How to read flow meters

Flow meters may provide readings in different measurements, like cubic meters (m3), megalitres (ML) or litres (L).

Below are some examples of flow meter displays and how to convert readings into kilolitres (kL). 

Flow meter displays

The flow meter in the image below shows a flowrate of 0.02 litres per second (L/s). This means at the time of reading discharge was moving at 0.02L/sec.

The reading shows the total amount of flow in kilolitres as 487.5kL  This is the figure you will record and send to us.

Image 1

If your flow meter display is damaged it might be unreadable. If this happens, let us know the date of the damage (or the date you notice the damage) and what has happened, for example sun or water damage. 

Then contact your service provider to have your flow meter repaired. You can find a list of service providers on our Industrial trade waste service providers page. 

Image 2

The flow meter in image 3 displays cubic meters (m3/h) as the unit of measurement. 
The units m3/h and kL/h are the same: 

• 1 cubic metre (m3) is equal to 1000 litres
• 1 kilolitre is equal to 1000 litres.

Whenever you see m3/h as the unit of measurement on your flow meter you can replace it with kL/h.

The figure 1.4582m3/h (or kL/h), located at the top of the display, is your flow rate.

The figure 16010.54m3 (or kL) shows the total flow. This is the figure you will record and send to us.

Image 3

The flow meter in image 4 is displaying the totaliser reading in litres (L). 
You will need to convert the reading to kilolitres (kL) by dividing the figure by 1000: 

• 5110448L divided by 1000 equals 5110.448kL

Instead of dividing, you can also move the decimal point three spaces to the left to convert the reading. 

The figure you will record and send to us is 5110.448kL.

Image 4

In image 5 the flow meter display shows:

• flowrate in litres per second (L/s)
• total flow in metres squared (m3)
• electrical current in milliamps  (mA).

The figure 39.51m3 represents the total flow. Metres squared is equal to kilolitres so you don’t need to convert the reading. The figure you will record and send to us is 39.51kL .

Image 5

The flow meter in image 6 shows a reading in megalitres (ML). To convert this to kilolitres (kL) you will need to multiply it by 1000:

• 3.527MI multiplied by 1000 equals 3527kL

Instead of multiplying, you can also move the decimal three spaces to the right to convert the reading. 
The figure you will record and send to us is 3527kL. 

Image 6

If you have any questions about your flow meter contact the Business Customer Services (Trade Waste) team on (03) 9313 8366.