Non-contact flow measurement system using radar technology for open rivers

The RQ-30+ is a sensor for continuous flow measurement in rivers, open channels and channels with a known cross-sectional profile. The sensor uses innovative radar technology to measure velocity, water level and flow rate. It provides reliable, non-contact measurement without the need for structural works in the water. Features:

• Non-contact radar method that prevents dirt and deterioration, with no sensor maintenance required
• Automatic flow calculation based on a hydraulic model with multiple dynamic k factors
• Sensor self-diagnosis with status and error output
• AI-based machine learning to compensate for environmental influences and detect errors in advance
• Three-point velocity calibration certificate
• Advanced velocity diagnostics with spectral display
• Flow calculation integrated in the RQ-30+
• Combined water level and velocity sensor in a weatherproof and vandal-resistant housing
• Sommer Messtechnik ANR: advanced noise reduction system

Measuring principle: Non-contact radar technology determines the flow velocity at the water surface using the Doppler frequency shift method. In addition, the water level is established by measuring the travel time. Knowing the cross-sectional profile, the water flow rate Q can be calculated based on the continuity equation: Q=vm⋅A(h)Q = v_m \cdot A(h) where vm is the average velocity and A(h) is the cross-sectional area as a function of level h.

General

• Dimensions 295 mm x 160 mm x 210,5 mm
• Total weight 5.4 kg
• Protection class IP 67
• Power supply 9… 30 V
• Power consumption at 12V standby approx. 1mA; active operation approx. 140mA
• Operating temperature -40…85 °C (-40…185 °F)
• Lightning protection integrated protection against indirect lightning with a discharge capacity of 0,6kW Ppp over voltage protection

Waterlevel measurement

• Measurement range 0 … 15 m/ 0 … 30 m
• Resolution 1 mm
• Radar frequency 80 GHz
• Accuracy ± 2 mm
• Radar opening angle 8° / 4°

Velocity measurement

• Measurement range 0.08 … 16 m/s (depending on flow conditions)
• Accuracy +/- 0.01 m/s
• Resolution 1 mm/s
• Direction recognition +/-
• Measurement duration 5 … 240 s
• Measurement interval 8 s … 5h
• Measurement frequency 24 GHz (K-Band)
• Radar opening angle 12°
• Distance to water surface 0.50 … 130m

Automatic vertical angle compensation

• Vertical inclination measured internally
• Accuracy +/- 1°
• Resolution +/- 0.1°

Interface

• Output RS-485 ASCII or Modbus RTU, SDI-12, Analog output 4…20 mA (14 bit, max. load 250 Ω), Digital output (low: 0 V, high: Vsupply, max. 1.5 A)
• Digital interface SDI-12; RS 485 or Modbus Protocol: various ASCII-protocols
• Output: water level, velocity and discharge, quality parameters

Continuous non-contact measurement of water flow in rivers, streams, open channels and ditches.

IP67

Consult