Open Channel Flow Meters

Portable instruments and fixed meter products for a wide range of open channel flow measurement applications. Ideal for water outflows and wastewater and effluent flow measurement where the liquids are not enclosed by pipes.

What are Open Channel Flow Meters?

An open channel flow meter uses reflected ultrasonic waves to gauge the distance for the face of the water surface to the ultrasonic transducer. The time occurring between the transmitted signal and the time received will determine the level of water.

This transducer will act as both echo receiver and a pulse emitter, though it’s worth nothing the sound speed does vary with the temperature of the air. Therefore, for a more accurate flow measurement, the transmit time needs to be corrected for sound speed changes caused by the ambient temperature. Many have these temperature sensors as in-built, others require this as standalone extras.

Advantages of Open Channel Flow Meters

These meters require little maintenance (no moving parts), run at a low cost, are immune to the effects of solids and silt blockages and suitable for anything from a medium/large pipes up to streams and rivers.