IS 23731981AI Search Enabled✦ AI Generated

Water Meters (Bulk Type)

IS 2373:1981 specifies requirements for bulk type water meters, including vane-wheel (impeller) and helical types, ranging from 50 mm to 500 mm nominal sizes. It covers design, materials, performance criteria, testing methods, and marking for meters used to measure large volumes of water flow, primarily in municipal and industrial water supply systems. This standard is essential for manufacturers, suppliers, and engineers involved in selection, installation, and quality assurance of bulk water meters in India.

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1981Edition
Sanitary Appliances and Water FittingsCategory
Alternative search terms: IS 2373 PDF, IS 2373 pdf free download, IS 2373 free download pdf, IS2373 PDF, IS-2373 PDF, IS 2373 1981 PDF, IS 2373:1981 PDF, IS 2373-1981 PDF, IS 2373 (1981) PDF, IS 2373 1981 edition PDF, IS 2373 edition 1981 PDF

What This Standard Covers

IS 2373:1981 specifies requirements for bulk type water meters, including vane-wheel (impeller) and helical types, ranging from 50 mm to 500 mm nominal sizes. It covers design, materials, performance criteria, testing methods, and marking for meters used to measure large volumes of water flow, primarily in municipal and industrial water supply systems. This standard is essential for manufacturers, suppliers, and engineers involved in selection, installation, and quality assurance of bulk water meters in India.

Who Uses This Standard

  • Water Supply Engineers
  • Municipal Water Authorities
  • Water Meter Manufacturers
  • Quality Control Inspectors
  • Hydraulic Engineers
  • Procurement Specialists
  • Testing Laboratory Personnel

Key Topics Covered

Types of bulk water meters (vane-wheel and helical)
Materials for meter components (bronze, brass, stainless steel)
Meter casing and body construction
Runner and impeller design and materials
Minimum starting flow and capacity ratings
Sealing and anti-tampering provisions
Frost protection devices
Performance requirements including accuracy and head loss
Testing procedures: production routine, type, and acceptance tests
Marking and identification requirements
Installation considerations and flow measurement setup
Regulating devices and strainers

Table of Contents

1Scope

IS 2373: Scope & Key Specifications for Water Meters

Scope (Clause 4.12.1)

  • Defines ranges of registration for water meters based on nominal size.
  • Registration ranges ensure meter accuracy over expected flow volumes.

Key Tables:

Nominal Size (mm)Minimum Registration (litres)Maximum Registration (litres)
50, 8010100,000,000
100 - 3501001,000,000,000
400, 5001,00010,000,000,000

(Table 2: Ranges of Registration)


Capacity Ratings (Table 4)

Nominal Size (mm)Vane-Wheel (L/hr)Helical Type (L/hr)
5017,00020,000
8027,00062,000
10040,000100,000
15080,000250,000
200150,000400,000
250220,000550,000
300300,000750,000
350-5001,000,000 to 2,500,000

Minimum Starting Flows (Table 5)

Nominal Size (mm)Vane-Wheel (L/hr)Helical Type (L/hr)
50250500
805001,000
1007001,500
1501,0003,500
2002,4005,500
2503,2009,000
3006,
2Definitions

IS 2373: Definitions & Key Specifications

Key Definitions (Clause 2.0)

  • Thickness of flange
  • Diameter of bolt circle (C)
  • Number of holes (A)
  • Diameter of bolt holes (d)
  • Diameter of bolts

(Refer Fig. 1 & 2 in IS 2373 for visual details)


Important Tables

1. Capacity Ratings for Water Meters (Clause 5.3.2)

Nominal Size (mm)Vane-Wheel Type (L/hr)Helical Type (L/hr)
5017,00020,000
8027,00062,000
10040,000100,000
15080,000250,000
200150,000400,000
250220,000550,000
300300,000750,000
3501,000,000
4001,500,000
5002,500,000

2. Minimum Starting Flows (L/hr)

Nominal Size (mm)Vane-Wheel TypeHelical Type
50250500
805001,000
1007001,500
1501,0003,500
2002,4005,500
2503,2009,000
3006,40014,000
35020,000
40025,000
50035,000
3Nominal Size

IS 2373: Nominal Size of Water Meters

Key Specifications (Clause 3.1)

Nominal Size (mm)Nominal Size (mm)
50250
80300
100350
150400
200500

Thickness & Bolt Details (Clause 3.0)

  • Thickness of flange, diameter of bolt circle (C), number of holes (A), diameter of bolt holes (d), and diameter of bolts are specified for each nominal size (refer to detailed tables in the code).

