Installation Conditions

General recommendations for water meter installation.

  • Watermeter installation must ensure that the meter is completely filled with water. For this reason, it has to be installed in the lowest possible part of the installation and with the installation drained.
  • Minimum permissible pressure (PmA) measured downstream of the watermeter must be 30 kPA (0.3 bar), according to UNE-EN 14154-1 section 5.1.1.
  • Wate pipe must be free of dirt and solids.
  • If any other element or device has to be installed that may disrupt the flow, it should be preferably placed downstream of the watermeter since this will have less impact on the measurement accuracy and also the required distance to the watermeter will be shorter.
  • If there is any pressure disturbance device (such a pumps or other similar devices) near the watermeter inlet, peak pressure reducers for flow stabilization should be installed.
  • When the flow rate is regulated by a valve, it has to be installed after the meter.
  • A valve has be installed before and after the meter keeping the distances indicated by the manufacturer to the watermeter.
  • To place gaskets perfectly aligned with pipe connections to avoid obstructing water flow and affecting watermeter metrology. 
  • Ti install filters upstream of the watermeter to avoid the introduction of particles that could damage the correct watermeter operation. To keep distances specified by the manufacturer.
  • Install watermeters according to the position that is specified by the manufacturer (horizontal, vertical or both) and it’s indicated on the register.
  • If you install any anti-returns device, place it downstream of the meter.
  • In any case, always follow manufacturer's instructions.

STRAIGHT PIPE LENGHTS NEEDED FOR WATERMETER INSTALLATION

Each manufacturer specifies the required straight lengths before and after the meter. In cases where such information cannot be obtained the tables below can be used as a guide:

DISTURBING ELEMENTS DOWNSTREAM OF THE WATERMETER

Device

Length distance depending on meter diameter

On/of Valve, control valves

0 - 3 xD

 

DISTURBING ELEMENTS UPSTREAM OF THE WATERMETER.

Device

Length distance depending on meter diameter

Contrlo valves

10 - 20 xD

Change of direction and T's

10 - 20 xD

Change of direction and orientation

15 - 20 xD

Reductions

0 - 10 xD (convergent)
10 - 15 xD (divergent)

Filters (depentding on manufactures)

3 - 12 xD

centrífugal pumps

15 - 20 xD