Accuracy verification of flow measurement systems

Avizo has developed, over the years, various methods to verify the accuracy of most flow measurement systems. Thanks to its experienced staff, its rigorous protocols and its state-of-the-art equipment, Avizo is able to offer, for each situation, simple and affordable methods that meet regulatory requirements and those of Cahier 7 — Méthode de mesure de débit du Guide d’échantillonnage à des fins d’analyse environnementale of the ministère de l’Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques (MELCC).

Examples of flow measurement system that can be verified:

For open pipe:

• Parshall Canal
• Palmer-Bowlus Canal
• H channel
• Trapezoidal Channel
• Cutthroat canal
• Leopold-Lagco Canal
• Triangular spillway.
• Rectangular spillway (with or without contraction)
• Cipoletti spillway

For closed pipe:

• Electromagnetic flow meter
• Electromagnetic insertion flow meter
• Counter (turbine, vortex, propeller)
• Transit time ultrasonic flow meter
• Doppler effect ultrasonic flow meter
• Venturi tube
• Pitot tube.

Verifying the accuracy of flow measurement systems in an industry is often required as part of specific environmental regulations and standards. These requirements may vary depending on jurisdiction, industrial sector and type of effluent involved. However, some general regulations that could include provisions for verifying flow measurement systems include: local environmental regulations, industry standards, environmental permits, and the Loi sur la qualité de l’eau

It is essential that industries know and understand the specific regulations that apply to their business and geographic location. As a result, they can implement flow measurement system verification programs that meet regulatory requirements to ensure data accuracy and compliance with environmental standards.

Regulations affecting municipalities

For drinking water:

The Stratégie québécoise d’économie d’eau potable (SQEEP) encourages the verification of the accuracy of flowmeters to find and reduce leaks.

The Règlement sur la déclaration des prélèvements d’eau requires users of more than 75 m³/day to demonstrate annually that their flow meters and every 3 years for other meters, are accurate to within 10% or better.

For wastewater:

The Règlement sur les ouvrages municipaux d’assainissement des eaux usées (ROMAEU) requires an annual verification of the accuracy of flow measurement systems and allows a maximum deviation of ± 15%.

Regulations affecting manufacturers

For water supply:

The Règlement sur la déclaration des prélèvements d’eau applies to any industrial establishment that consumes more than 75 m³/day, that is not connected to a municipal aqueduct network and that withdraws from a source of ground or surface water.

For effluent:

Any industrial establishment that has an attestation d’assainissement from the MELCC or a certificat d’autorisation under article 22 of the Loi sur la qualité de l’environnement (LQE) may have to carry out an annual validation of its flow measurement system.

The pulp and paper industry and mining industries are subjected to provincial and federal regulations that require annual validation of their effluent flow measurement systems.