Performance characteristics of ultrasonic water meter
In the field of smart water services, ultrasonic water meters have gradually emerged and become a popular choice in the market with their unique measurement principles and technical advantages. As one of the core products of Ningbo Jingcheng Technology Co., Ltd., our ultrasonic water meters not only meet the international standards ISO 4064 B, C, and D, but also show excellent performance and advantages in many aspects to meet the diverse needs of modern water management.
Ultrasonic water meters use advanced ultrasonic measurement technology to calculate flow by accurately measuring the propagation time difference of ultrasonic waves in the fluid. This non-contact measurement method effectively avoids the measurement errors caused by wear, water quality changes and other factors in traditional mechanical water meters. Therefore, ultrasonic water meters perform well in measurement accuracy and stability. Its high-precision measurement capability can accurately reflect the actual water consumption of users, providing a reliable basis for the management and billing of water resources.
In terms of adaptability, ultrasonic water meters have an extremely wide range ratio, which can usually reach 100:1 or even higher. This feature enables ultrasonic water meters to maintain high-precision measurement performance in environments with large flow changes. Whether in residential or industrial areas, ultrasonic water meters can effectively respond to different water needs, avoid the trouble of frequent water meter replacement, and greatly improve the user's convenience.
The non-contact measurement principle of ultrasonic water meters also means that there is almost no problem of mechanical wear. Compared with traditional water meters, the service life of ultrasonic water meters is significantly extended and the maintenance cost is greatly reduced. This advantage not only saves users the cost of replacing water meters, but also reduces the inconvenience of water outages caused by water meter failures, and improves users' water experience.
How Ultrasonic Water Meters Work
Principle of Ultrasonic Flow Measurement
Ultrasonic meters measure flow by using sound waves to determine water velocity. Two transducers send and receive signals through the flowing water. The difference in signal travel time between upstream and downstream paths determines flow speed and total volume.
At NINGBO JINGCHENG TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD., precision-engineered transducers and digital signal processors ensure stable readings across varying flow and temperature conditions, delivering accurate results without mechanical wear.
Transit Time Method
The transit time method measures the difference in time it takes for ultrasonic pulses to travel with and against the flow. This time difference (Δt) is proportional to flow velocity.
| Parameter | Typical Range | Jingcheng Ultrasonic Water Meter Feature | 
|---|---|---|
| Flow Velocity Range | 0.01–10 m/s | Stable readings across full range | 
| Accuracy | ±0.5%–±1% | Factory-calibrated to ±0.5% | 
| Pipe Size Range | DN15–DN600 | Customizable configurations | 
| Response Time | <2 seconds | Fast digital signal processing | 
| Working Temperature | 0.1°C–50°C | Suitable for cold and hot water | 
Jingcheng uses the transit time method in residential and industrial models for high sensitivity at low flow rates, ensuring precision in both small and large-scale applications.
Doppler Effect Method
For water with suspended particles or air bubbles, Jingcheng applies the Doppler method, where reflected sound waves from moving particles indicate flow velocity. This design suits irrigation, wastewater, and industrial processes.
Signal Processing and Data Conversion
Jingcheng’s low-power microcontroller and ASIC perform signal sampling and compensation, calculating instantaneous flow, cumulative volume, and diagnostics. Communication interfaces include Modbus, M-Bus, and wireless RF, compatible with AMR/AMI smart networks.
Measurement Process Illustration
The measurement principle involves two transducers (A and B) on the pipe wall transmitting signals in both directions. The time difference between upstream and downstream travel determines flow velocity, which the electronic unit processes to display readings.
Advantages of Ultrasonic Water Meters
High Accuracy and Reliability
| Type of Water Meter | Accuracy Class | Repeatability | Calibration Frequency | 
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical | ±2%–±5% | Moderate | 3–5 years | 
| Ultrasonic | ±0.5%–±1% | Excellent | 8–10 years | 
NINGBO JINGCHENG TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. uses ISO4064 Class C/D calibration systems to achieve high accuracy even at low flow (Q1) levels.
No Moving Parts — Reduced Maintenance
| Feature | Mechanical Meter | Ultrasonic Meter | 
|---|---|---|
| Moving Parts | Yes | No | 
| Maintenance Frequency | Regular | Minimal | 
| Sensitivity to Sediment | High | Low | 
| Expected Lifespan | 5–10 years | 10–20 years | 
Jingcheng’s sealed, corrosion-resistant designs ensure long-term reliability with zero mechanical friction.
