Water & Wastewater Flow Measurement
Reliable flow measurement for clean water, wastewater and other liquid systems using magnetic or non-intrusive ultrasonic meter technology.
Measuring Flow Across Water and Wastewater Systems
Water and wastewater facilities require dependable measurement across applications that can differ significantly in liquid condition, piping configuration and available installation space. Cadillac® Meter provides magnetic and ultrasonic technologies that allow the meter to be selected around the system rather than forcing every application into one measurement method.
Magnetic Flow Measurement
Magnetic flow meters contain no moving measurement parts in the flow stream, making the technology particularly useful for wastewater and other dirty conductive liquids.
- Suitable for water and wastewater flow measurement
- No moving measurement components to obstruct the flow
- CMAG and EMAG configurations for different piping conditions
Ultrasonic Flow Measurement
Cadillac® ultrasonic meters provide rate and totalized flow measurement using non-intrusive technology, offering an alternative where the application or installation favours ultrasonic measurement.
- Non-intrusive liquid flow measurement
- Flow-rate and totalized measurement capability
- Available in compact and standard configurations
The key selection question: Does the piping provide an adequate flow profile and straight run, or must the meter accommodate a more constrained installation? This distinction is central when choosing between the CMAG and EMAG magnetic flow-meter designs.
Flow Measurement Throughout the Water Cycle
Water and wastewater networks contain numerous measurement points, from incoming water and treatment processes to distribution, collection and final discharge. The most appropriate meter depends on the liquid, pipe arrangement, required installation method and available flow profile.
Water Treatment
Measuring water as it moves through treatment, filtration, processing and storage stages.
Water Distribution
Monitoring flow through municipal, commercial and industrial water-distribution piping.
Wastewater Collection
Measuring wastewater transported through collection networks and into treatment facilities.
Wastewater Treatment
Tracking flow between treatment stages where liquid conditions can make moving mechanical components undesirable.
Process Water
Measuring water used within manufacturing, plant services and other industrial processes.
Discharge Monitoring
Measuring treated water or wastewater as it leaves a facility or transfers to another system.
Application-specific selection matters: The liquid must be compatible with the chosen measurement technology, while pipe size, straight-run availability, accessibility and required outputs should all be reviewed before specifying the meter.
Why Magnetic Flow Meters Are Well Suited to Wastewater
Magnetic flow meters measure conductive liquid without relying on turbines, paddles or other moving measurement components inside the flow stream. This makes the technology a practical choice for wastewater and other dirty-liquid applications where suspended material could interfere with a mechanical meter.
Measuring Velocity Electromagnetically
The meter’s coils generate a magnetic field across the flow tube. As conductive liquid moves through that field, electrodes detect the resulting voltage. The meter uses this signal to determine liquid velocity and calculate volumetric flow.
Because measurement is electromagnetic, the meter does not need a moving sensor to be driven by the liquid.
No Moving Measurement Parts
There are no rotating measurement components in the liquid stream.
Suitable for Dirty Liquids
The measurement method is well suited to conductive wastewater and liquids containing suspended material.
Volumetric Flow Measurement
Measured liquid velocity is combined with the flow-tube area to calculate volumetric flow.
Multiple Meter Configurations
CMAG and EMAG designs allow selection according to the piping layout and available flow profile.
Important: Magnetic measurement requires a conductive liquid and correct installation conditions. Liquid properties and piping requirements should therefore be confirmed before final meter selection.
Cadillac® CMAG or EMAG?
Both meters use magnetic flow-measurement technology, but their flow-tube designs address different installation conditions. The primary distinction is whether the piping system already provides a suitable flow profile at the proposed meter location.
Cadillac® CMAG
The CMAG uses a specialised flow-tube design intended to produce a true averaged velocity sample across both flow-tube axes. This significantly reduces the piping straight-run requirement compared with a traditional magnetic flow-tube design.
- Designed for locations where flow profiling is unavailable
- Useful for new and retrofit installations
- Can reduce piping-layout and reconstruction requirements
- Suited to installations with limited straight run
Cadillac® EMAG
The EMAG uses a traditional magnetic flow-tube design and provides an economical alternative when the piping arrangement already supplies adequate straight run and an established flow profile.
- Traditional magnetic flow-tube design
- Appropriate where flow profiling already exists
- Requires installation conditions suitable for its design
- Economical option for compatible piping layouts
| Selection Factor | CMAG | EMAG |
|---|---|---|
| Flow-tube design | Specialised averaged-velocity design | Traditional magnetic flow tube |
| Flow profile | Intended for locations where flow profiling is unavailable | Best suited where a suitable flow profile already exists |
| Straight-run conditions | Designed to significantly reduce straight-run requirements | Requires appropriate straight run and flow profiling |
| Installation context | Constrained, new or retrofit piping arrangements | Conventional installations with adequate piping conditions |
| Primary advantage | May reduce piping-layout and modification work | Economical choice where profiling is already available |
Final selection should be based on the actual pipe configuration, upstream and downstream disturbances, liquid properties and required meter specification.
A Non-Intrusive Alternative for Liquid Flow
Cadillac® ultrasonic flow meters provide flow-rate and totalized measurement without placing a mechanical measuring component directly into the liquid stream. This makes ultrasonic technology a useful alternative when non-intrusive measurement is preferred.
