Metering

FloTrol - Dethridge Wheel Replacement

 

 

 

AWMA are proud and confident to offer FloTrol™ as the solution the industry is seeking, to replace the Dethridge wheel across irrigation metered outlets. FloTrol™ will provide accuracy, high flow performance and low cost operation for many decades, ensuring industry compliance, viability and sustainability.

 Main features:

  • Certified accuracy
  • Flexible configurations to suit all individual applications (accommodates for vehicle access)
  • Ease of installation 
  • Operational efficiencies for water savings
  • Exceptional performance (very low head loss)
  • Multiple control options: Manual, Automated or SCADA (with option for read only monitoring)
  • Optional metering technologies: accepts new metering technology as it evolves
  • Economical solution: Maintenance-free sustainable accuracy for whole of life 
  • Eliminates OH&S risks  

AWMA Pty Ltd have undertaken extensive research and development to offer the irrigation industry FloTrol™, a purpose designed metered outlet incorporating state-of-the-art metering technology.

FloTrol™ is available in a range of models for manual and automated operation:
  • FT600: For flows between 1.5ML/d and 42 ML/d
  • FT450: For flows between 1.5ML/d and 25ML/d
  • FT250: For flows between 0.5 ML/d and 8ML/d 

NB: all models are available with radio communications to provide read only remote monitoring or full SCADA if required.

FloTrol™ incorporates innovative design and technology to replace the Dethridge wheel, with the following primary benefits:
 
Capital and Operational Expenditure (CAPEX and OPEX)
Competitive buy price, low maintenance cost and economical in-field verification results in an extremely low whole of life cost.
 
Uniformity/Versatility
With multiple models, flexible configurations, varied control options (SCADA, automated, or manual) and suitability for open channel or piped supply, FloTrol™ will always provide a comprehensive and economical solution for all irrigation metered outlet applications.
 
Connectivity
FloTrol™ has proven solutions to integrate into any new or existing SCADA networks.
 
Accuracy
FloTrol™ accuracy is a result of current state-of-the-art metering technologies, combined with an innovative purpose designed emplacement. The emplacement is designed to accept a variety of current and future advances in meter elements to ensure FloTrol maintains the most advanced levels of accuracy for whole of life. FloTrol™ has been comprehensively researched, tested and verified in Australia’s largest purpose built flow verification facility. All testing was carried out to a NMI approved program. Result details include:
  • Unique, profiled entry conditions, combined with pipe upstream and downstream of the meter, resulting in the best possible flow profile with outstanding and repeatable results
  • Headwall and pipeline design eliminate bubbles or turbulence from interfering with accuracy
  • Exceptional turn down accuracy of better than 2% tested (turn down ratio of 47:1) from 70ML/d to 1.5 ML/d (for the FT600 meter)
  • Maintenance-free sustainable accuracy for whole of life, and
  • Accurate and inexpensive in-field verification options
Production and Delivery
FloTrol™ allows for the use of multiple manufacturing facilities and suppliers, to accommodate demanding delivery schedules as well as mitigating any supply chain risk.
All external suppliers will be subject to QA audits in line with ISO 9001:2000 requirements.
 
Performance

The innovative FloTrol™ design provides extremely low head loss, providing significant on-farm effeciencies. 

Exceptional flow rates with minimal head loss provide significant opportunities for on-farm water saving and productivity gains. The increased performance will also offer opportunities for improved environmental outcomes.

OH&S
During the design of FloTrol™ full consideration was given to minimising or eliminating OH&S exposure to operators, installers, customers and the public.
 
Install
FloTrol™ is designed for an efficient, safe and economical installation process:
  • The emplacement consists of five modules (three pits and two pipes). The meter and gate are supplied fully assembled within the pits to reduce installation time required on-site.
  • ‘Plug and Play’ wiring. Installation requires one visit only; from excavation to operation.
  • All concrete components are under 2.0 tonne per module. This ensures legal safe working loads (SWL) for an excavator, thereby eliminating the expense and logistical issues associated with having a crane on-site.
  • FloTrol™ can be configured to suit installation variations. Configurations to suit existing Dethridge wheel footprints through to providing access greater than 50m wide.
  • Configuration options can significantly reduce costs associated with farm channel remodelling.
  • Expected installation time is less than seven hours, for two men and one excavator.
Service and Support
AWMA has a proven track record of 24/7 support and exceptional customer service.
 
Lowest Risk Option
AWMA understand the risks involved, including the investment in metering technologies prior to the legislation of AS4747 and the NMI pattern approval process.
 
AWMA have mitigated short and long term risk to our customer through:
  • The ability of FloTrol™ to accept meter elements and technologies from various suppliers. This future-proofs the emplacement against advancements in technology and price thus mitigating risk of reliance on a monopoly supply arrangement
  • Providing pipe sections both upstream and downstream of the meter which places the meter within manufacturers’ recommended install conditions
  • Low proprietary content
  • No moving parts involved in the flow measurement ensures maintenance-free and long term sustainable accuracy
  • Full OH&S compliance
  • Arranging multiple manufacture and supply partnership options
  • Establishing compliant QA processes in-house and QA audits for our suppliers
AWMA look forward to demonstrating how FloTrol™ will deliver the best CAPEX and OPEX option for replacement of Australia’s Dethridge wheel.
 
Extensive NMI approved testing at the purpose built FlowLab facility, combined with state-of-the-art meter technology, will offer the lowest possible risk going forward, in relation to compliance with the pending Australian Standard AS 4747 and pattern approval.
 
FloTrol™ manuals and the volumetric testing results are available upon request.
 
Selection Of Photos:

 For further information or to arrange a site visit please contact Shane Stacey, AWMA’s Flow Meter Manager (shane@awma.au.com).