Featured Products
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Installation channel walls
- Clean or dirty channels, rivers etc.
- Sizes 3'-130' (1-40 m)
- Ambient, transducers can withstand temperatures of 248°F (120°C)
- 0.5-1%
- Channel walls with multi-transducers four paths-cross, Flow & Level (separate), Alignment using laser pointer
- Two or four channels, graphic display, datalogger,analog/ digital inputs & outputs
- Open channel; clean and dirty water
Features & Benefits
- ALSONIC PL is a portable, microprocessor-based ultrasonic flow and energy meter designed for easy, non-invasive measurement.
- It uses clamp-on transducers to measure liquid flow rates without interrupting processes, ensuring minimal downtime.
- This user-friendly, programmable solution offers low installation costs and efficient operation.
- Installation fitted inside sewer line
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Clean or dirty Sewers
- Sizes 6''-48" (100-1200 m)
- Ambient, transducers can withstand temperatures of 248°F (120°C)
- 0.5-1%
- Fitted inside sewer line
- Three or four channels, graphic display, datalogger, analog/ digital inputs & outputs
- Clean or dirty sewers
Features & Benefits
- Installation fitted inside sewer lines, minimizing installation costs and maintenance requirements
- Suitable for sewer sizes ranging from 6” to 48” (100-1200 mm), covering a wide range of sewer applications
- Transducers can withstand ambient temperatures up to 248°F (120°C), ensuring reliable operation in challenging sewer environments
- High accuracy of 0.5-1%, providing precise flow data for effective sewer management and compliance monitoring
- Three or four-channel options with graphic display, datalogger, and analog/digital inputs & outputs for easy integration and data management
The Alsonic SAVM-Sewer Transit Time is perfect for wastewater treatment plants, municipalities, and industrial facilities that need to monitor and manage sewer flow rates accurately.
- Mounted at bottom of channel
- Wastewater, sewers, dirty liquids ≥ 1% ≤40% particulates
- Sizes 6"-240" (150-6000 mm)
- Ambient, transducers can withstand temperatures of 248°F (120°C)
- 2-5%
- Single transducer with both flow and level with mounting ring at bottom of channel
- One transducer for both flow and level. Available in fixed and portable system
- Economic open channel monitoring, mainly used for sewers and surveying
Features & Benefits
- Mounted at the bottom of the channel, providing a simple and cost-effective installation
- Suitable for wastewater, sewers, and dirty liquids with particulate concentrations between 1% and 40%
- Applicable for channel sizes ranging from 6″ to 240″ (150-6000 mm), covering a wide range of sewer and wastewater applications
- Transducers can withstand ambient temperatures up to 248°F (120°C), ensuring reliable performance in harsh environments
- Accuracy of 2-5%, providing reasonable flow data for sewer and wastewater monitoring
- Single transducer for both flow and level measurements, simplifying installation and maintenance
- Available in fixed and portable systems, offering flexibility for various application needs
The Alsonic DAVM-Sewer Doppler is ideal for economic open channel monitoring, mainly used for sewers and surveying applications where cost-effectiveness and portability are essential.
- Mounted above channel/river.
- Channel must have particles or waves, cannot measure in very clean surface
- Level 0-70 meters channel up to 100 meters
- Seal proof dew and condensate <65C enclosure IP68 or IP67
- +/- 0.01m/s +/-1%
- Microwave Radar for flow and radar for level mounted on top of channel in one package
- Non-contact measurement, easy to install and maintain low power consumption of <100mA (12V)suitable for solar powered
- Rivers, lakes, tides, reservoir gates, sewage pipe networks, irrigation channels, etc.
Features & Benefits
- Mounted above the channel or river, providing easy installation and maintenance
- Suitable for channels with particles or waves, but not for very clean surfaces
- Capable of measuring levels up to 70 meters and channels up to 100 meters wide
- Seal-proof enclosure (IP68 or IP67) for protection against dew and condensation up to 65°C
- High accuracy of +/- 0.01m/s +/-1% for precise flow measurement
- Non-contact measurement, minimizing flow disturbance and maintenance requirements
- Low power consumption of <100mA (12V), suitable for solar-powered applications
- Ideal for various applications, including rivers, lakes, tides, reservoir gates, sewage pipe networks, and irrigation channels
The Alsonic RAVM-Microwave Radar is perfect for applications that require accurate, non-contact flow measurement in open channels with particles or waves, offering easy installation, low maintenance, and suitability for remote, solar-powered sites.
Open Channel Flow Metering
At Smart Measurement, we specialize in providing innovative and reliable open channel flow measurement solutions for a wide range of industries. Our extensive product line includes state-of-the-art ultrasonic transit-time, radar combined with microwave Doppler, partially filled magnetic as well as traditional Doppler open channel flow meters, each designed to deliver accurate and dependable performance in challenging environments. Our expert team is dedicated to helping customers find the perfect open channel flow meter for their unique needs, offering personalized support and customized solutions.
