feature an engineered polymer, lead-free meter
housing, an engineered polymer and stainless steel metering
insert, a meter-control circuit board with associated wiring, LCD,
and battery. Wetted elements are limited to the pressure vessel,
polymer/stainless steel metering insert and the transducers.
The electronic components are housed and fully potted within
a molded, engineered polymer enclosure, which is permanently
attached to the meter housing. The transducers extend through
the polymer housing and are sealed by O-rings.
The metering insert holds the stainless steel ultrasonic reflectors
in the center of the flow area, enabling turbulence-free water flow
through the tube and around the ultrasonic signal reflectors. The
metering insert’s patented design virtually eliminates chemical
buildup on the reflectors, ensuring long-term metering accuracy.
METER INSTALLATION The meter is completely submersible and can be installed using
horizontal or vertical piping, with flow in the up direction. The
meter will not measure flow when an ”empty pipe” condition is
experienced. An empty pipe is defined as a condition when the
pipe is partially full.