OTT/Hydrolab Sensor Selection Guides

Surface Water-Level Sensor Selection Guide

Introduction
At Hach Environmental our philosophy is, Be right, the environment is worth it. We are committed to producing quality and innovative sensors for monitoring parameters within the worlds water cycle. Our team developed surface water level sensors specifically for open channels to ensure you obtain the most accurate and reliable stage measurements. In addition to sensor quality, we recognize site characteristics, such as seasonal and environmental conditions, influence the effectiveness to which a sensor can measure water level. These affects can be minimized or eliminated if the right sensor is selected for the site. Selecting a surface water level sensor can be difficult and time consuming. This selection guide minimizes the time required to select the right sensor. The following sections will help you identify site characteristics and determine the right sensor for your surface water level monitoring application.

Site Characteristics
Each surface water-measuring site is unique; to select the right sensor it is helpful to know the site characteristics. The following checklist and overview offers guidance for evaluating site characteristics. Water Level: Minimum: Rapid Fluctuations Natural or Man-made Objects: Large rocks Bridge Weir Stilling well Seasonal Conditions: Flash floods Pools at low flow Snow/Ice cover and flows Lightning prone site/area High concretion of suspended sediment Environmental Conditions: Fresh water Salt-water Brackish water Debris in water Sand bars Vertical wall Flume Maximum:

Lightning Prone Site/Area Migrating channels Wind: Waves: Banks: Light Small Stable Strong Large Unstable Braided stream

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Measuring Range To determine the required sensor measuring range, determine the minimum and maximum water levels. The selected measuring range should bracket anticipated water level fluctuations. Selecting the proper measuring range minimizes the likelihood data would be lost during major events due to an exceeded measuring range. Natural or Man-made Object Measurement interference Knowing what objects, either natural or man-made are present in and around the measurement site helps to identify the right sensor. Objects may interfere with measurements during low or high flows. For example, the presence of a large rock within the measurement area during low flows may prohibit the sensor from taking a measurement. This however, may not be the case when water levels are high, when the object may be submerged underwater. Installation In addition to selecting the right sensor, this information may assist you with identifying the ideal installation location. For example, placing a sensor in or over a pool where water is present during low flow conditions ensures measurements are available during most flow conditions. Another installation example is using a bridge or bridge pillar to install sensors on or to attach sensor cables or conduit. The use of such structures is common; however, additional technical aspects should be taken into consideration. For example, what is the distance of the bridge to the water surface during low and high flow conditions, does the bridge expand and contract with temperature changes, and is there a clear path to the surface of the water. Other structures, such as stilling wells and vertical walls also offer potential installation opportunities. Seasonal Conditions Seasonal conditions influence the monitoring environment and introduce limiting factors for some sensors. For instance, the presence of snow or ice on the water surface prevents radar sensors from taking a valid measurement. In addition, flood events and debris can cause invalid measurements and/or damage to the measurement device. Selecting the right sensor for your site conditions will help ensure you minimize and/or eliminate data gaps. Environmental Conditions In addition to seasonal influences, environmental conditions should be taken into consideration when selecting a surface water level sensor. Such conditions include salinity, wind, waves, bank stability, water turbulence, and migrating channels. Some sensors are ideal for measuring water level in brackish water or at sites that are prone to lightning strikes, while others are not. Additionally, only some sensors are easy to install temporarily or in portable enclosures that are easily moved if the channel migrates.

Sensor Types
Hach Environmental offers a variety of sensors for monitoring surface water level. Each sensor offers unique features and benefits. The following section briefly introduces each sensor and its measuring principle. Radar Level Sensor (OTT RLS) Measures the distance from the water surface to the bottom of the sensor using impulse radar.

Non-contact, ideal for measuring flood stages

Compact Bubbler Sensor (OTT CBS) Measures the pressure of air in a measuring tube and calculates the difference of pressure in the tube compared to atmospheric pressure to calculate water level.

Indirect pressure measurement, no electrical components installed in water

Pressure Level Sensor (OTT PLS) Measures the pressure exerted on the pressure-measuring cell installed in water and outputs pressure and level.

Robust pressure probe with ceramic measuring-cell, measures water temperature

Pressure Level Sensor with integrated Data Logger (OTT Orpheus Mini) Measures the pressure exerted on the pressure-measuring cell installed in water and outputs pressure and level.

Robust pressure probe with ceramic measuring-cell and integrated logger, measures water temperature

Shaft Encoder (OTT Thalimedes) Measures the rise and fall of water using a float, weight, and pulley.

Integrated data logger, multiple communication interfaces

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Sensor Selection Table

There are several choices when it comes to selecting a water level sensor and there are even more application types. Comparing the measurement site characteristics to the Sensor Selection Table below will help you determine the right sensor for your site.

Sensor Selection Table Part 1 OTT RLS Sensor Type OTT CBS OTT PLS OTT Orpheus Mini Pressure Level Sensor Logger OTT Thalimedes Shaft Encoder

Radar Level Sensor

Compact Bubble Sensor

Pressure Level Sensor

Measuring Range

2.6-115 ft

0-50 ft

0-13 ft 0-33 ft 0-66 ft 0-131 ft

0-13 ft 0-33 ft 0-66 ft 0-131 ft 0.05% FS

200 ft

Accuracy

0.01ft

0.01ft

0.05% FS

0.007 ft

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Installation

Bridge or mounting arm

Measuring tube and bubble chamber installed in the water

Pressure probe installed in the water

Pressure probe installed in the water

Stilling well or pipe
4"

Sensor Selection Table Part 2 OTT RLS OTT CBS OTT PLS OTT Orpheus Mini OTT Thalimedes

Type of Measurement

Non-contact Direct pressure Indirect pressure Float and Pulley Low Power Consumption SDI-12 Interface 4-20 mA Output Integrated Data Logger Stand-alone (all inclusive) Brackish water Lightening prone sites/areas Flash Floods

X X X X + + + + + + + + + + o + + + + + o o + o o + + + + + + o o o + o + + + + + + + o o o + o + + + + + + + + + + o o o + + + X

Site Characteristics

Monitoring Station Requirements

Large debris in water Snow/Ice cover and flows Migrating Channels Unstable banks Stilling Well Bridge Weir/Flume

The (+) symbol indicates a perfect match, the (-) symbolizes a limitation and the (o) symbol indicates the sensor will work for the application, but is not necessarily the best fit.

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