PRECISION METERS

Combination Water Meter

Commercial/Industrial Water Meter

Meters sizes 40mm, 50mm, 80mm and 100mm must be verified within the borders of South Africa in accordance with the requirements of section 7 of the Legal Metrology Act 2014 (Act 9 of 2014) All verification to be performed by registered Verification Officers in an S.A.N.A.S Accredited Verification Laboratory in terms of S.A.N.S. 10378: 2012

APPLICATION

  • Accurate measurement of the volume of cold potable water consumption.
  • Suitable for District Metered Areas (DMA) + consumer applications.

FEATURES

  • Meters comply with ISO4064 (Class B) requirements.
  • Both the main meter and by-pass meter are pulse ready.
  • Meter sizes.
  • Working temperature ≤ 50°C.
  • Working pressure 1600 kPa.
  • Available Drilled to Table 16.
  • 40mm to 150mm tested and verified in South Africa.
  • Epoxy coated cast iron body.
  • Designed for Horizontal installation.
  • Internal mechanism replaceable without removing the body from the pipe.
  • Pre-Calibrated mechanisms available for replacement.

N.B. A strainer must be fitted upstream of a combination meter to protect the meter and changeover valve.

Installation Instructions

This installation guide provides step-by-step instructions for correctly installing a Combination Water Meter in compliance with South African standards.

Step 1: Preparation

  • Tools & Materials Needed:
    • Wrenches or pipe tools for connecting pipes
    • Suitable sealing tape or jointing compound
    • Spirit level for alignment
    • Pipe fittings (as per the meter’s required size)
    • Flow straighteners (if applicable)
  • Safety Considerations:
    • Ensure the water supply is turned off before installation.
    • Wear appropriate protective gear such as gloves and goggles.
    • Handle the water meter carefully to avoid damage.

Step 2: Check Compatibility

  • Ensure that the Combination Water Meter is compatible with the pipe size and installation location (typically horizontal).
  • Verify that the inlet and outlet threads of the meter are compatible with the pipe fittings used.

Step 3: Location Selection

  • Installation Location: Choose a location that is easily accessible for meter reading and maintenance.
  • Orientation: Ensure the meter is installed in a horizontal position for proper flow measurement. Refer to the manufacturer’s manual for specific orientation instructions.

Step 4: Install the Meter

  • Inlet and Outlet Alignment:
    • Confirm the inlet (marked “in”) is connected to the incoming water supply pipe and the outlet (marked “out”) to the distribution line.
    • Ensure that the meter is aligned correctly in the pipe system, with the flow direction matching the arrow on the meter body.
  • Sealing Connections:
    • Use appropriate sealing tape or jointing compound on all threaded connections to ensure leak-proof seals.
    • Tighten the connections carefully to avoid damaging the meter or fittings.
  • Positioning the Meter:
    • Install the meter so it is secure and level using a spirit level. This ensures accurate readings and prevents strain on the meter body.

Step 5: Installing Strainers (if applicable)

  • If your Combination Water Meter includes a strainer, install it before the meter to prevent debris from entering and damaging the meter.
  • The strainer should be installed with its mesh facing the water flow direction.

Step 6: Testing the Installation

  • Check for Leaks: After securing all connections, turn on the water supply and inspect for any leaks around the meter and pipe joints.
  • Verify Flow Direction: Ensure water flows in the correct direction through the meter.
  • Verify Meter Operation: Once the water flows through the meter, check the display (if applicable) or register for proper functionality.

Step 7: Finalising Installation

  • Secure the Meter Box (if used): If the meter is housed in a meter box, ensure the box is securely closed and locked (if applicable).
  • Calibration Verification: If required, verify the meter calibration and document the reading for future reference.

Step 8: Maintenance and Service

  • Regularly inspect the meter for any signs of damage or wear.
  • Clean the strainer periodically (if applicable) to prevent blockages and maintain accurate readings.

Step 9: Compliance

  • Ensure that the installation meets all relevant South African standards, including SANS 1529-1:2019 (for water meters) and the Legal Metrology Act.
  • For installation verification, contact a local certified installer or the relevant authority as needed.

The Woltmann water meter is accepted by the NRCS for horizontal installation only. Under no circumstances must this meter be installed vertically or on its side.

It is strongly recommended that an inline strainer be fitted upstream of any Woltmann water meter at time of installation to prevent meter stoppages and possible damage caused by sticks, stones, and suspended solids in the water. Note: Strainers are available separately.

This water meter must be installed with a straight length of pipe free of valves, bends, and fittings equal in length to 10 X the diameter of the meter fitted upstream of the water meter and a straight length of pipe free of valves, bends, and fittings equal in length to 5 X the diameter of the meter fitted downstream of the water meter.

