Wireless telemetry specialist Radio-Tech has developed a low-cost automatic meter reading (AMR) transmitter for walk-by and drive-by monitoring of energy and water usage. The Smartlog Ultralite provides an alternative to costly fixed networks, but can also be used as an add-on to extend the range of an existing system.

AMR transmitter is low-cost alternative to fixed-network

The IP68-rated device is suitable for above- or below-ground applications, including sub-metering. Its firmware  can also be upgraded wirelessly.

The transmitter stores the pulse output from the meter pulse head or reed switch and then transmits the total in a secure data packet, along with a status indication and unique ID address, typically at ten-second intervals.

Aside from being used to enforce drought restrictions or apply block and seasonal tariffs, Smartlog Ultralite can also monitor for leakage and provide daily consumption amounts which can be used for accurate billing.

The product has a maximum operating distance of 100m and up to ten years’ battery life. Its dimensions are 40 x 36 x 110mm.

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Non-revenue water down by 55% over two years with leak noise loggers

Milford, OH (November 5, 2009) – Using Permalog leak noise loggers from Fluid Conservation Systems, the Birmingham Water Works Board (BWWB) reduced non-revenue water (NRW) for the city of Birmingham, Alabama by 55% over the last two years.

BWWB officials used the FCS Permalog to reduce non-revenue water.

According to BWWB officials, NRW is a combination of real and apparent water loss. Real water loss is the physical loss of water resulting from leaks in the system. With the help of Permalogs, BWWB reduced real water loss to 5.36 percent. Apparent water loss includes meter inaccuracies, unauthorized consumption and authorized unmetered consumption such as fire fighting, fire service line testing, water quality flushing and street cleaning.

“The utility now has 4,200 Permalog units installed,” says BWWB Revenue Water Department Manager Geoff Goodwin. “Between 2004 and 2008, the devices located more than 700 leaks.”

In addition to using Permalogs, the BWWB employed district metering, pressure management, increased meter accuracy, and new American Water Works Association and International Water Association methodologies to reduce NRW.

About BWWB
The BWWB (www.birminghamwaterworks.com) was founded in 1951 and serves 600,000 people in Jefferson, Shelby, Blount, St. Clair and Walker counties.

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