Introducing ELANTAS conformal coating and potting products, designed to provide reliable protection in the most demanding settings of the Smart Meter Segment.

Author: Scott Stephan, Director- Electronic Business Line

Reliability is critical in the world of smart metering for gas, water, and electric utilities. One of the most essential parts of a smart meter is the PCB (printed circuit board). Since smart meters can be found in every corner of the United States, one can assume the weather conditions and environments would vary. These unpredictable locations and unforgiving environments can be hazardous to a smart meter with a highly sensitive PCB inside. Because of this, ELANTAS has created conformal coating and potting solutions that protect these smart meters.

In 2023, there were 30+ million smart meters manufactured in the U.S. According to Mordor Intelligences' market study, GLOBAL SMART METER MARKET (2024 – 2029) Report, the global smart meter market will grow at a rate of 9.8% between 2024 - 2029. The growth is attributed to several factors that drive this expansion. One of the overall critical aspects across the utility segment is the criticality of energy and water monitoring in an era where conservation and energy management are essential. This enablement of moving to smart meters gives utility service providers data with support from the IoT network. Having data in their hands allows utility providers to make decisions faster by monitoring energy in real-time. The electric meter segment was the first to transition to smart meters. However, the water and gas segments are seeing growth as well. In the U.S. alone, the water and gas segments will grow at a rate of 10% and 16%, respectively, according to IoT Analytics. Having real-time data allows utilities to monitor usage and can give early warning signs of pre-eminent disasters.

In the water meter segment, especially in areas of the U.S. where water scarcity is of concern, an undetected leak in a residential home could waste over 2500 gallons in a year. Identifying these leaks requires more than a standard water meter, and having technology that can measure water usage along with complimentary devices such as leak detection is critical. This type of technology is also valuable in the smart gas meter segment and, with real-time data, can provide a utility company with crucial information. Like smart electric meters, water and gas meters are deployed in regions where temperature, environment, and climate change frequently throughout the year.

One of the most critical aspects of a smart meter is its reliability and performance, whether it is an electric or gas meter connected to the side of a home or a smart water meter deployed underground. The working environment of each of these smart meters varies from dry, hot temperatures to damp, wet, and sometimes hazardous environments. Smart meter manufacturers are challenged with designing robust applications that will perform in challenging environments. To maintain high reliability with the smart meter it is essential to protect the control center or printed circuit board of these units. Fortunately, solutions on the market can give a smart meter protection by using materials such as conformal coatings or potting materials.

ELANTAS conformal coating and potting materials create a solid, long-lasting layer of protection that offers the best defense against corrosion, heat, moisture, and dust. Smart meter manufacturers have found that using coatings or potting on the printed circuit board in harsh conditions will provide a higher level of protection to the equipment. Our conformal coating and potting materials, such as the CONAP® EN-5852, Conathane® CE-1170, and Conathane® EN-5317, are available to protect the investment and help provide longevity.

ELANTAS PDG, Inc., based in St. Louis, Missouri, is a premier global supplier of specialty resins for applications in the electrical and electronic industries. Over the years, ELANTAS has developed and acquired additional products and chemistries to service these industries.

Visit www.elantas.com/pdg. Known for our strong application expertise, we are always here to support you and guide you as you choose your smart meter solutions.

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