Wide Measuring Range (Dynamic Range)
| Parameter | Mechanical | Jingcheng Ultrasonic Meter | 
|---|---|---|
| Dynamic Range (R) | R80–R160 | Up to R400–R800 | 
| Minimum Flow | 25–50 L/h | 3 L/h | 
| Maximum Flow | Standard | Extended range | 
Leak Detection and Real-Time Monitoring
Jingcheng meters provide 24-hour data logging, leak alerts, and remote diagnostics through integrated AMR/AMI modules.
Digital Communication and Smart Integration
| Feature | Jingcheng Ultrasonic Meter | Conventional Meter | 
|---|---|---|
| AMR/AMI Support | Yes | Limited | 
| Remote Access | Real-Time | Manual | 
| IoT Integration | Full | Minimal | 
| Data Logging | Built-in | Optional | 
Environmental Durability and Longevity
| Feature | Jingcheng Ultrasonic Meter | 
|---|---|
| Ingress Protection | IP68 | 
| Operating Temperature | 0.1°C–70°C | 
| Humidity Tolerance | 0–100% RH | 
| Lifespan | Up to 20 years | 
| Certifications | ISO9001, ISO14001, ISO45001 | 
Through advanced material selection and strict ISO management, Jingcheng ensures long-term field stability and low environmental impact.
Disadvantages of Ultrasonic Water Meters
Higher Initial Investment
| Parameter | Mechanical | Ultrasonic | 
|---|---|---|
| Initial Cost | Low | Moderate–High | 
| Maintenance Cost | High | Low | 
| Total Lifetime Cost | Moderate | Lower | 
| Payback Period | 4–5 years | 2–3 years | 
Jingcheng reduces cost barriers by automating production and scaling output, ensuring affordable ultrasonic solutions without compromising quality.
Complex Installation Requirements
| Factor | Mechanical Meter | Ultrasonic Meter | 
|---|---|---|
| Straight Pipe Length | 5D–10D | 10D–20D | 
| Sensitivity to Air | Low | High | 
| Installation Orientation | Flexible | Flow Direction Only | 
Jingcheng’s signal compensation algorithms and technical support services simplify installation while maintaining accuracy.
Power Requirements
| Parameter | Mechanical Meter | Jingcheng Ultrasonic Meter | 
|---|---|---|
| Power Source | None | Low (Battery/External) | 
| Battery Life | N/A | Up to 15 years | 
| External Power | N/A | Optional | 
Using ultra-low-power microcontrollers, Jingcheng meters achieve long battery life and energy-efficient operation.
Sensitivity to Fluid Impurities
| Water Type | Mechanical | Jingcheng Ultrasonic Meter | 
|---|---|---|
| Clean Water | Excellent | Excellent | 
| Slightly Turbid | Good | Good | 
| Wastewater | Good | Moderate (Doppler type) | 
| Air-Entrained | Acceptable | Needs Degassing | 
Jingcheng offers dual-path and Doppler configurations to handle impure or aerated water accurately.
Dependence on Environmental Stability
| Condition | Mechanical | Jingcheng Ultrasonic Meter | 
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 0–50°C | 0.1–70°C | 
| Humidity Resistance | Moderate | 100% RH | 
| Vibration Sensitivity | Low | Medium | 
| Protection Rating | IP65 | IP68 | 
Industrial-grade sealing and anti-EMI protection ensure stable operation even under harsh environments.
Key Components of an Ultrasonic Water Meter
Transducers
| Parameter | Standard | Jingcheng Enhanced | 
|---|---|---|
| Frequency | 0.5–2 MHz | 1 MHz | 
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | Standard | High | 
| Temperature Stability | 0–50°C | -10°C to +70°C | 
| Sensitivity | Normal | High | 
| Material | Ceramic | Composite Alloy | 
Manufactured using laser calibration and automated assembly, Jingcheng’s transducers ensure signal stability and durability.
Meter Body
| Material | Characteristics | Application | 
|---|---|---|
| Brass | Strong, corrosion-resistant | Commercial | 
| Stainless Steel | High durability | Industrial | 
| Composite Polymer | Lightweight, non-corrosive | Residential | 
All Jingcheng housings meet ISO4064 C/D class and drinking water standards.