Registration Ranges (Table 2, Clause 4.12.1)

Nominal Size (mm)Min Registration per Dial Division (Litres)Max Registration (Litres)
50, 8010100,000,000
100, 150100100,000,000
200, 250, 300, 3501001,000,000,000
400, 5001,00010,000,000,000

Notes:

  • Nominal size refers to the standard diameter of the meter's inlet/outlet.
  • The ranges of registration ensure accuracy in measuring flow volumes.
  • Flange and bolt specifications ensure proper mounting and sealing.
flowchart LR
    A[Nominal Size] --> B[Physical Dimensions]
    A --> C[Registration Range]
    B --> D[Flange Thickness & Bolt Details]
    C --> E[Min & Max Registration Volumes]

For detailed flange and bolt dimensions, refer to Clause 3.0 tables in IS 2373.

4Materials and Construction

IS 2373: Materials and Construction Key Points

1. Materials for Screws, Studs, and Nuts (Clause 4.4)

  • Materials: Mild steel (IS:280-1978), Brass (IS:320-1962), or corrosion-resistant materials.
  • For water contact: Use brass (IS:320-1962) or stainless steel (07 Cr 18 Ni 9, IS:1570 Part V-1972).

2. Flange Dimensions for 50 mm Nominal Size Water Meter (Table 1, Clause 4.4)

ParticularsDimensions
Outside diameter, D165 +3.0 / -1.0 mm
Thickness of flange19 ± 2 mm
Diameter of bolt circle, C125 ± 1.0 mm
Number of holes, A4
Diameter of bolt holes, d19 mm
Diameter of bolts16 mm

3. Ranges of Registration of Water Meters (Table 2, Clause 4.12.1)

Nominal Size (mm)Min. Registration per Dial (litres)Max. Registration (litres)
50, 8010100,000,000
100 - 3501001,000,000,000
400, 5001,00010,000,000,000

Summary

  • Use specified materials for corrosion resistance and strength.
  • Follow flange dimensions strictly for compatibility.
  • Select water meter registration ranges as per nominal size for accuracy.
flowchart TD
    A[Materials for Fasteners] -->|Mild Steel, Brass, Stainless Steel| B[Suitable for Water Contact]
    B --> C[Flange Dimensions]
    C --> D[Outside Diameter, Thickness, Bolt Circle, Holes]
    D --> E[Water Meter Registration Ranges]

For detailed design, refer to IS 2373 clauses and referenced IS standards.

5Performance Requirements

IS 2373: Performance Requirements for Water Meters

Key Performance Tests (Clause 8.3)

  • Hydrostatic Test (Clause 5.2)
  • Tests to determine:
    • Capacity ratings
    • Minimum starting flows

Capacity Ratings (Litres per Hour)

Nominal Size (mm)Vane-Wheel TypeHelical Type
Table 3: Nominal Capacity (Clause 5.3.1)
5030,00050,000
8050,000125,000
10070,000200,000
150150,000500,000
200250,000800,000
250400,0001,100,000
300500,0001,500,000
3502,000,000
4003,000,000
5005,000,000
Nominal Size (mm)Vane-Wheel TypeHelical Type
Table 4: Intermediate Flows (Clause 5.3.2)
5017,00020,000
8027,00062,000
10040,000100,000
15080,000250,000
200150,000400,000
250220,000550,000
300300,000750,000
3501,000,000
4001,500,000
5002,500,000

