Solutions for Downsizing Old Meters to New Equipment
When it comes to downsizing older meters for new equipment, it’s not unusual to run into issues in spacing and sizes between the two meters. How do you bridge the gap between the new meter and the old lines that are in place? Red Hed Manufacturing was recently called in to help a Louisiana utility as it downsized from an older meter to a more compact version that left a gap. Here’s what we did to help them solve the problem and how it worked out in the end.
Red Hed Manufacturing is your lead free brass expert when it comes to waterworks brass products, but we do so much more than just provide lead-free brass! Our parent company, E.J. Prescott, was working with a Louisiana utility to downsize 600 of the municipality’s meters. But the new downsized meters were smaller than the originals and had a much different flange than the originals. This left a gap between the pipe and the meter, making it very difficult to move the project forward.
Team EJP reached out to Red Hed Manufacturing and asked what we could do to help solve the problem. We used our solid works software program and local vendors available in Rhode Island to create a one-of-a-kind solution to the problem. We designed a unique flange that went from 3″ round to 2″ oval that could be created in a single casting. Not only did it fix the connectivity problem, it also filled in the gap caused by the change in meter sizes. We also added gaskets and all the necessary hardware into a kit that was easy to install. The municipality was thrilled with the solution, as it made it much easier to fix the overall problem without having to link a wide range of adapters within a relatively small space.
Though many companies would be happy to sell the various adapters to get the job done, many of them would not be willing to undertake the work required to fix the problem in such an easy to install fashion. E.J. Prescott and our affiliated companies don’t think waterworks utilities should have to use any number of improvised and adapted tools and fittings to get the job done. We’re all about creating solutions specifically for the waterworks industry that help save time, effort and money, such as ratcheting gate valve wrenches, erosion control solutions, leak locater services, sturdy hydrant hoists, specialty shipping services and, of course, the best lead-free brass fittings in the industry.
Even though it can seem like an insurmountable problem to create a unique connection, it’s really not that difficult when you’re partnered with the right company. At Red Hed Manufacturing, we have a full machine shop with capabilities to produce the perfect transition piece between virtually any two components. If you have questions or would like more information about our machine shop capabilities, please feel free to contact us for more information. We’re here to help you meet the challenges your waterworks faces on a daily basis with quality, lead-free brass.
