Product Spotlight: NMT Mechanical Water Meters
Water meters are essential for monitoring water consumption. There are four main categories of water meters: mechanical, ultrasonic, vortex and magnetic. Mechanical and ultrasonic water meters are the most popular choices for measuring drinking water consumption.
Wholesale distributors across Canada can now count on Norgas to provide them with efficient and reliable mechanical water meters from NMT. Among these, you will find a range of drinking water meters available for both hot and cold water. Here is an overview of the specific features of these meters offered by Norgas that we hope will meet your needs.
Our NMT Water Meters for Drinking Water
Norgas carries four models from NMT: The SingleMagTM, the VersaMagTM, the MultiMagTM and the PD-MagTM.
SingleMagTM (Polymer)
The SingleMagTM water meter is approved for hot and cold applications and meets the specifications of AWWA C712-10. This meter, with a nominal pipe size of 19mm (3/4’’), is highly accurate, durable and comes with a pulse output to interface with remote metering devices and wireless transmitters. Its polymer composite material comprises a 50% nylon blend that lends it considerable strength and good rigidity. The SingleMagTM water meter can only be installed horizontally, and its measuring chamber has a flow rate of 25 GPM. Its maximum flow rate is 25 GPM, while the minimum flow rate is ¼ GPM.
VersaMagTM (Polymer)
This is a versatile multi-jet water meter ideal for submetering. It is made of nylon polymer reinforced with glass and can be installed vertically and horizontally. The VersaMagTM is approved for hot and cold applications and meets AWWA C708 standards. Its nominal pipe size is 19mm, and its maximum flow rate is 20 GPM, while the minimum is ¼ GPM. The meter’s removable register allows flush-outs and pressure tests, whereas its pulse output supports remote monitoring.
MultiMagTM
This water meter is renowned for its longevity, accuracy, and simplicity. It meets AWWA C708 standards and can be used for hot and cold water. Its pulse output allows you to read it remotely. The NMT MultiMagTM is meant for horizontal applications and comes in various sizes, including 19mm, 25mm, 38mm, and 50mm, with different pressures. Its body is made of lead-free ECO brass, and the internal part is made of thermoplastics.
Norgas PD-MagTM
This is a positive displacement water meter that can be installed horizontally and vertically to monitor water usage and for submetering. The meter complies with AWWA C700 standards. Its inner parts are made of thermoplastic, while the casing is made of ECO brass. The PD-MagTM has an optional pulse output that can be used with devices like wireless transmitters and remote totalizers that accept contact closure. It is used for cold water at maximum temperatures of 41 degrees Celsius and hot water.
NMT Mechanical Water Meters Comparison
| Model | Capacity Range | Max. Inlet Pressure | Size Range | Hot/Cold | Installation |
| SingleMagTM | 1/4 – 22 GPM (0.06 – 5 m3/hr) | 150 PSI | 3/4″ | Yes | Horizontal |
| MultiMageTM | 1/2 – 160 GPM (0.11 – 36 m3/hr) | 150 PSI | 3/4″ – 2″ | Yes | Horizontal |
| VersamagTM
|
1/4 – 20 GPM (0.06 – 4.5 m3/hr) | 150 PSI | 3/4″ | Yes | Horizontal & Vertical |
| PD-MagTM
|
1/2 – 160 GPM (0.11 – 36 m3/hr) | 150 PSI | 3/4″ – 2″ | Yes | Horizontal & Vertical |
See our mechanical water meter selection
How to Select a Mechanical Water Meter
Mechanical water meters are usually more affordable and provide a long service life. They offer stability and low maintenance costs. Moreover, unlike smart water meters that are also quite popular, mechanical meters have no data and communication charges.
To choose the right water flow meter for your application, you will need to consider a few important things. Here is a summary.
Lead-Free
Lead has been shown to pose serious health hazards, more so for expectant mothers and kids. The NSF/ANSI 372 is an American National Standard that establishes the procedures for measuring lead content in water to ensure all drinking water is lead-free. The water meter you select should be lead-free to ensure the water flowing through it does not pick lead particles that can be detrimental to anyone who drinks the water. Thankfully most water meters on the market are made of lead-free bronze, unlike those in the past that contained 7% lead.
Pipe Sizing
Water meters are fitted with at least 10x pipe diameter down and up steam. For instance, if you have a 2’’ water meter, you should have at least 20’’ of straight pipe on either side of the meter. This guarantees accurate readings by reducing water turbulence.
Pulse Output
Pulse output allows you to read the water meter remotely. This option is convenient when reading the dial directly is uneconomical or impossible. The simplest pulse output is generated by mechanical contact that opens or closes when the sensor wheel turns. Thus, one pulse equals one wheel turn, which is the amount of flow causing the wheel to turn. Other pulse outputs have dual reed switches, meaning they pulse twice rather than once for every wheel turn.
Material
Water meter bodies are generally made of specialty polymers and brass. Specialty polymers have outstanding stability, strength, and resistance in hot and cold water. They are also resistant to damage from chemicals and chlorinated water. Brass water meters are accurate, durable, easy to read, and resistant to chemical damage and corrosion.
Flow Rate/Capacity
When a water meter is manufactured for use in the U.S., it conforms to standards set by the AWWA (American Water Works Association). The water meter you choose should be informed by how much water flows through the service line supplying your building. Usually, residential meters are sized for a maximum of ¾’’ and connected to a 1’’ service line. A smaller-sized meter is accepted because residential water will rarely exceed 25 GPM. You can install a 1’’ water meter in places with higher nominal flow rates, but this will usually hamper your meter’s ability to record very small flows, often below 1/8 GPM, and detect leaks. Industrial, commercial and multi-family buildings are sized for the highest expected flow rather than the service line size.
Hot & Cold Availability
Domestic cold water meters are designed to measure water at up to thirty degrees Celsius, while hot water meters work with water at 60-90 degrees Celsius. When choosing your water meter, match it to the temperature of water you will be measuring to ensure it works optimally.
Installation Type
Mechanical water meters can be installed horizontally or vertically. While some meters offer both installation options, others are limited to horizontal installation. Depending on your application, you may need to choose one or the other. Consult the manufacturer’s specifications for installation requirements associated with the selected water meter.
We Have What You Need
From the above information, you now know what to look for in a water meter and can pick the best from NMT mechanical water meters. Norgas Controls is proud to distribute efficient and reliable water meters for drinking water in Canada. Used in residential, commercial, and industrial sub-metering applications, these meters will provide you with accuracy and reliability. Contact us for more information on our water meters.
