Elster Introduces C700 Polymer Meters With Insert-Molded Metal Thread Design

OCALA, Fla., June 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Elster today announced the launch of its enhanced C700 polymer meters, which combine the benefits of advanced engineering polymer materials and molding technologies with the proven measurement technology of the Elster bronze C700 family of water meters. Elster is showcasing the product for the first time at the American Water Works Association's (AWWA) annual conference and exposition on June 20 - 23, 2010, in Chicago.

Molded into the polymer, the bronze threads eliminate the need for welding and secondary manufacturing operations, providing a single piece meter body with a reliable and durable design. The metal thread inserts also provide simple and reliable connectivity by reducing the risk of stripped or crossed threads, which can be associated with plastic threading.

The new C700 water meters are ultra lightweight – almost half the weight of a bronze meter, and offer no leaded material in contact with water. In addition, the polymer body deters theft of valuable bronze alloy.

"Elster's latest innovation integrates metal threads into the body of our C700 polymer meters and offers utilities the kind of accurate, reliable, cost-saving solution they have come to expect from us," said Thomas Gwynn, president of Elster AMCO Water.

The C700 polymer meters also feature a spectrum of reading technologies that allow utilities the flexibility to match their needs. Upgradeable to automated meter reading (AMR) and advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), C700 polymer meters are compatible with digital pulse output or Elster AMCO Water InVISION™ absolute encoders, allowing for remote electronic readings at lower costs and increased accuracy compared to visual reading. The bottom-loaded meter design simplifies register replacement, reducing utilities' costs to upgrade to AMI/AMR technologies.

About Elster

Elster is one of the world's largest providers of electricity, gas and water meters and related communications, networking and software solutions, which are key components for enabling energy efficiency and conservation. Its products and solutions are widely used by customers in the manual-read meter and Smart Grid markets.

Elster has one of the most extensive installed meter bases in the world, with more than 200 million metering devices deployed over the course of the last 10 years. It sells its products and services in more than 130 countries across electricity, gas, water and multi-utility applications for both residential and commercial and industrial customers.

Elster was acquired by funds advised by CVC Capital Partners in September 2005.

For more information about Elster, please visit www.elster.com.

About Elster AMCO Water

Located in Ocala, Florida, Elster AMCO Water is an industry leader in the development and implementation of innovative metering and system solutions and is committed to delivering superior customer service, quality products, solutions and services to the water utility industry.

For more information about Elster AMCO Water, please visit www.elsteramcowater.com

SOURCE Elster