AquaMaster electromagnetic flowmeter

Undetected leakages in water distribution networks worldwide add to the ever-increasing shortage of drinkable water resources. Every year, more than 32 billion cubic meters of treated water – enough to fill nearly 13 million Olympic-sized swimming pools – is wasted globally¹ because of undetected leaks in urban water supply systems. Water utilities around the world are now using digital technology, like ABB’s AquaMaster flowmeters, to get a better grip on their water supply.

The AquaMaster flowmeters measure and store data about the water flow in real time to track exactly how much water is passing through a pipe. Spaced throughout the pipes of a distribution network, they also provide an accurate picture of pipeline conditions as they can detect small variations in flow, helping to identify small leakages that can still result in enormous water losses over time. The AquaMaster flowmeters accurately measure flow velocities lower than 0.1 meter per second, where most meters struggle to even detect any flow. All the data collected by the sensors are sent digitally to the operators, even by SMS to a mobile phone. Not only is the data received by the operator much faster, but the measurements, which can be taken every 15 seconds, are far more accurate compared to the traditional method of periodic manual collection of flowmeter information.

The AquaMaster flowmeters can be fully submerged in water or even buried directly in the ground without needing costly protective chambers and can be used in remote rural areas or within densely built-up cities. Requiring less than 1 W to operate, they can be powered by a standard lithium battery for up to 10 years, or even with wind or solar energy. Around 50,000 of these ABB flowmeters have been installed so far across the rural and urban areas of nearly 50 countries, including India, Saudi Arabia, and Thailand.

Key facts:

• Can be submerged in water or buried in ground
• Identifies leakages that are hard to detect otherwise
• Sends critical data wirelessly even from remote locations

Discover more about AquaMaster electromagnetic flowmeter.

¹ Report by World Bank