Flow Meters › Wastewater Flow Meter
Wastewater Flow Meter
Wastewater is conductive, often carries solids, and may run in a full pressure pipe or a part-full gravity sewer. The right meter depends on the pipe and the liquid. A full-bore magnetic meter is the standard for conductive sewage and treated effluent in full pipes; a partially-filled magnetic meter handles gravity sewers that run part-full; a Doppler ultrasonic meter clamps on for raw, particle-laden sewage; and a transit-time clamp-on meter surveys treated effluent without cutting the pipe. Pick by whether the pipe runs full, how dirty the flow is, and whether you need a permanent or portable meter.
Magnetic Flow MeterThe standard for conductive sewage and treated effluent in full pipes: a lined, obstruction-free bore that passes solids with no moving parts.
Partially Filled Pipe Magnetic Flow MeterFor gravity sewers and channels that run part-full; measures level and velocity together where a standard magmeter cannot.
Doppler Ultrasonic Flow MeterClamps on the outside of the pipe and uses the solids and bubbles in raw sewage to read flow; non-intrusive and wear-free.
Clamp-On Ultrasonic Flow MeterTransit-time clamp-on for treated effluent and clean process water; no pipe cutting, for temporary surveys or permanent metering.
Choosing a wastewater flow meter
All of these meter wastewater, but they fit different pipes and conditions. Match the technology to whether the pipe runs full, how much solid the flow carries, and whether you need a permanent install or a portable survey.
| Technology | When to choose it for wastewater |
|---|---|
| Magnetic (full bore) | Conductive sewage and effluent in full pipes; lined and obstruction-free; the default for treatment plants |
| Partially-filled magnetic | Gravity sewers and channels running part-full; level plus velocity, with no flume or weir needed |
| Doppler ultrasonic | Raw, particle-laden sewage and sludge; clamp-on and non-intrusive, with no wetted sensor to wear |
| Clamp-on ultrasonic (transit-time) | Treated effluent and clean water in full pipes; non-invasive surveys and permanent metering |
FAQ
What is the best flow meter for wastewater?
It depends on the pipe. For conductive sewage and treated effluent in a full pipe, a magnetic meter is the standard. For a gravity sewer that runs part-full, a partially-filled magnetic meter reads level and velocity. For raw, solids-laden sewage, a clamp-on Doppler meter works well, and for clean effluent a transit-time clamp-on meter surveys without cutting the pipe.
How do you measure flow in a partially full sewer?
Use a partially-filled magnetic meter or an area-velocity meter. These measure the liquid level and the flow velocity at the same time and combine them into a flow rate, which a standard full-bore magnetic meter cannot do because it needs a full pipe.
Can you measure sewage flow without cutting the pipe?
Yes. A clamp-on meter reads from outside the pipe. Use a Doppler clamp-on for raw, particle-laden sewage and a transit-time clamp-on for clean, treated effluent. Both avoid a shutdown and suit temporary surveys or permanent metering.
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Tell us the medium, the line size, the flow range, and the temperature and pressure, and we size the vortex meter and set the outputs.