Having a reliable water meter measurement bench is a critical component of ensuring that your water utility's revenue is not lost to inaccurate meters. Metering technology must be able to detect changes in flows and maintain accurate measurement under changing boundary conditions. As a result, MARS Company has developed a unique water meter test bench technology. This allows for test benches that are capable of testing both residential and commercial meters.
Using piston prover technology, the measurement principle of the MARS Company meter test bench consists of a flow generator and a measuring device. A DC Reference Standard Meter (RSM) is the main component. The RSM is powered by a DC Reference Power Supply (RPS) and is used for the processing of the measurement system components. The measurement system components are processed in accordance with the requirements of international standards. A PC with an on-screen reliable support is used for data storage, measurement, and calibration. This reliable support includes a user guide, data storage software, and calibration information. The PC also provides a graphic visualisation of the entire process.
The MARS Company's test benches are available in various configurations to meet the testing needs of virtually any water meter management organization. They can be configured to fit any budget. Moreover, they can be customized to fit the individual needs of each client. They are designed to be compatible with a variety of metering devices, from small 5/8" through 1" to large oval flanged meters.
The bench features stainless steel trays that hold the meter in place. Draw bars are located at each meter position to maintain the correct spacing when installing the meters on the bench. The meters can be manually clamped or hydraulically clamped. They are also equipped with special adaptors. These adaptors can be used for various applications, such as testing head losses or integrating meters with other MARS Company products.
The metering devices can be tested to ensure that they meet all international and national standards. They are designed to achieve combined measurement uncertainty of less than 0.2% at typical volumes. The accuracy can be improved with calibration and by increasing the flow velocity of the pipe network. The meter can also be tested gravimetrically.
The measurement system includes corrections for buoyancy expansion, density, and temperature difference. The accuracy of the system is certified according to ISO 9001 and ISO 17025. It can be used in test laboratories accredited by ISO 17025 and in compliance with EEC Directives. It also features an integrated temperature correction for balance flow meters.
MARS Company's water meter testing technology includes patented products and systems. Some of the systems include Gravity-Based Recirculation System and the MARS M3 2017 Enterprise Software System. The patented water meter testing technology has been used for over 30 years and has been widely recognized in the industry. Moreover, the company's systems are traceable and certified by the state where they are installed. The MARS Company meter test bench is designed to meet or exceed all NIST Handbook 44 specifications.