Minimum Starting Flows (Litres per Hour) (Table 5)

Nominal Size (mm)Vane-Wheel TypeHelical Type
50250500
805001,000
6Frost Protection

IS 2373: Frost Protection for Water Meters

Key Specifications (Clause 6.1 & 6.2)

  • Meters prone to frost damage must have frost protection devices.
  • Typical devices:
    • Rubber pads that accommodate water expansion on freezing.
    • Collapsible metal rings or discs that allow pressure relief by lifting or yielding, preventing damage.
  • Damaged frost protection devices require immediate replacement to avoid supply disruption or wastage.
  • Purchaser must specify frost protection requirement at order (Clause 6.2).

Relevant Tables from IS 2373

Nominal Size (mm)Capacity Ratings (L/hr) Vane-WheelCapacity Ratings (L/hr) Helical
5017,00020,000
8027,00062,000
10040,000100,000
15080,000250,000
200150,000400,000
250220,000550,000
300300,000750,000
3501,000,000
4001,500,000
5002,500,000

Nominal Size (mm)Minimum Starting Flow (L/hr) Vane-WheelMinimum Starting Flow (L/hr) Helical
50250500
805001,000
1007001,500
1501,0003,500
2002,4005,500
2503,2009,000
3006,40014,000
35020,000
7Marking

IS 2373 - Marking Specifications for Water Meters

Key Tables & Specifications:

1. Capacity Ratings for Intermediate Flows (Litres/hour)

Nominal Size (mm)Vane-Wheel TypeHelical Type
5017,00020,000
8027,00062,000
10040,000100,000
15080,000250,000
200150,000400,000
250220,000550,000
300300,000750,000
3501,000,000
4001,500,000
5002,500,000

2. Minimum Starting Flows (Litres/hour)

Nominal Size (mm)Vane-Wheel TypeHelical Type
50250500
805001,000
1007001,500
1501,0003,500
2002,4005,500
2503,2009,000
3006,40014,000
35020,000
40025,000
50035,000

3. Ranges of Registration (Litres)

Nominal Size (mm)Min. Dial Division (max)Max. Registration (min)
50, 8010100,000,000
100 - 300100
8Testing

IS 2373 - Testing Key Points

1. Classification of Tests (Clause 8.1)

  • Production Routine Tests
  • Type Tests
  • Acceptance Tests

2. Samples for Tests (Clause 8.2)

  • Samples are taken from production or stock.
  • For Type Tests (Clause 8.2.1):
    • 50 mm size: 2 meters
    • 80 mm and above: 1 meter
  • Samples must be accompanied by:
    • 4 copies of manufacturer's detailed specs
    • Loss of head and accuracy curves

3. Production Routine Tests (Clause 8.3)

  • Hydrostatic Test (see Clause 5.2)
  • Performance tests to verify:
    • Accuracy
    • Loss of head
    • Other operational parameters as per manufacturer's specs

4. Hydrostatic Test (Clause 5.2) - Summary

  • Apply pressure (usually 1.5 times working pressure)
  • Hold for a specified duration (e.g., 2 minutes)
  • Check for leaks or permanent deformation

Typical Test Parameters Table

Test TypeSample SizeKey Parameters CheckedReference Clause
Type Test2 (50 mm), 1 (≥80 mm)Accuracy, loss of head curves8.2.1
Production RoutineAs per batchHydrostatic, performance8.3
Acceptance TestAs per orderSimilar to type test8.1

flowchart LR
    A[Start Testing] --> B{Test Type}
    B -->|Type Test| C[Send samples to authority]
    B -->|Production Routine| D[Hydrostatic + Performance Tests]
    B -->|Acceptance| E[Verify as per Type Test]
    C --> F[Check Accuracy & Loss of Head]
    D --> F
    E --> F
    F --> G[Pass/Fail Decision]

This concise summary aligns with IS 2373 testing clauses and ensures compliance with sample sizes, test types, and performance criteria.

