Wastewater Flow Meter Calibration and Maintenance

Watermen Inc. Provides onsite calibration, repair and maintenance services for wastewater flow meters in the greater Atlanta metro area. Call 770-944-1117 for a quote today.

We can help with all aspects of your wastewater treatment facilities, including flowmeter selection, calibration and maintenance. We are not tied to any one vendor, so we can help you make the right selection to fit your specific needs and budget.

Calibrating a flow meter for wastewater is a crucial process for ensuring accurate and reliable measurements in wastewater treatment plants. Wastewater flow meters are used to measure the volume of wastewater flowing through a treatment plant, and it's essential to calibrate them correctly to ensure they are providing accurate measurements. 

An inaccurate flow meter can be a costly mistake for a company's discharge.  For example if a flow meter is off by .75 of an inch, through a 90 degree v-notch weir for just one month, that could result in an over charge for wastewater in the amount of 51,840 gallons. This could result in a violation or high discharge bill

What is Wastewater Flow Meter Calibration?

To calibrate a flow meter for wastewater, the first step is to select a suitable reference flow rate. This can be generated using a master meter, a volumetric prover, or a gravimetric measurement system. The reference flow rate should be accurate and reliable, and it's essential to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for selecting the reference flow rate. This process should be certified by a Professional Engineer (PE).

The calibration process involves adjusting the flow meter's output to match the reference flow rate. This can be done by adjusting the flow meter's calibration settings or by adjusting the flow meter's flow sensor.

During the calibration process, it's important to monitor several factors to ensure accurate and reliable results. These factors include the temperature, pressure, and viscosity of the wastewater being measured. The calibration equipment must also be calibrated and maintained regularly to ensure accurate reference flow rates.

Regular calibration is also essential to ensure the flow meter remains accurate over time. The frequency of calibration depends on several factors, such as the type of flow meter, the application, and the manufacturer's recommendations. In general, it's recommended to calibrate a flow meter at least once a year, although some flow meters may require more frequent calibration.

Meters that typically need more frequent calibration are pH meters that are used to adjust effluent from a facility. The operation of pH meters is based on the principle of potentiometry, which involves measuring the electric potential or voltage of a solution. Acidic solutions are capable of conducting electric current due to the presence of positively charged hydrogen ions. The ability of a solution to conduct electricity is referred to as its electric potential.

Wastewater Flow Meter Maintenance

In addition to calibration, regular maintenance and cleaning of the wastewater treatment plant is also important for optimal performance. Wastewater treatment plants can be complex systems with various components that require regular maintenance, such as pumps, valves, and filters. Proper maintenance and cleaning can prevent issues that can affect the performance of the flow meter and other components in the wastewater treatment plant.

Wastewater contains dirt, debris, and other materials that can accumulate inside the flow meter and affect its performance. Regular maintenance and cleaning can prevent these issues, which can save time and money in the long run.

Choosing the Right Flow Meter For Wastewater Treatment

In addition to calibration and maintenance, it's also essential to select the right type of flow meter for the wastewater treatment plant. There are several types of flow meters available, such as electromagnetic flow meters, ultrasonic flow meters, and positive displacement flow meters, each with its advantages and disadvantages.

Electromagnetic flow meters are a popular choice for wastewater treatment plants because they can measure the flow rate of conductive liquids, such as wastewater, with high accuracy and reliability. They are also relatively easy to install and maintain, and they are not affected by changes in temperature, pressure, or viscosity.

Ultrasonic flow meters are another option for wastewater treatment plants. They use sound waves to measure the flow rate of the wastewater and are suitable for a wide range of applications. They are also easy to install and maintain, and they do not require any moving parts, making them a good choice for applications where minimal maintenance is required.

Positive displacement flow meters are another option for wastewater treatment plants. They measure the flow rate of the wastewater by dividing it into small, fixed volumes and counting the number of volumes passing through the meter. They are suitable for measuring low flow rates and are often used in applications where high accuracy is required.

When selecting a flow meter for a wastewater treatment plant, it's essential to consider several factors, such as the application, the type of wastewater being measured, and the accuracy and reliability required. The manufacturer's recommendations should also be followed to ensure that the flow meter is suitable for the application and to ensure accurate and reliable flow measurements.

Why Is Wastewater Flow Meter Calibration Important?

Calibrating a flow meter for wastewater is critical for several reasons. Accurate flow measurements are essential for maintaining the efficiency of the wastewater treatment plant and ensuring compliance with regulations. Wastewater treatment plants must adhere to strict regulations regarding the volume of wastewater they can discharge into the environment, and accurate flow measurements are necessary to ensure compliance with these regulations.

Calibration can also help detect issues with the flow meter and other components in the wastewater treatment plant. For example, if the flow meter is providing inaccurate measurements, it may be an indication of a problem with the flow meter itself or with other components in the wastewater treatment plant. Regular calibration can help identify these issues before they cause more significant problems.

In conclusion, calibrating a flow meter for wastewater is a critical process for ensuring accurate and reliable flow measurements in wastewater treatment plants. The calibration process involves comparing the output of the flow meter to a reference flow rate and adjusting it as necessary to match the reference rate. Regular calibration and maintenance are essential for optimal performance and efficiency, and it can help detect issues before they become more significant problems down the road.

At Watermen Inc., we can help with all aspects of your wastewater treatment facilities, including flow meter selection, calibration and maintenance.  Watermen is not affiliated with any one brand of flow meter. Our goal is to select the best flow meter that fits your needs. 

We service the greater Metro Atlanta area and most surrounding cities including, but not limited to Alpharetta, Austell, Buford, Cumming, Duluth, Cartersville, Flowery Branch, Lawrenceville and Suwanee.

For assistance with all of your wastewater flow meter needs, please give us a call at 770-944-1117 or reach out via the contact form below.