Boosting signal strength in water metering sensors

Sensors are known to perform differently at various temperature ranges, affecting the overall quality of the meter reading.

In applications such as water metering, an accurate reading is critical as this ensures that meters give the fairest possible reflection of water usage, and that customers are charged accordingly. The improved thermal stability of CeramTec’s range of sensors means that the change in signal and frequency is of a more linear nature, allowing for sensors to be calibrated by water meter manufacturers for maximum accuracy.

The implication of this is that signal strength is now 30% greater than before, resulting in a longer projected lifespan for water meters. Increased sensitivity also means that overall power consumption is reduced, since the same signal level can be reached with a lower drive voltage.

Moreover, the improved time of flight measurement characteristics of the sensors help to deliver a greater degree of synchronicity with the rest of meter.

The aggressive nature of the environments to which water meters are typically exposed requires a high level of durability. The sensors from CeramTec, manufacturer of advanced ceramic components, have been developed from specially engineered piezoceramic materials which can withstand pressures of up 100Bar. The enhanced thermal performance properties of the material support improved levels of thermal stability, enabling improved performance despite fluctuations in temperatures, with an upper threshold of 120ºC.

Charles Dowling, Business Development Manager at CeramTec, commented: “By investing in our capability to develop materials which display higher levels of thermal stability, we have been able to deliver more accurate sensors for manufacturers of water meters. The improvements in the technology help to eliminate disparities between sensors, reducing zero flow offset and maximising measurement accuracy.”