Appendix AInformation to be Supplied by Purchaser

IS 2373: Information to be Supplied by Purchaser

Per Appendix A (Clause 4.1), the purchaser must provide the following details with enquiry/order:

  • Nominal size of meter (e.g., 50 mm, 80 mm, etc.)
  • Type of meter: vane-wheel or helical
  • Provision for locking: required or not
  • Type of counter:
    1. Circular multipointer pattern
    2. Straight reading cyclometer type
    3. Combination of pointer and counter
  • Frost protection device: required or not
  • Strainer: required or not
  • Wiper: required or not
  • Dial type: wet or dry

Key Table: Ranges of Registration (Clause 4.12.1, Table 2)

Nominal Size (mm)Max. Min. Registration in Dial Division (litres)Min. Max. Registration (litres)
50, 8010100,000,000
100 to 3501001,000,000,000
400, 5001,00010,000,000,000

Notes:

  • Acceptance Tests (Clause 8.2.2): Number of samples to be mutually agreed.
  • Type Test Reports (Clause 8.4.2.1): Use format in Appendix C.
  • Headloss Determination: See Appendix B (Clause 5.3.3) for method.

This ensures purchaser's requirements are clear for manufacturing and testing compliance.

Appendix BMethod for Measurement of Headloss

IS 2373: Method for Measurement of Headloss in Water Meters

Key Points from IS 2373 (Clause 5.3.3 & Appendix B):

  • Headloss Measurement Setup (Fig. 3):

    • Use a calibrated tank supplying water through a pump or overhead tank.
    • Measure pressure drop across the meter using pressure taps connected to manometers.
    • Measure discharge using:
      • Water meter (WM) itself, or
      • Other devices like orifice meter, venturi meter, or notches.
  • Procedure:

    • At specified flow rates (Clause 5.3.1 & 5.3.2), note the pressure drop (ΔP).

    • Convert pressure drop to headloss (h) using:

      [ h = \frac{\Delta P}{\rho g} ]

      where:

      • ( \Delta P ) = pressure difference (Pa)
      • ( \rho ) = density of water (~1000 kg/m³)
      • ( g ) = acceleration due to gravity (9.81 m/s²)
  • Typical Flow Rates:

    • Nominal capacity and intermediate flows as per Clauses 5.3.1 & 5.3.2.

Summary Table: Headloss Calculation

ParameterSymbolUnitNotes
Pressure dropΔPPascal (Pa)Measured by manometer
Density of waterρkg/m³~1000 kg/m³ at 20°C
Gravitygm/s²9.81 m/s²
Headlosshmeters( h = \frac{\Delta P}{\rho g} )

Typical Arrangement (Fig. 3) - Mermaid Diagram

flowchart LR
    A[Calibrated Tank] --> B[Regulating Valve (RV)]
    B --> C[Water Meter (WM)]
    C --> D[Discharge Measurement Device]
    C --> E[Pressure Taps for Manometer]
    E --> F[Manometer]

Additional Notes:

  • Report results as per Appendix C.
  • Provide purchaser info per **Append

Popular Questions About IS 2373

?What are the acceptable materials for the casing and internal components of bulk water meters under IS 2373?

Acceptable Materials for Bulk Water Meters (IS 2373):

  • Casing (Clause 4.2.1):

    • Cast iron (Grade FG 200, IS:210-1978)
    • Bronze (Grade 2, IS:318-1962)
    • Brass (Grade 3, IS:292-1961)
    • DCB 2 (Grade, IS:1264-1981)
  • Body (Clause 4.2.2):

    • Bronze (Grade 2, IS:318-1962)
    • Brass (Grade 3, IS:292-1961)
    • DCB 2 (Grade, IS:1264-1981)
    • For enclosed type meters: Brass liner, minimum 1.5 mm thick (IS:410-1977)
  • General Requirements (Clause 4.1):

    • Materials must be corrosion-resistant, non-toxic, and non-tainting.
    • Cast iron parts must have suitable corrosion protection.
    • Avoid dissimilar metals in contact to reduce electrolytic corrosion.

