The Importance of Water in Concrete Mixing

Concrete is used all around us as foundation for buildings and exterior surfaces, parking lots, sidewalks, countertops, and more. Although walking or riding a car on concrete is a daily occurrence, it’s easy to overlook the basic elements that go into this essential of modern living. 

Concrete is made of a few basic components:

  • Sand and/or aggregate
  • Cement, comprised of limestone and clay that have been crushed and mixed into a fine powder solution
  • Water

Of these components, the ratio of water to cement is particularly important. Continue reading “The Importance of Water in Concrete Mixing”

Measuring Flow with Piston Displacement Meters

If you’re looking to purchase a new water meter, it can be hard to discern what type of meter you should pick. There are many things to consider, from the body material to the outputs to whether any approvals are required. One of the most important considerations for selecting a meter for your application is how the meter will be installed, as certain technologies can limit the meter’s installation orientation. For example, multi-jet meters measure flow by generating multiple jets of water against an impeller in an internal chamber. As the impeller rotates, the flow is totalized on the meter face. In order to meet the stated accuracy, multi-jet meters must be installed horizontally. If a multi-jet meter is installed vertically, the impeller will not rotate correctly and the readings will not meet the stated accuracy specification.  Continue reading “Measuring Flow with Piston Displacement Meters”