Flowmeter Rentals From Marsh-McBirney

Focus On Flow: Could you provide our readers with some details on the recently introduced Flowmeter Rental Program?
Dave Baker: Effective Jan 1, 2005, Marsh-McBirney began a Rental Program for their two most popular open channel flowmeters, the Flo-Dar Radar Velocity/Area Flowmeter and the Flo-Mate Velocity Flowmeter. Marsh-McBirney has created a Rental Services Division that is responsible for the rental of these meters as well as providing technical support and expertise to those that are currently renting meters from us or those that are pursuing the rental option. A Rent-to-Own option is also available in the Flowmeter Rental Program. Just by word of mouth alone, I am pleased to say, we had rentals out in the field in our first week and are receiving numerous inquiries daily regarding the program.

FOF: What types of flow monitoring applications are ideal for the Flo-Mate and Flo-Dar flowmeters?
DB: The Flo-Mate Portable Velocity Flowmeter is the industry standard for the measurement of velocity in open channels such as river, streams and sewers as well as its use as a calibration checking device for weirs, flumes and flowmeters. Design features include a proven electromagnetic sensor, water resistant electronics, as well as data storage and recall, just to name a few. These features make this an excellent choice for field work to streamline your flow monitoring tasks. The unit is battery operated, lightweight (just 3 ¸ pounds) and designed for rugged field use.

The Flo-Dar Radar Velocity/Area flowmeter is typically used in sewer flow monitoring and other open channel applications. The radar sensor is installed above the flow stream and provides highly accurate flow measurements while eliminating the need for submerged sensors that can easily foul in the wastewater environment. For many years, customers have expressed a desire to monitor flow without the need to enter the manhole to clean fouled sensors or to re-install and remove meters to extract collected flow data. With Flo-Darâs design features we have answered the call. This meter is the only radar velocity flowmeter of its kind worldwide. Our users are enjoying the cost savings they are realizing with Flo-Darâs use, including manpower and equipment costs associated with confined space entry. Flo-Dar also makes the flow monitoring experience more pleasant by eliminating the need to frequently enter manholes and whoâs not up for that? You could save thousands of dollars at each monitoring site while simplifying the entire flow monitoring process and thatâs what flowmeter users are looking for.

FOF: What advantages does the Rental Program provide?
DB: First, we know that there are some customers that need to begin their flow monitoring studies prior to the scheduled delivery of their newly purchased Marsh-McBirney flowmeter(s). Our Rental Program will give them immediate access to a flowmeter(s) to begin their studies until their purchased unit(s) is delivered. Secondly, there are those that do not plan to purchase a flowmeter in the near future but have a requirement to monitor flow only once or even several times a year. The rental option provides a cost-effective option that allows them to use highly accurate, cost-saving flowmeters at a fraction of the purchase price for a new meter. We realize that the necessity to monitor flow isnât always planned for and doesnât always coincide with an organizations fiscal budget. Thereâs the obvious advantage to renting equipment when you have working capital on a monthly basis. You can use that capital to rent as opposed to making a major purchase, most of the time without the waiting time necessary for the approval process associated with a major purchase. Our Rental Program was designed to provide a cost-saving alternative in these situations without compromising data quality and integrity that are especially important in projects associated with regulatory permitting requirements.

FOF: Why do you feel it is important to rent directly from the manufacturer?
DB: Obviously, since we are the manufacturer, we are the experts on our flowmeters. We provide unparalleled technical support and have over 34 years of experience in the flow monitoring arena. We are an ISO 9001:2000 certified manufacturing facility with in-house calibration facilities that are traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). When you rent a flowmeter from us you can rest assured that the meter has been thoroughly tested. Our rental customer is guaranteed to receive an instrument in perfect working order. This process ensures that upon receipt of the rental meter, the customer can immediately begin collecting flow data. The confidence factor involved in renting directly from the manufacturer cannot be overstated. The ability to talk directly with factory-direct personnel who know the instrument goes a long way. When rental customers have technical questions regarding our rental meters, we are first-line and will have all of the right answers! Thereâs no second-guessing or middleman involved. Itâs a huge time and money-saver to rent direct.

FOF: What if a potential rental customer is unsure as to which Marsh-McBirney flowmeter rental is best suited to their application?
DB: The Rental Services Division looks forward to assisting existing and potential rental customers with their specific applications. The peace of mind we can provide based on our vast flow knowledge as well as the largest installed flowmeter user base worldwide is unmatched in the industry. We realize the importance of listening to our customers which in turn enables us to recommend the flowmeter most appropriate for their application. Since all of our product offerings are currently not included in the Rental Program, we will be glad to provide you with alternative rental resources for Marsh-McBirney flowmeters should the need arise.

FOF: How does the 'Rent-to-Ownä Program work?
DB: There are currently two options available in the Rent-to-Own program.

If youâre in the market for a Flo-Dar or Flo-Mate flowmeter for a short-term or long-term monitoring project, Dave Baker, Rental Services Manger, is the guy to talk with at Marsh-McBirney. Read how easy it is to now rent these meters directly from the factory.  We caught up to Dave (pictured at right) recently and asked him some questions about the program.:

• Option one allows the rental customer to purchase the unit they are currently renting. We will apply 70% of their total paid rental fees toward the current list price of the unit.  A six-month warranty is included with this option.
• Our second Rent-to-Buy option is for our rental customers that want to purchase a new Marsh-McBirney flowmeter. If the customer chooses this option, we will apply 35% of the total paid rental fees toward the current list price of a new unit. A full standard warranty is included with this option.