Open Channel Flow Meter Overview
Open channel and partially filled pipes require the measurement of both area and velocity known as Area-Velocity Measurement (AVM) measurement. Fluid velocities are measured by either ultrasonic or magnetic transducers coupled with a level measurement device and a flow computer for complete flow profiling of the partially filled pipes or channels.
Traditionally, flow in channels and partially filled pipes are measured by using primary elements such as flumes or weirs in conjunction with a liquid level transducer and a flow computer. Flumes and weirs have been around for over a century, flow velocities are inferred by their shapes with only a level measurement device to estimate their flow rates. These systems are highly inaccurate because their shape will erode over time as well sedimentation will accumulate at their bottom.
Open channel flow meters are devices used to accurately measure the flow of water or other liquids in open channels such as rivers, streams, canals, or partially filled pipes. These meters play a crucial role in various applications, including:
- Water resource management
- Irrigation and agriculture
- Wastewater treatment plants
- Stormwater monitoring
- Industrial discharge measurement
- Sewer pipes
Open channel flow meters utilize different technologies to determine the flow rate based on the water level and velocity in the channel. They all have two separate sensors, one velocity and another level.
Choosing the Right Open Channel Flow Meter
Selecting the appropriate open channel flow meter depends on factors such as the application requirements, channel characteristics, desired accuracy, and budget. Some key considerations include:
- Flow range and channel dimensions
- Presence of sediment, debris, or air bubbles in the flow
- Required accuracy and repeatability
- Installation constraints and environmental conditions
- Maintenance and calibration needs
- Integration with existing monitoring systems
Consulting with experienced flow measurement professionals can help ensure the optimal selection and implementation of open channel flow meters for your specific application.
Transit-Time Solutions for Sewers: ALSONIC-SAVM
SmartMeasurement offers the ALSONIC-SAVM, a variant of the ALSONIC-AVM, specifically designed for cylindrical conduits like those in sewer systems. This model excels in profiling velocities in small channels, even with limited straight runs, making it ideal for sewer applications.
Design and Functionality
The ALSONIC-SAVM is tailored for open channel pipes or conduits ranging from 6-60 inches (150-1500mm). It features the same display module as the ALSONIC-AVM but is equipped with a pre-configured cylindrical 4-path transducer array, ensuring easy installation. This array calculates flow velocity with the same high accuracy as the standard ALSONIC-AVM.
Efficient and Accurate
Designed for adaptability and precision, the ALSONIC-SAVM is an optimal solution for measuring flow in cylindrical channels, offering the reliability and accuracy synonymous with SmartMeasurement’s ultrasonic technology.
Discover more about our Ultrasonic Water Technology and its applications here.
Key Features and Functionality
- Advanced Transit Time Transducers: Able to measure very clean liquids as well as dirty liquids of up to 30% particles or bubbles.
- Ability to incorporate any Level Transmitter technologies: Users can choose any level technologies best suited for their application and connect the analog output to the SAVM flow computer for optimum Area Velocity Measurements.
- High Accuracy: Accuracies of up to 0.5% of reading can be achieved for either clean or dirty liquids.
Advantages of ALSONIC-SAVM
- Most accurate open channel measurement in the market: Accuracies of up to 0,5% of reading can be achieved for either clean or dirty liquids.
- Easy Installation: Fits snugly inside cylindrical open channel conduits of 6-60 inches (150-1500mm)
- Versatile Display Options: Graphic display providing signal strengths, sound speeds, and various information pertaining to open channel measurements.
Special Case – Partially Filled Closed Pipes
Partially Filled Magnetic Flow Meter (ALMAGPF)
To compensate for overflow due to rain and surges municipalities of times required swage piping in which the pipe is never full so to compensate for overflow flows. These are called partially filled pipes where standard flow metering requiring continuous filled pipes will not work. These partially filled applications require a flowmeter that measures fluid velocity as well as the liquid level in the pipe.
SmartMeasurement’s ALMAG PF is an electromagnetic Partially Filled Pipe Flow Meter featuring an electromagnetic flow velocity sensor combined with a ultrasonic liquid level sensor for a complete and continuous Area Velocity flow measurement. Users only need to input the inner diameter of a circular pipe or the width of a square pipe, and the Almag PF will automatically calculate the flow rate in the pipe. The Almag PF transmitter automatically displays the instantaneous flow, flow velocity, cumulative flow and other measure- ment parameters in the pipeline. Compared with flowmeters measuring the flow rate by means of flow level, the obstruction-less ALMAG PF flow-meter is not affected by mud, sands and other solid sediment because the sensors are on the opposite sides of the flow body. It is also unaffected by waves or floating solids on the fluid surface.
