ACR-EX in water utilities: remote reading of pulse water meters

In water utilities today, reality is not black and white. Walk-by readings are still in use, in many locations gradually complemented or replaced by fixed remote reading systems, while at the same time a large number of pulse water meters remain installed across the network. These meters still work reliably and are not outdated; they are simply sometimes overlooked when discussions turn to modernising meter reading. This is where ACR-EX a pulse converter with display for the remote reading of pulse water meters comes into play.

ACR-EX pulse converter with display

ACR-EX pulse converter was originally developed for the gas sector, but it soon became clear that what works for gas works just as well for water. Pulse output is a simple, widely used and long-established method of measuring consumption. In most cases, the issue is not the water meter itself, but how to reliably convert the pulse signal and transmit the data onwards, with confidence that the recorded values truly match the physical reading. This is exactly what ACR-EX addresses, acting as an interface between the mechanical water meter and the remote reading system.
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One aspect that field technicians value the most is the display on the pulse converter. It may sound like a minor detail, but in practice it is a significant help. A technician arrives at the water meter, checks the mechanical register and immediately sees, next to it, the value used by the converter. There is no need to consult a system or connect a laptop or service tool. This allows a quick check on site, saving time for technicians and providing confidence to operators.
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ACR-EX converter does not focus only on the current reading. It stores hourly values for up to 40 days, so when there is a suspicion of a water leak, a burst or abnormal consumption, there is a history available that can be relied upon. The device also monitors maximum flow, which often indicates that something is happening in the network that would not necessarily be apparent during standard walk-by readings.

Reliability in everyday water utility installations

Considerable attention has also been paid to reliability in everyday water utility installations. Pulse cables often run alongside power lines, and interference is a practical reality. Thanks to a protected pulse input and intelligent pulse processing logic, the device is not easily disturbed and does not begin to produce implausible consumption values. Even if there is a temporary network outage or the device restarts, pulse counting continues without interruption. Once communication is restored, the data is automatically aligned, preventing discrepancies between the mechanical register and the digital record.
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From an operational perspective, simplicity and long-term maintenance-free operation are important. ACR-EX pulse converter is designed to operate for many years without intervention, with a battery life of more than 10 years. Most parameters can be set and adjusted remotely, without the need for site visits. As water utility installations are typically not located in hazardous environments, a non-ATEX version is also available. Functionally, it is identical, but avoids paying for certification that is not required in this context.
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ACR-EX is a practical solution for the remote reading of pulse water meters. It helps bring together walk-by readings, fixed systems and existing pulse-output water meters in a way that reflects how water utilities actually operate. Simply, clearly and with confidence that the data in use corresponds to reality in the field.