MagRig
A completely self-contained system, the MagRig is a mobile unit that can quickly, efficiently and precisely measure the volumetric accuracy of metered outlets in-situ.
Paragraph 88 of the National Water Initiative (NWI) requires the development of water meter specifications, water meter installation standards and standards for ancillary data systems. A Metering Expert Group has been established to coordinate this project. The Expert Group provides essential input from the states and territories to ensure that their expertise is included in the specification and standards development. Industry associations, representing both water users and water suppliers, are also members of the Expert Group (www.daffa.gov.au).
The new standards will place strict requirements on the testing of meters and their emplacements, before and after installation, to ensure accuracy. This is something the Australian water industry has never been required to do. Upon investigation it was recognised that there are no suitable facilities or equipment available to accurately test meters, before installation or during operation in-situ.
AWMA felt it was important that these issues be addressed so that new metering standards can be developed, allowing the industry to move forward with wide scale implementation of new meters that improve accountability, customer service and water savings.
As a result we would like to introduce the MagRig...
Designed as a completely self-contained system, the MagRig is a mobile unit that can quickly, efficiently and precisely measure the volumetric accuracy of metered outlets in-situ.
The unit is truck-mounted, with a generator to power variable speed pumps. A temporary block bank is established downstream of the metered outlet to be tested. Water levels are maintained using Ultrasonic Sensors to ensure the test is carried out under true operating conditions. Water is then diverted through calibrated magnetic flow meters, providing a very accurate recording of the volume of water flowing through the metered outlet.
The MagRig can measure flows from 0.5 - 30ML per day down to 1% accuracy.