ALMAGPF
ALMAG PF is an electromagnetic Partially Filled Pipe Flow Meter featuring an electromagnetic flow velocity sensor combined with a ultrasonic liquid level sensor for a complete and continuous Area Velocity flow measurement.
Specifications
- Used for partially filled closed pipes
- Pipe Sizes:2″-40″ (100-1000mm)
- Accuracies of ±2.5% FS
- For Liquids w/ electrical conductivity ≤ 100 μS/cm
- 0-130°F(0-55°C)
- Neoprene or Hard rubber lines with 316SS , 316L, Ti, Hastelloy C electrodes Flanged (DIN, ANSI, JIS etc.)
- Applications are for storm surge, drainage systems, discharge control
- Water and Wastewater industries
Benefits of Open Channel Flow Meters
Open channel flow meters offer several advantages over traditional methods like flumes or weirs:
- Non-intrusive measurement, minimizing flow disturbances and pressure drop
- Reduced installation and maintenance costs
- Ability to handle a wide range of flow rates and channel shapes
- High accuracy and reliability, with some meters achieving ±0.5% accuracy
- Versatility in measuring forward and reverse flows
- Compatibility with various communication protocols for remote monitoring
Applications
Smart Measurement’s open channel flow meters offer accurate flow measurement in open channels and partially filled pipes. Our meters are suitable for a wide range of applications, including water resource management, irrigation, wastewater treatment, stormwater monitoring, and industrial discharge measurement. With low maintenance requirements, our meters provide reliable, long-term performance. Some unique benefits of Smart Measurement’s open channel flow meters include:
Open channel flow meters are used in a variety of applications, including:
- Water resource management: Monitoring flow in rivers, streams, and irrigation channels to optimize water distribution and conservation.
- Wastewater treatment: Measuring influent and effluent flow rates to ensure proper treatment and compliance with regulations.
- Stormwater monitoring: Tracking flow rates in stormwater channels and culverts to prevent flooding and manage runoff.
- Industrial discharge: Monitoring industrial wastewater discharge to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
How Open Channel Flow Meters Work
Area Velocity Flow Meters
Area velocity flow meters differ from other types by combining a submerged velocity sensor with an ultrasonic level sensor to calculate the flow rate. This technology offers several advantages for certain applications, such as:
- Accurate flow measurement in partially filled pipes or channels with irregular shapes
- Ability to handle a wide range of flow rates and velocities
- Reduced installation costs compared to flumes or weirs
Open channel flow meters rely on two key measurements to determine the flow rate:
- Liquid level: The height of the liquid surface in the channel
- Velocity: The average speed of the liquid flowing through the channel
By multiplying the cross-sectional area of the flow (calculated using the liquid level and channel dimensions) with the average velocity, the flow meter can accurately compute the volumetric flow rate using the following equation: Flow Rate (Q) = Cross-sectional Area (A) × Average Velocity (V)
Several technologies are employed in open channel flow meters to measure liquid level and velocity:
Theories of Operation
Q = a x 1.486/n x R2/3 x S1/2
Input Data: Area = ft² Mannings ‘n’ = Wetted Perimeter = ft Slope = ft/ft
Results: Hydraulic Radius = ft Flow Rate = cfs Velocity = ft/s
Fluid velocity is measured by sending an ultrasonic pulse from an upstream transducer to a downstream transducer and back again. These signals are emitted alternately in the flow direction and against it. As the fluid in which the signals propagate is flowing, the transit time of the ultrasonic signals in the flow direction is shorter than against the flow direction. The resulting difference in transit time, ∆t, is measured and allows the flowmeter to determine the average fluid velocity along the propagation path of the ultrasonic signals. A flow profile correction is then performed in order to obtain the area averaged flow velocity, which is proportional to the volumetric flow rate based on user-entered information about the process application.
- Ultrasound pulses are propagated in an angle both from the upstream and downstream, and flow rate is measured by detecting the time difference generated with the flow.
- Suitable for clean fluid
- Ultrasound pulses are transmitted into a liquid, and flow velocity profile is found and the flow rate is measured by using the characteristics that Doppler frequency of the echo from reflectors such as air bubbles and particles in the liquid changes according to flow velocity.
- Suitable for opaque fluid
Level measurement using radar technology is based on the reflection of microwaves on surface media. All media have a dielectric constant. The higher it is, the stronger the reflection of the microwaves will be. Vacuum gives no reflection at all and has a dielectric constant of 1. Radar level transmitters use top-down waveguides to generate and direct microwave pulses downwards into a containment vessel. These signals propagate through the headspace due to the low dielectric constant, or relative permittivity (Er), of gas and vapor.