Open Channel Ultrasonic Flow Meter

Open Channel Ultrasonic Flow Meter

Product Overview

The VSAN Open Channel Ultrasonic Flow Meter is a highly advanced, non-contact flow measurement system designed to accurately measure the flow of liquids in open channels, partially filled pipelines, canals, rivers, drainage systems, and wastewater treatment facilities. Utilizing Ultrasonic Time-of-Flight Technology, the instrument continuously measures the liquid level and calculates the flow rate based on the channel geometry or primary flow measuring device, such as a Parshall Flume, Venturi Flume, Rectangular Weir, Triangular (V-Notch) Weir, Cipolletti Weir, or Palmer-Bowlus Flume.

Unlike conventional flow meters used in closed pipelines, the VSAN Open Channel Ultrasonic Flow Meter is specifically engineered for applications where liquid flows under atmospheric pressure through open channels. The non-contact ultrasonic sensor is installed above the water surface, eliminating direct contact with the liquid. This ensures zero mechanical wear, improved corrosion resistance, low maintenance, and long-term measurement stability, even in challenging wastewater and industrial environments.

The system consists of an ultrasonic level transmitter and an intelligent flow transmitter with a high-resolution LCD display. The transmitter automatically converts the measured liquid level into flow rate using pre-programmed hydraulic equations corresponding to the selected flume or weir type. The instrument displays instantaneous flow rate, totalized flow, liquid level, flow velocity (where applicable), alarm status, and diagnostic information for comprehensive process monitoring.

The VSAN Open Channel Ultrasonic Flow Meter supports multiple industrial communication options, including 4–20 mA Analog Output, Pulse Output, Relay Output, RS485 Modbus RTU, HART (Optional), GSM/GPRS, Ethernet, and IoT Communication (Optional), allowing seamless integration with PLC, DCS, SCADA, and remote monitoring systems.

Designed for continuous outdoor operation, the instrument features a rugged IP66/IP67/IP68 enclosure with weather-resistant construction suitable for harsh industrial and environmental conditions. Its non-contact measurement technology minimizes fouling and sensor contamination, ensuring accurate and reliable performance over long periods.

The VSAN Open Channel Ultrasonic Flow Meter is widely used in Water Treatment Plants, Wastewater Treatment Plants, Municipal Drainage Systems, Irrigation Canals, Hydroelectric Projects, Industrial Effluent Monitoring, Environmental Monitoring, and Smart Water Management Systems, providing an efficient and dependable solution for open channel flow measurement.

Working Principle

The VSAN Open Channel Ultrasonic Flow Meter operates on the Ultrasonic Time-of-Flight (Echo) Principle.

An ultrasonic sensor mounted above the open channel continuously emits high-frequency ultrasonic pulses toward the liquid surface. These pulses travel through the air, strike the liquid surface, and are reflected back to the sensor.

The transmitter precisely measures the time taken for the ultrasonic signal to travel to the liquid surface and return. Using the known speed of sound in air, the instrument accurately calculates the distance between the sensor and the liquid surface, thereby determining the liquid level.

The measured level is then processed using built-in hydraulic equations corresponding to the selected measuring structure, such as a Parshall Flume, Venturi Flume, Rectangular Weir, V-Notch Weir, or Cipolletti Weir. Based on the measured level and the geometry of the flow structure, the transmitter automatically calculates the instantaneous flow rate and totalized flow.

Since the measurement is completely non-contact, the sensor never comes into contact with the liquid, helping prevent corrosion, scaling, and mechanical wear. This ensures highly reliable and low-maintenance operation even in dirty water, wastewater, and aggressive industrial environments.

Key Features

  • Non-Contact Ultrasonic Measurement Technology
  • Accurate Open Channel Flow Measurement
  • Suitable for Weirs and Flumes
  • High Accuracy up to ±1% of Reading
  • No Moving Parts – Maintenance-Free Operation
  • Non-Contact Sensor for Long Service Life
  • Suitable for Clean Water and Wastewater
  • Large Backlit LCD Display
  • Displays Flow Rate, Totalizer, and Liquid Level
  • Built-in Hydraulic Calculation for Standard Weirs & Flumes
  • Supports Parshall, Venturi, Rectangular, V-Notch & Cipolletti Weirs
  • Automatic Temperature Compensation
  • Built-in Self-Diagnostic Function
  • High Measurement Stability
  • 4–20 mA Analog Output
  • Pulse Output
  • Relay Alarm Output
  • RS485 Modbus RTU Communication
  • Optional HART, GSM/GPRS & Ethernet Communication
  • IP66 / IP67 / IP68 Protection
  • Weatherproof Industrial Enclosure
  • Easy Installation and Commissioning
  • Factory Calibrated and Tested
  • Low Maintenance
  • Long Operational Life

Applications

The VSAN Open Channel Ultrasonic Flow Meter is widely used for monitoring and controlling liquid flow in open channels across municipal, industrial, agricultural, and environmental applications.

Water & Wastewater Industry

  • Water Treatment Plants
  • Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTP)
  • Sewage Treatment Plants (STP)
  • Effluent Treatment Plants (ETP)
  • Storm Water Drainage Systems

Municipal Applications

  • Open Drain Monitoring
  • City Drainage Channels
  • Flood Monitoring
  • Water Distribution Canals
  • Smart Water Management Projects

Irrigation & Agriculture

  • Irrigation Canals
  • Agricultural Water Distribution
  • Reservoir Outlet Monitoring
  • Farm Water Management

Industrial Applications

  • Industrial Effluent Monitoring
  • Process Water Discharge
  • Cooling Water Channels
  • Chemical Plant Drainage
  • Power Plant Water Outlets

Environmental Monitoring

  • River Flow Monitoring
  • Canal Flow Measurement
  • Lake Inlet & Outlet Monitoring
  • Rainwater Harvesting Systems
  • Environmental Compliance Monitoring

Other Applications

  • Hydroelectric Projects
  • Mining Industry
  • Steel Plants
  • Cement Plants
S.No User Manual Download
1 User Manual Download
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1 OPEN CHANNEL ULTRASONIC FLOW METER Download

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