In situ verification technologies of flow meters for sustainable water management.

摘要

The accurate measurement of flow rate is an important and an integral part of sustainable water management. The errors associated with measurements are directly dependent on the quality of measurements. The aim of this study was to verify this accuracy and analyse the testing methodologies used to facilitate subsequent verification and to assess the accuracy, suitability and cost-effectiveness of in situ verification techniques and technologies for closed conduits. The following techniques were reviewed: meter installations gravimetric method, ultrasonic clamp-on method, insertion meters, electromagnetic meters, tracer methods, reference meters in series, and electronic verification of electromagnetic flow meters. All techniques were evaluated from the perspective of the Australian National Measurement Institute (NMI) requirements for accuracy. A survey and an industry consultation were also conducted across Australia. Two key insights were: (i) in situ verification is an area that few water authorities have had any experience with, and (ii) the lack of available information regarding the economic viability and water accounting benefits of in situ verification. Generally, there is confusion or not enough information about the costs/benefits of in situ verification, or about proven techniques for in situ verification and how to deal with installation and site issues.