Flowcheck is a certified MCERTS inspection company. Our MCERTS inspectors are authorised to survey both open channel and closed pipe flow meter installations.
If ‘flow’ is a parameter stated on an Environment Agency discharge consent, it is a legal requirement to have the flow measurement system periodically certified by an MCERTS inspector.
MCERTS
MCERTS is the only quality standard in the UK for flow measurement. The standard was created by the Environment Agency but has now been adopted by many Water Utility companies and industrial organisations.
Our MCERTS inspectors aim to provide a personal service and will carry out adjustments and calibrations, as required, to optimise the performance of a flow meter installation to help it meet the MCERTS standard. Following the MCERTS survey the inspector will become a personal point of contact to clients should they have any queries relating to the flowmeter installation or the MCERTS scheme.
For more information download our Guide to MCERTS
Flowcheck offer comprehensive service maintenance contracts on liquid flow measurement systems.
Accurate flow meters can save money. For flowmeters to function accurately and reliably however, they need routine maintenance and calibrations. The frequency and extent of the maintenance required is a function of several factors e.g. the type of flow meter, properties of the liquid being measured and the environment in which it is installed.
A service contract can provide early detection and rectification of a problem before it escalates and will ensure that a flow measurement system continually functions to its best accuracy.
A certificate of calibration or verification is included with each service report.
All work is conducted to MCERTS standards or better.
The calibration of an open channel flowmeter is determined by the size and shape of the measurement structure. Our Engineers take multiple measurements at critical points throughout the approach channel, gauging structure (flume or weir), and downstream sections. From the measurements, we are able to determine the true zero datum level of the gauging structure and perform calculations to accurately determine the head to flow relationship.
Many of the open channel flow meter calibration calculation formulas are complex, and in practical terms, need to be performed using dedicated computer software. We have developed our own open channel flow meter calibration software which fully replicates the computations detailed in the current British and ISO standards. Using our calibration software, in conjunction with the experience and specialist tools we have for setting up open channel flow meters, we can ensure that open channel flow meters are functioning to their best possible accuracy. Download our Guide to flowmeter surveys
Our expertise in flow measurement enables us to identify problems within closed pipe flow meter installations. We perform on site verifications of closed pipe flow meters whilst in situ, in their working environment, and we determine the overall uncertainty of the complete flow measurement system.
Unlike open channel flow meters, where all the components are clearly visible, closed pipe flow meters provide few visual clues to indicate if they are reading correctly.
In ideal conditions, most closed pipe flowmeters are capable of providing highly accurate results. In practice, however, there are many site and process related factors that can affect the performance of a closed pipe flow meter.
Despite a flowmeter having a traceable calibration certificate its actual performance may fall considerably short of its certified accuracy.
Flowcheck has the skills and equipment necessary to verify a closed pipe flowmeter is functioning correctly. Download our Guide to flowmeter surveys
Accurate flow measurement is becoming increasingly important in industry particularly when the meter readings are used as a basis for tariff calculations to determine how much a company is charged or owed.
As a general rule flow meters will ‘read high’ if there is a problem. Regular calibration and service visits are essential therefore if there is a need for accurate flow measurement.
Many Water Utility companies are now insisting that discharges to sewer from industrial sites are measured by flow meters that conform to MCERTS standards.
Flowcheck is one of only six companies within the UK that is certified by the Environment Agency to perform MCERTS surveys. All survey and calibration work we conduct is performed to MCERTS standards or better.
“Accurate flow measurement can save money”
Flowcheck hold a range flow measurement equipment available for short and long-term hire.
The accuracy of all flow meters is dependent on the quality of the installation. To ensure good quality results, our engineers install and remove all equipment hired from Flowcheck.