Flow Measurement & Control


ABB's innovative wireless electromagnetic flowmeter

April 2013 Flow Measurement & Control

ABB has upgraded its proven AquaMaster electromagnetic water flowmeter range with an expanded range transmitter mounting and power source options, making it ideal for water billing applications in virtually any location. Based on ABB’s AquaMaster Explorer transmitter, the AquaMaster 3 offers a choice of mains and battery power options, plus an all-new renewable power version which can draw power from either solar or wind-powered energy sources.

The inclusion of an integral mounted, lithium battery powered transmitter gives an added dimension to the AquaMaster 3 flowmeter series with all the sensor and power management connections now concealed within the meter body there are no external cables that can be compromised or tampered with. This allows total security and confidence to the end user that all protection as possible for the device has been taken.

The creation of the renewable power version of the AquaMaster 3 marks a continuation of the high reliability, accuracy and innovation set by its predecessors. A simple DC (6 to 21 V) connection can be hooked up to sources as small as a 5 W solar panel or 60 W equivalent wind supply. When coupled with its use of super capacitor energy storage technology, this feature totally eliminates the need for either mains or battery power, making the AquaMaster 3 suitable for use in even the remotest locations.

The addition of this new technology is part of an ongoing development of the AquaMaster flowmeter since its initial launch in 1999. Since that time, the range has been upgraded with various world-firsts, including GSM/SMS technology which uses the same technology as a mobile telephone to provide access to real-time data using a PC or via SMS messaging to a mobile telephone.

Installing the AquaMaster 3 is made simple by its use of ABB’s ‘fit and flow’ intelligent installation technology. With this technology, all aspects of an installation are stored within the sensor, including the site settings, calibration factors and any serial numbers usually required during installation, maintenance or replacement. When connected to a transmitter, all of this information is automatically uploaded from the sensor, greatly simplifying the installation and commissioning process.

Further installation benefits also arise from the AquaMaster 3’s robust design. Its IP68 sensor and terminal box, plus the transmitter’s durable plastic housing, enable it to be fully buried or submerged with no impact on performance, eliminating the time and cost of building an installation chamber. Even when installed under a road, the flowmeter can still be remotely monitored from a convenient roadside location.

In common with every AquaMaster flowmeter, there are no moving parts, so nothing ever wears out, offering users a maintenance-free device that delivers the highest levels of reliability throughout its operational life. The AquaMaster 3’s advanced sensor design, for example, enables an unobstructed flow of water, preventing the build-up of any particles that could cause potential blockages and delivering a negligible pressure loss.

High reliability and accuracy have been ensured by the development and testing of the AquaMaster 3 to all the relevant standards including OIML/R49 and EU Measuring Instrument Directive (MID).The reduced bore performance is OIML R49 type approved (DN40 to DN300) to the latest Class 1 and Class 2 accuracies with a tighter accuracy above Q 0.5% and Q 0.25%, even with flow disturbers bolted directly on the meter, either upstream or downstream at zero diameter and in any pipe orientation.

For more information contact Nadia Nilsen, ABB South Africa, +27 (0)10 202 5000, [email protected], www.abb.com/za



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Inline process solutions for gold mining
Anton Paar Flow Measurement & Control
[Sponsored] The extraction and processing of gold ore requires precision and efficiency to maximise yield and minimise losses. Automation and continuous monitoring of critical process steps are essential to ensure optimal production. Anton Paar offers advanced inline measurement solutions which enable full automation and real-time monitoring of key steps in gold extraction and processing.

Read more...
Magnetic-inductive flow sensor
ifm - South Africa Flow Measurement & Control
The SMF magnetic-inductive flow sensor revolutionises liquid and creamy flow measurement. With IO-Link, it enables digital data transmission, eliminating blind spots in production.

Read more...
Hygienic flow measurement for the food industry
ifm - South Africa Flow Measurement & Control
With the SMF magnetic-inductive flow meter, ifm offers a solution for the hygienic flow measurement of media with variable flow rates through a pipe, such as beer, milk or fruit juice.

Read more...
Safer, simpler temperature measurement
ABB South Africa Temperature Measurement
ABB has launched an enhanced version of its NINVA TSP341-N non-invasive temperature sensor, delivering safer and simpler temperature measurements for applications in the chemical, oil and gas industries.

Read more...
Case History 197: Bad reboiler temperature control.
Michael Brown Control Engineering Editor's Choice Flow Measurement & Control
It is very important that reboiler temperature controls operate well in petrochemical refineries, or the product quality can really suffer. I was asked to check such a control in a refinery where they were having problems with one of these controls.

Read more...
Precision measurement for ultra-pure water systems
Anton Paar Flow Measurement & Control
[Sponsored] Ultra-pure water (UPW) is essential in industries where even minor contaminants can impact product quality and process integrity. Anton Paar’s L-Cor Coriolis mass flowmeters provide a highly accurate and hygienic solution by directly measuring the mass of the liquid using the Coriolis effect, ensuring a high level of cleanliness.

Read more...
ABB technology powers three substations in Uganda
ABB South Africa Electrical Power & Protection
ABB delivered solutions for three substations run by Uganda’s leading utility, Umeme Limited, which manages and operates the state-owned leased electricity distribution network assets.

Read more...
Empowering the future of African mining through innovation
ABB South Africa Electrical Power & Protection
The mining industry stands at a crossroads, where embracing innovation is no longer optional but essential. As Mining Indaba 2025 explores the theme of Futureproofing African Mining, ABB emerges as a pivotal player in enabling the sector to navigate challenges and seize opportunities.

Read more...
Enabling Africa’s solar potential – lighting the way with technology
ABB South Africa Electrical Power & Protection
As the global population continues to grow, energy demand also rises. ABB can help bridge the gap throughout the renewable power value chain, including consulting, generation, storage, transmission, monitoring, control and optimisation.

Read more...
Significant decarbonisation can be achieved in the mining industry
ABB South Africa IT in Manufacturing
ABB has released a global report titled ‘Mining’s Moment’, which highlights the progress being made by the mining industry to make operations more sustainable.

Read more...