Understanding Water Meter Codes and Latest Updates

Understanding Water Meter Codes and Latest Updates

Water Meters: Overview and Classification

Water meters are among the most widely used and essential instruments in flow measurement. Unlike other types of flow meters, water meters are characterized by their mechanical sensors and display mechanisms, powered directly by the flow of water. Accurate water usage measurement relies entirely on the use of water meters. Therefore, it is important to understand the types, technical specifications, and models of water meters.

Classification of Water Meters

Currently, the market offers a wide variety of water meter types. Table 1 lists several major types that are widely applicable to textile and dyeing enterprises [1, 2]. Types that are unsuitable for use in dyeing enterprises are not included in Table 1.

Table 2: Water Meter Classification by Application and Conditions

Additional Water Meter Types Beyond Table 1

In addition to the classifications listed in Table 1, there are also dry-type and wet-type water meters, multi-jet and single-jet water meters, as well as ultrasonic water meters and other varieties.

Key Technical Parameters of Water Meters

To select a suitable water meter, it is essential to have a clear understanding of its technical parameters. Table 2 outlines the main technical specifications of water meters [3].

To further illustrate the technical specifications of water meters, Table 3 lists performance parameters of models suitable for use in textile printing and dyeing enterprises.

 Table 3: Performance Parameters of LXL Dry Canal Type Water Meters

Model Designation of Water Meters

Under normal circumstances, the model designation of a water meter provides insight into some of its characteristics. Mechanical water meter models are named according to relevant standards [4]. The composition of the model designation is as follows:

The first section is represented by uppercase Chinese pinyin letters.

The first letter indicates the product's general category; for flow instruments, it is represented by “L”.

The second letter indicates the product's subcategory; for water meters, it is represented by “X”.

The third and fourth letters reflect the water meter’s operating principle, structure, and functional characteristics.

The meanings of some of these symbols are shown in Table 4.

Table 4: Meaning of Symbols in Water Meter Model Naming

Section 2: Representation Using Arabic Numerals and Letters

The second section of the model name uses Arabic numerals and letters to indicate the nominal diameter of the water meter, the type of indicating device, and the product's design sequence number.

Model Examples:

LXLC-100 indicates a detachable horizontal helix water meter with a nominal diameter of 100 mm.

LXL-80 indicates a horizontal helix water meter with a nominal diameter of 80 mm.

Classification of Water Usage Measurement

To describe the level of water usage measurement within an enterprise, water consumption must be categorized. According to the national standard General Principles for the Allocation and Management of Energy Measuring Instruments for Energy-Using Units (GB17167—2006), the water consumption thresholds and water meter configuration rates for each classification level are shown in Table 5.

Table 5: Water Usage Measurement Classification and Related Parameters