Panametrics Achieves Challenging Wastewater Flow Measurement On A Lined Ductile Iron Pipe

A municipal wastewater plant in North America faced a significant challenge in reliably measuring the flow of influent wastewater on a key line. The existing dual-channel ultrasonic flowmeter from a competitor consistently failed to provide accurate readings. This application was particularly difficult because the wastewater, despite having passed through a grit screen filter, still contained an unknown volume of solids. Additionally, the pipe was in a vault with limited straight run, increasing the potential for entrained air bubbles. The pipeline itself was a 48-inch (DN1200) ductile iron pipe with a $0.12\text{-inch (3.05 mm)}$ mortar lining.A trial with a different ultrasonic flowmeter showed that the competitor's meter constantly recorded errors, while the trial meter never failed, demonstrating clear diagnostics and robust performance in this tough application. Discover how this wastewater plant achieved non-obtrusive, reliable flow measurement without requiring a process shutdown.