Metrinet

The MetriNet is a multi-parameter water quality monitor manufactured by ATi (Analytical Technology, Inc.), a brand of Badger Meter. Designed for continuous monitoring of drinking water distribution networks, MetriNet gives utilities and municipalities real-time visibility into water quality at critical points across the network, going beyond periodic compliance sampling.

The system is built around a modular architecture of smart sensors called M-Nodes, each a complete sensor and transmitter housed in a miniaturized body. M-Nodes communicate over a common RS-485 bus using Modbus protocol and are powered directly from the communication bus itself, simplifying field wiring. Flow cells are modular, allowing assembly of 1 to 8 chambers via a rotating lock-ring, each chamber holding one M-Node with a simple bayonet connection.

Unlike conventional, high-power water quality analyzers, MetriNet is specifically designed to run on 12...24V DC power or batteries, enabling installation at remote network locations where AC power is unavailable. Cyclic operation mode further reduces both power and sample-water consumption, bringing daily water use below 5 gallons per day at most sites, compared to roughly 75 gallons per day for continuous-flow operation.

The MetriNet controller includes a GPS module for automatic geolocation of each installation and offers multiple communication options to the customer's SCADA or data collection system: cellular modem, Wi-Fi, wired Modbus, Modbus TCP/IP or EtherNet/IP, plus cloud-based data storage and local backup on a Micro-SD card.