Note: This is a cold-water meter with a maximum working temperature of 50 °C. Should the water temperature at the metering point exceed this, this meter will be damaged irreparably. N.B. Do not solder capillary type fittings while fitted to the meter or use heat while this meter is fitted in the pipeline. Heat travels through the pipe during this process and this will damage the internals of the water meter irreparably.

Any position where the meter may be subjected to vibration, shock, cavitation, water hammer or surging due to rapid operation of valves etc. must be avoided as this will affect the meter's accuracy and damage to the meter will result.

Ensure that the 2 sections of pipework at the metering point line up correctly and that the gap size for the meter is correct to prevent damage to the meter and meter body. Any Mechanical or Shear stresses exerted on the meter body due to poor installation practices will damage this water meter irreparably.

Precautions must be taken to prevent freezing. A meter will be damaged and could even burst if the water freezes. The meter should also be installed at least one meter away from
any cold/freezing point like a standpipe for example where the water can freeze back down the pipeline from that point.

  1. This meter must be fitted horizontally with the counter on top. Please ensure that the installation is level.
  2. Select a position where the water meter will always be full of water. Never position a water meter at the discharge end of a pipeline.
  3. An arrow is cast into the body of the water meter to indicate direction of flow. Take note of the direction of flow in the pipeline and ensure that the meter is installed the correct way around when fitting the meter.
  4. It is advisable to fit an isolation both upstream and downstream of the water meter to prevent backflow and for ease of maintenance.
  1. Flush the service line upstream of the meter thoroughly to remove dirt and debris.
  2. If you are replacing an old meter, thoroughly clean the existing flange faces on using a wire brush. Ensure that all old gasket material etc. is removed.
  3. Insert the bolts through the bolt holes in the meter flange with the bolt heads on the meter side and the threads pointing outwards towards the pipeline.
  4. Place the gasket between the bolts and mate the flange of the meter to the flange on the pipeline ensuring that the gasket is located centrally. NB Never reuse an old gasket or use multiple gaskets because this will leak.
  5. Holding the bolt heads, lubricate the bolt and proceed to fit the nuts doing the topmost ones first. NB. Only tighten hand tight first and ensure that the gasket is positioned correctly.
  6. When all the nuts have been fitted and are hand tight, proceed to tighten the nuts in the correct order.
  7. When charging the lines, turn the water on gradually to ensure that all air is expelled before the valve is fully open. A water meter will suffer irreparable damage if subjected to high velocity air before it has been completely expelled from the system. The pipeline must be filled with water with all air present expressed before the valve is opened fully. The meter will then operate correctly.

Follow These Steps to Return a Defective Combination Water Meter to Precision Meters:

Step 1: Documentation

Provide Invoice and Serial Number: Include both the invoice and the meter’s serial number.

Invoice Copy: Submit a copy of the invoice to confirm the warranty period.

Step 2: Contract Review

Complete Documentation: Fill out the Contract Review Document and obtain written approval from Precision Meters to open the meter for internal inspection.

Step 3: Inspection Fee

Pay Inspection Fee: A fee of R300 per meter is required for testing or internal inspection, payable by the customer.

Proof of Payment: For COD clients, proof of payment is needed; account clients should provide a purchase order.

Step 4: Shipping Costs

Return at Your Expense: Ship the meter to our Cape Town laboratory at your own cost. Transportation fees to Cape Town are not covered if the meter is dropped off at our Johannesburg branch.

Step 5: Purchase Order

Submit Purchase Order: Provide a purchase order or an acknowledgement letter for the testing fees and acceptance of associated costs.

Step 6: Plumbing Costs

Plumbing Costs Not Covered: Precision Meters does not cover plumbing costs for removing or reinstalling meters until the cause of failure is identified.

Step 7: Complete the Document

Ensure Accuracy: Confirm that the Contract Review Document is completed accurately.

Step 8: Dispatch the Meter

Send for Inspection: Once all prior steps are completed, dispatch the faulty meter(s) to our Cape Town facility for testing and inspection.

Step 9: Testing and Reporting

Inspection: The Combination Water Meter will be tested and inspected upon receipt.

Report: An official report will be provided, detailing the findings and next steps.

Step 10: Finalising the Process

Faulty Meter: If the meter is found to have a manufacturing defect, it will be replaced at no cost.

Non-Faulty Meter: If the meter is not defective, you will be liable for the inspection costs. You may request a repair quote or choose to collect the meter as is.

By following these steps, you can facilitate a smooth return and inspection process for your Combination Water Meter. If you have any questions, please reach out to our support team.