This ensures durability, safety, and accurate measurement in bulk water meters.

?How does the standard define minimum starting flow and capacity ratings for different meter sizes?

IS 2373 defines minimum starting flow and capacity ratings for water meters as follows:

1. Minimum Starting Flow (Table 5)

  • The flow rate at which the meter begins to register.
  • Varies by meter type and nominal size (mm).
Nominal Size (mm)Vane-Wheel (L/hr)Helical (L/hr)
50250500
805001,000
1007001,500
1501,0003,500
2002,4005,500
2503,2009,000
3006,40014,000
35020,000
40025,000
50035,000

2. Capacity Ratings (Tables 3 & 4)

  • Nominal Capacity (Table 3): Max discharge without exceeding specified headloss.
  • Intermediate Capacity (Table 4): For intermediate flow ranges.
Nominal Size (mm)Vane-Wheel (L/hr)Helical (L/hr)
5030,000 (Nominal)50,000 (Nominal)
8050,000 (Nominal)125,000 (Nominal)
10070,000 (Nominal)200,000 (Nominal)
150150,000 (Nominal)500,000 (Nominal)
200250,000 (Nominal)800,000 (Nominal)
250400,000 (Nominal)1,100,000 (Nominal)
300500,000 (Nominal)1,500,000 (Nominal)
350
?What types of tests are required to verify compliance with IS 2373 for bulk water meters?

IS 2373 - Type Tests for Bulk Water Meters

According to IS 2373 (Clause 8.1.2 and 8.2.1), the following type tests are required to verify compliance:

  • Samples Required:

    • Two meters for 50 mm size
    • One meter for 80 mm size and above
    • Samples must be randomly selected from production stock.
  • Tests to be Conducted:

    • Minimum flow measurement: Verify the minimum flow at which the meter starts measuring.
    • Loss of head: Measure pressure loss at recommended intermediate and nominal capacities.
    • Accuracy tests: Check accuracy at lower limit and intermediate flow rates.
    • Hydrostatic test: Assess the meter's ability to withstand pressure without leakage.
    • Temperature suitability test: Confirm meter performance under specified temperature conditions.
    • Ease of re-assembly, maintenance, and inspection also evaluated.
  • Reporting:

    • Detailed test reports including dimensions, tolerances, and water quality used.
    • Any major design changes require re-testing.

This ensures the meter's design quality, accuracy, and durability meet IS standards before approval.

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?Are frost protection devices mandatory, and what options does the standard provide?

Are frost protection devices mandatory?

  • Frost protection devices are not mandatory by default.
  • Clause 6.1 states meters liable to frost damage shall be protected.
  • Clause 6.2 clarifies the purchaser must specify frost protection requirement in the order.
  • Hence, frost protection is buyer’s option, but recommended where frost risk exists.

Options for frost protection devices (Clause 6.1):

  • Special quality rubber pads that accommodate water expansion on freezing.
  • Collapsible metal ring allowing the meter top plate to lift under frost pressure, preventing damage.
  • Metal disc in body that yields under pressure to protect the meter.

Important: Damaged metal rings or plates must be replaced immediately to restore function or prevent water waste.


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Summary: Frost protection depends on purchaser's choice; IS 2373 provides typical device types to safeguard meters in freezing conditions.

?How should sealing be implemented to prevent tampering according to this standard?

According to IS 2373, sealing to prevent tampering should be implemented as follows:

  • Sealing holes must be provided on the meter.
  • The meter, including the measuring unit, registration box, and cap, shall be sealed so they cannot be accessed without breaking the seal (Clause 4.14).
  • Use rust-proof sealing wire, such as tinned copper, for durability.
  • If a lock provision is required (Clause 4.6.1), the lid to the registration box should have a lock hole of minimum 4 mm diameter to accommodate padlocks.
  • The seal must ensure tamper evidence by making access impossible without breaking it.

This ensures secure, tamper-proof meters while allowing convenient lock operation from the top where applicable.

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