Try
the
ULTRASONIC
FLOW METER
Irrigation is no different from any other crop production
input; to be managed effectively and economically it must be measured
accurately. Several devices exist to measure water flow in pipelines. A
relatively new alternative is the Ultrasonic Flow Meter (USFM). The USFM is a
non-invasive device that can be used to measure both flow rate and volume.
The USFM has clamp-on transducers, which
eliminate in-line installation, allowing one meter to be used at many locations.
The exterior meter can be installed without flow interruptions, with zero
pressure drops and also insures leak free measurements that can be associated
with in-line meter installation.
The transmission, or transit-time, ultrasonic flow meter operates on the
principle of phase shift. Two transducers act alternately as transmitter and
receiver as two paths of sonic beams travel back and forth across the pipe. One
beam travels downstream while the other moves upstream. The motion of the fluid
causes a frequency shift in both waves. This shift is related to the velocity of
the fluid. Research has shown that, when installed properly, USFM accuracy
ranges from +/- 1 to +/- 5 percent of full scale.
The Big Horn Basin Irrigation Water Management Program now has an Ultrasonic
Flow Meter. This meter is used to help agriculture producers in testing well
output, pump flows, pipe flows, and rating the efficiency of irrigation systems.
For more information or to set up a time when we can bring the meter to your
place, give Caryn a call at 347-2456 extension 121.
