The Aquasonic 7000 ultrasonic sensor system is a
non-contact sensor that measures the distance to a
surface through air. Thus, the system can be used to
detect and monitor water levels. The system has an
SDI-12 interface for communicating with other SDI-12
data loggers or data collection platforms (DCP's).
The sensor operates by transmitting sound waves
through the air. The sound waves reflect off the
target and echo back to the sensor. The system
calculates the distance between the sensor and the
target on the basis of the time interval between the
transmission and the echo.
The Aquasonic 7000 Ultrasonic Sensor System
consists of a controller, the remote sensor head,
and an interconnecting coaxial cable. The controller
is housed in a polycarbonate NEMA 4 enclosure that
measures 6.3 inches long by 3.2 inches wide by 2.2
inches tall. A four-digit LED display and four push
buttons, located on a faceplate under the enclosure
cover, are used to set up the unit for operation and
to view the current measurement reading or sensor
temperature. An ON/OFF pushbutton is also located on
the faceplate. Four screws on the cover must be
removed to access the display and pushbuttons.
The sensor head is housed in a type 304 stainless
steel NEMA enclosure that is 2.35 inches in diameter
by 3.5 inches long. The sensor head has a
ceramic-type transducer for use in wet, condensing
environments. The ceramic transducer has three
sensing ranges (distance from sensor head to water
level) of 0.6 to 16 feet, 1.5 to 35 feet and 2 to 50
ft.
The sensor head, connected by coaxial cable, can
be located up to 2,000 feet from the controller. A
three-wire cable connects the controller to an
SDI-12 data logger/DCP.
The system has a specified accuracy of ±0.2
percent of range with no temperature gradient
present in the air column. The sensor head contains
an internal thermistor that measures the sensor
temperature. This allows for compensation in the
readings for temperature changes and helps ensure
the accuracy of the measurements throughout daily
and seasonal temperature changes. The minimum change
that the system can detect (resolution) is 0.1 inch
(0.008 foot).
The 50 foot operating range of the Aquasonic 7000
sensor is ideal for measuring the level of
reservoirs or stream levels where the sensor must be
elevated 20 or more feet above the stream bed. The
sensor can be set up to operate with short run times
of 10 seconds or less making use with battery
powered systems possible. The 4-20 mA output can be
scaled over any interval throughout the sensor's
operating range. One of the relays can be configured
to provide loss-of-echo indication.
The Aquasonic 7000 sensors are easily programmed
through a DOS based utility program. When the
program is initiated, the current sensor settings
are displayed. The user can then change the settings
based on the application. All settings are stored in
memory so the sensor will hold the user settings
each time it is shut down.
The user settings control the sensitivity,
blanking, transmit pulses, scaling of the analog
signal, calibration, temperature compensation and
engineering units. The calibration can be adjusted
to improve accuracy based on the environmental
conditions. There are no adjustments for sample rate
or filtering. Although the sensors may be run
continuously, they are designed for short run times
with the sample rate maximized and specialized echo
qualification filtering. This ensures the highest
accuracy possible.
808-001 Aquasonic
0.6-16 ft. 6 lbs.
808-002 Aquasonic
1.5-35 ft. 6 lbs.
808-003 Aquasonic 2-50
ft. 6 lbs.
The Aquadar Radar Gage is a non-contact stage
measurement sensor that represents a new type of
level measurement for surface water which offers
many advantages in hydrological field applications.
The main advantage of the Aquadar is it does not
come in direct contact with the water. Thanks to its
compact design and the non-contact measuring
principle, the sensor can be installed easily and
inconspicuously. With the Aquadar, problems like
disruption of measuring operation caused by
high-water silt accumulation, debris, plant growth,
etc., as well as time-consuming maintenance are
eliminated.
Cumbersome stilling wells are replaced by an
integrated software filter for averaging wave
motion. The measuring signals are transferred to a
data logger by means of a RS485 or SDI-12 interface,
over distances of up to 1000 m. A power supply of 12
V (rechargeable battery, solar energy) and low power
consumption enable the device to operate
independently in the most remote areas. Aquadar is
particularly suitable for areas where conventional
measuring systems cannot be used or where a station
needs to be set up quickly.
The
Aquadar can be fitted easily and quickly, on a
bridge, measuring frame or 'extension arm', for
example. The Aquadar sends radar waves (microwaves)
perpendicular to the water surface. An intelligent
signal processor calculates the exact distance
between the sensor and the surface of the water.
Digital measured values, status values and any
error messages present are scanned by means of an
external data logger via the RS 485 interface.
Features:
- Non contact measuring principle, no damage
caused by silt cumulation or debris
- Simple, inexpensive installation - no
difficult fitting procedure necessary
- 12 V DC power supply; low power consumption
enables operation with rechargeable batteries or
solar
- Cost reduction due to low maintenance
requirements
- RS485 Interface, optional SDI 12 signal (RS
485 - SDI-12 converter)
- Integrated lightning protection fitted as
standard
- Robust, weatherproof housing (IP 68)
RS 485 Interface:
- digital data transmission up to 1000 m (3,000
ft) distance
- Transmission rate 9600 bps
- Cable Connection Radarsensor to datalogger.
Standard length 3 m (10 ft.)
