GNEP-FM-PPF

The FloPath GNEP-FM-PPF is an electronic pressure controller with flow modulation (FM) and a built-in data logger, manufactured by MOBILTEX Data Ltd., a Canadian company headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, founded in 1985 and specialized in IIoT remote monitoring solutions for water, gas and cathodic protection networks. It belongs to the FloPath family, focused on pressure and flow management in drinking water networks, and is offered in a cellular and local version (GNEP-FM) or a local-only version (NEP-FM).

A conventional PRV is set to a fixed outlet pressure, calculated to guarantee the minimum pressure at the network's critical point during peak demand; during low-demand periods, lower friction losses create excess pressure. The GNEP-FM-PPF acts on the PRV pilot adjusting screw through a brass actuator and modulates the outlet pressure between two preset values, "low" and "high", according to the measured flow rate or the time of day. This lowers background leakage flow and pipe stresses, reducing burst frequency and helping extend infrastructure service life.

Compared with a fixed-setpoint PRV, the GNEP-FM-PPF provides 8 control modes, time and flow tables of up to 16 entries each, a main profile plus 3 optional profiles, and pulse unit failure detection with automatic response. The built-in logger stores PRV inlet and outlet pressures and meter flow, with fast sampling to assess valve performance and detect pressure surges. Its control box is powder-coated cast aluminium, with military-type connectors and a submersible IP68 rating.

The controller communicates over LTE-M (CAT M1), NB-IoT or 2G cellular networks, or locally through an IrDA infrared link, and its software can be upgraded in the field or over the air. It fits most pilot-operated PRVs from major manufacturers, making it easy to add advanced pressure management to valves already in service.