Electronics and Microcontroller Unit
| Feature | Standard | Jingcheng Ultrasonic Meter | 
|---|---|---|
| Processor | 8-bit | 32-bit | 
| Sampling Rate | Basic | High-speed | 
| Power Management | Fixed | Dynamic | 
| Storage | Limited | 10 years | 
| Error Correction | None | Auto digital correction | 
Jingcheng’s electronics achieve low-power operation and high-speed data sampling for reliable field data.
Display and Local Interface
| Feature | Description | 
|---|---|
| Type | LCD with backlight | 
| Parameters | Flow, Volume, Temp, Battery, Status | 
| Units | m³ / L / gal | 
| Temp Range | -10°C to +70°C | 
| Protection | IP68 | 
Communication and Connectivity
| Type | Description | Application | 
|---|---|---|
| M-Bus/Modbus | Wired | Industrial | 
| LoRa/NB-IoT | Wireless | Smart City | 
| AMR/AMI | Automated Data Collection | Utilities | 
Power Supply
| Parameter | Specification | 
|---|---|
| Battery | 3.6V Lithium | 
| Life | 15 years | 
| External Input | 12–24V DC | 
| Power Saving | Sleep Mode | 
Protective Casing
| Feature | Specification | 
|---|---|
| Protection Level | IP68 | 
| Material | UV-resistant composite | 
| Waterproof Test | 1m/24h | 
| Impact Resistance | IK08 | 
| Temp Range | -25°C–70°C | 
Applications of Ultrasonic Water Meters
Residential Water Metering
| Parameter | Mechanical | Jingcheng Ultrasonic | 
|---|---|---|
| Min Flow | 25–50 L/h | 3–5 L/h | 
| Accuracy | ±3% | ±0.5% | 
| Communication | Manual | Wireless | 
| Lifespan | 5–10 years | 15–20 years | 
Jingcheng’s compact residential meters with AMR/LoRa/NB-IoT modules enable accurate smart billing and automatic data collection.
Commercial and Industrial Monitoring
| Parameter | Mechanical | Jingcheng Industrial | 
|---|---|---|
| Pipe Size | DN50–DN300 | DN50–DN600 | 
| Flow Range | Narrow | Wide (R400–R800) | 
| Pressure Loss | Moderate | Very Low | 
Jingcheng’s stainless-steel industrial meters integrate RS-485/Modbus for real-time monitoring in factories, hotels, and plants.
Agricultural Irrigation
| Parameter | Mechanical | Jingcheng Ultrasonic | 
|---|---|---|
| Water Quality | Moderate | High (Doppler) | 
| Energy | None | Low | 
| Output | Manual | Wireless | 
| Durability | Rust-prone | Corrosion-resistant | 
Jingcheng’s Doppler-type designs allow precise monitoring in irrigation systems with sediment or bubbles.
Municipal Water Distribution
| Parameter | Conventional | Jingcheng Utility | 
|---|---|---|
| Leak Detection | Manual | Automatic | 
| Integration | Limited | Full SCADA | 
| Transmission | None | Wireless | 
| Maintenance | Frequent | Minimal | 
Large-diameter Jingcheng meters (DN80–DN600) support AMI/IoT integration for municipal leak detection and billing.
Water Treatment Systems
| Parameter | Electromagnetic | Jingcheng Ultrasonic | 
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Intrusive | Non-intrusive | 
| Maintenance | Requires cleaning | None | 
| Power | Moderate | Low | 
| Output | Analog/Digital | Digital (RS-485) | 
Jingcheng’s chemically resistant polymer and stainless housings ensure accurate, hygienic flow control in purification facilities.
Smart City and IoT Water Management
| Feature | Jingcheng Ultrasonic Meter | 
|---|---|
| Connectivity | LoRa, NB-IoT, GPRS | 
| Real-Time Transmission | Yes | 
| Cloud Integration | Supported | 
| Firmware Update | Available | 
| Data Security | AES Encryption | 
As part of smart city infrastructure, NINGBO JINGCHENG TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. delivers IoT-compatible ultrasonic meters to enable data-driven water management and reduced non-revenue water loss.
 
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