How Ultrasonic Measurement Works
Ultrasonic meters use sound signals to determine the velocity of liquid moving through a pipe. The meter processes the measured velocity together with the pipe information to calculate flow rate and accumulated total.
The measurement method avoids the rotating components used by many traditional mechanical flow-meter designs.
When Ultrasonic Technology May Be Appropriate
The application favours non-intrusive liquid measurement.
Both instantaneous flow rate and accumulated total are required.
Avoiding moving measurement parts in the liquid stream is desirable.
The liquid and piping conditions are compatible with ultrasonic measurement.
Magnetic or Ultrasonic?
Neither technology is automatically correct for every water or wastewater installation. Liquid conductivity, pipe material, pipe condition, available straight run, installation access and the required measurement arrangement should all be reviewed before choosing the meter.
Plan the Meter Around the Actual Piping System
Meter performance depends on more than the measurement technology alone. Pipe layout, liquid condition, nearby flow disturbances and installation accessibility should be reviewed before the meter and its location are finalised.
Identify Flow Disturbances
Review upstream and downstream elbows, valves, tees, pumps and pipe transitions that could distort the velocity profile.
Confirm Straight-Run Availability
Determine whether the installation provides the flow profiling required by a traditional EMAG or would benefit from the CMAG design.
Maintain a Full Pipe
Select a location and orientation that keep the measurement section completely filled during normal operation.
Verify Liquid Compatibility
Confirm conductivity for magnetic measurement and review the liquid, pipe and installation conditions for ultrasonic measurement.
Check Electrical Requirements
Plan the power supply, signal wiring, grounding and connection to the facility’s monitoring or control system.
Preserve Service Access
Leave adequate access for inspection, wiring, configuration and future maintenance.
Magnetic Meter Planning
Confirm pipe size, liquid conductivity, liner and electrode compatibility, flange requirements, grounding arrangement and available straight run.
Ultrasonic Meter Planning
Confirm pipe material, diameter, wall thickness, internal condition, liquid suitability and an accessible sensor location.
Installation requirements are model-specific. Always confirm the selected meter’s published documentation and Cadillac® Meter guidance before determining the final location, orientation and piping arrangement.
Information Needed to Select the Right Meter
A useful meter recommendation begins with accurate application information. Collecting the following details allows Cadillac® Meter to evaluate the liquid, piping conditions, measurement range and installation constraints before recommending a configuration.
Liquid Details
- Type of water or wastewater
- Conductivity, when known
- Temperature and pressure
- Solids or other material present
Flow Conditions
- Minimum expected flow
- Normal operating flow
- Maximum expected flow
- Direction of flow
Pipe Information
- Nominal pipe size
- Pipe material and schedule
- Flange or connection requirements
- Internal pipe condition
Piping Layout
- Available upstream straight run
- Available downstream straight run
- Nearby valves, elbows, pumps or tees
- New or retrofit installation
Electrical and Outputs
- Available power supply
- Required output signals
- Local display requirements
- Control or monitoring-system connection
Site Conditions
- Indoor or outdoor location
- Accessibility and available space
- Environmental exposure
- Remote or integral electronics preference
Unsure Which Technology Fits?
Provide the available application and piping information to Cadillac® Meter. The team can help determine whether CMAG, EMAG or ultrasonic measurement is the more appropriate starting point.
Water and Wastewater Flow-Meter Questions
These answers cover the principal differences between magnetic and ultrasonic measurement and the installation factors that influence meter selection.
Why are magnetic flow meters used for wastewater?
Magnetic meters contain no moving measurement parts in the flow stream. This makes them well suited to conductive wastewater and dirty liquids containing suspended material that could interfere with mechanical components.
Can a magnetic flow meter measure every liquid?
No. Magnetic measurement requires an electrically conductive liquid. The liquid’s conductivity and compatibility with the meter’s wetted materials must be confirmed before selection.
What is the difference between CMAG and EMAG?
CMAG uses a specialised flow-tube design that significantly reduces straight-run requirements and is intended for locations where flow profiling is unavailable. EMAG uses a traditional flow tube and is an economical choice where suitable flow profiling already exists.
Why does straight pipe matter?
Elbows, valves, tees, pumps and pipe transitions can distort the liquid’s velocity profile. The meter must either receive the flow profile required by its design or be specifically selected for the constrained piping arrangement.
When should an ultrasonic meter be considered?
Ultrasonic technology may be appropriate when non-intrusive liquid measurement is preferred and the liquid, pipe material, dimensions and internal pipe condition are compatible with the selected meter.
What information is needed for a recommendation?
Provide the liquid type, pipe size and material, minimum and maximum flow, pressure, temperature, available straight run, nearby flow disturbances, power supply and required outputs.
Does the pipe need to remain full?
The measurement section should remain completely filled during operation. The installation location and meter orientation should be chosen to avoid partially filled pipe conditions.
Can Cadillac® meters be used in retrofit projects?
Yes, subject to application review. The CMAG is particularly relevant where an existing piping arrangement provides limited flow profiling, while ultrasonic technology may suit installations requiring a non-intrusive approach.
Specify the Right Meter for Your Water or Wastewater System
Share your liquid conditions, flow range, pipe information and installation layout with Cadillac® Meter. We can help identify whether CMAG, EMAG or ultrasonic technology best fits the application.
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