Our March meeting will be held on Thursday March 18th, with a presentation on the topic of:

The purpose of this course is to bring Consulting Engineers up to-date with the latest AWWA standards.  Within these standards are the guide lines for proper meter application, sizing and installation.  Just as important as the AWWA standards are the practical considerations, from a commercial point of view, which includes product performance.  Performance includes interchangeability of meter types in AMR systems.

The 90 minute course is divided into three slide (PowerPoint) presentations described below.  Each contains a question and answer period.  Each attendee will fill out a course evaluation form with at least one original question that the course raised and answered.

I.  American Water Works Association (AWWA) - Water Meter Type:          13 pg / 15 min

AWWA standards C700 to C708 are reviewed explaining meter applications, as well as operating limits for each type of meter.  Within each mechanical meter type there are special applications, some misunderstood, such as Fire Service meters.

C706 and C707 pertain to meter reading systems.  Visual-read, touch-read and radio-read meters are explained.  The economic advantage and disadvantage of each type is reviewed, from low capital cost to low operational costs.

       

II.  Proper Meter Application & Sizing:                        42 pg / 45 min

After meter application has been determined, meter sizing is the most important performance characteristic; both for durability and metering accuracy.  While residential meters are the simplest municipal meter, they get the most attention due to the number installed.  Major types of residential meters are reviewed for performance and accuracy. 

Specialty meters such as flexible axis meters and hot water meter are covered.  National Science Foundation NSF-61 low lead brass is also discussed. 

For larger meters, such as turbine meters, the principals of operation and proper application are reviewed.  Large meter installation design is critical to performance.  AWWA layout and strainer recommendations are reviewed.  Within the group of large meters are compound meters.  Compounds are generally under utilized, but bring advantage to water districts as they capture low flows.  Fire Service meters, the most important sub-group of compound meters are explained.

Strainer use is reviewed both as meter protection and laminar flow promoter. 

Magnetic Flow meters, while not extensively used by water system operators have some applications.  Their major use is in waste water treatment.

III.  Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) Technologies            24 pg / 30 min.

Reading multitudes of meters, mostly residential, is a topic covered by AWWA and of concern to all water districts.  The advantage of each type of system is covered, from low capital cost for visual read, to low operational cost for radio-read.  "Cutting-edge" technology, such as fixed base AMR is discussed, as is "dull-edge" telephone dial-up AMR.  Telephone dial-up AMR performs well for reduced numbers of remote readings; such as well heads or factory meters in pits.  Radio performs best for large numbers of readings.

The benefits of AMR are detailed, from reduced operational cost and productivity to meter reading safety and customer satisfaction.  System components from radio-meters to data collection computers are reviewed.  Data collection systems can either be based on a handheld or a laptop computer. 

Finally, the most important aspect of AMR is covered; compatibility of commercial radio systems.  This gives water districts flexibility instead of being locked to one supplier.

Our presenter this month will be James Stanton, Water Meter Specialist for Vellano Brothers in Latham.  Previously, Mr. Stanton worked for Hancor, Schnectady Chemicals, and the US Army Chemical Corp.  Mr. Stanton holds degrees in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, and Engineering Administration.