User's Manual

Flow Rate/Temperature Sensor Specifications
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012-08622B
the sensor. In high risk situations, only allow a water patrol
officer or public safety official to remove the sensor.
• Always hold the pole vertically and keep the propeller in
the direction of the current flow, facing upstream.
• When taking a reading, keep the handle steady.
• If the flow rate reading suddenly falls to zero mid-
stream, check the propeller for debris. When sand or
other particles become lodged in the propeller, the pro-
peller stops turning and the reading drops to zero.
• Erratic readings may occur with turbulent water flow. If
measuring flow from a stream or creek, keep the hous-
ing in a stable position, away from rocks and turbu-
lence. If measuring in low depths, the housing can be set
on the stream bed for a more stable reading.
• Do not connect the propeller housing to pipes or other
tubing.
• If using the Flow Rate Sensor from a boat, tether the
boat such that the boat does not move during measure-
ments. Boat movement may interfere with an accurate
flow rate measurement.
Making Measurements
Using SPARKvue Software
• Connect the sensor plug to a PASPORT input port on a
SPARKvue-compatible interface and start the software.
The sensor parameter screen opens and shows the list of
measurements for the sensor.
• In the sensor parameter screen, touch a measurement,
and then touch ‘Show’ to open a graph display of the
measurement.
• Touch “Start”( ) to begin recording data.
Using the Xplorer GLX
• Turn on the Xplorer GLX and connect the sensor plug to
a port on the top. A Graph display of Flow Rate versus
Time opens automatically.
•Press the Start/Stop key (s) to begin recording data.
Press the same key again to stop recording.
Calibration Information
Calibration of the Flow Rate/Temperature Sensor is not
needed.
More Information
For more information about collecting, recording, displaying
and analyzing data, refer to the User’s Guide or Online Help
System for the data acquisition software.
Specifications
Extending the Sensor Tube
Between the handle and the sensor tube are two ribbed sec-
tions. One of them is slightly longer and larger in diameter.
To extend the tube, hold the smaller ribbed section firmly
with one hand, and turn the other ribbed section counter-
clockwise (left-to-right) to loosen it. When the ribbed section
is loose, pull the handle to extend the tube to the desired
length. Turn the larger ribbed section clockwise
(right-to-left) to tighten it and hold the tube in place.
Maintenance
Storage
When not using the Flow Rate Sensor, store the sensor in a
dry environment to avoid corrosion. If necessary, periodi-
cally lubricate the propeller with silicone oil.
Suggested Activity: Measuring the Flow
Rate and Temperature in a Stream
• Connect the sensor plug to the interface and turn on the
interface.
• Place the Flow Rate/Temperature Sensor impeller hous-
ing about two inches below the surface of a moving
stream of water. Hold the sensor steady.
• Start recording data.
• On a piece of paper, draw a diagram of the stream and
shoreline. On the stream diagram, mark the point where
you took the measurement. Next to the point, record the
flow rate and temperature readings.
• Repeat the data recording process as several depths and
locations in the stream of water.
• Compare the flow rate and temperature at the different
depths and locations.
Using the Flow Rate Sensor to Estimate
Total Water Output
• With a measuring tape, measure the width of the stream
of water (shore-to-shore) and record the width in meters.
• With the Flow Sensor’s depth measurement scale, take
depth measurements in meters at equally spaced inter-
Item Value
Ranges: Flow Rate: 0.3 to 13 ft/s
Temperature: -3° to 42°C
Accuracy: 0.1 ft/s
Pulse Frequency: 8.62 per linear foot
Unit Options: feet/second, meters/second,
total pulses
Probe Length: 1 meter to 2.13 m
Minimum Depth: 1.5 in (3.8 cm)