Page 236 - Water Loss Control

Contr olling Appar ent Losses—Data Transfer Err ors 209

FIGURE 13.9 Fixed network AMR collector unit—collects and stores up to 10 days of hourly
profi le data for up to 10,000 customer endpoints. (Source: Itron, Inc.)

AMR contract. Whereas fixed network AMR requires notable planning and design
effort, notable advantages are gained relative to mobile AMR from the significantly
lower annual staffing costs and the more sophisticated customer consumption data that
is obtained. Also, as described later in this chapter, the fixed communication network
provides the opportunity to gather more than just a meter reading at the customer end-
point, thereby furthering the business case for fixed network AMR.
Water utilities can reduce the likelihood of apparent losses due to data transfer error
via the use of AMR systems. AMR systems offer water utilities the current best practice
means for cost-effective and efficient collection of customer consumption data. The use
of AMR systems in water utilities will continue to grow significantly in coming years,
as will the use of fixed network AMR in lieu of mobile AMR.
Detecting and Quantifying Data Transfer Errors
While AMR is less susceptible to data handling error than manual meter reading, both
forms of meter reading can incur errors. Meter reading attempts can fail for many rea-
sons. The difficulties of manual meter reading were discussed earlier. AMR attempts
can fail due to a malfunction of the automatic meter reading device from causes such as
improper installation or calibration, or battery failure. AMR equipment that is improp-
erly installed or configured can result in erroneous readings. This occurrence can be
minimized by using a good quality control protocol during system installation.