Hello all,
I am looking for Acoustic Doupler Current Profiler (ADCP) which are found to be performing well for streamflow measurement. please share experiences and suggestions for selection of appropriate ADCP for streamflow measurement.
Thanks.
Regards
Rajat
Dear Rajat
At HR Walllingford we produce something called the ARC boat. This is a remotely controlled boat on which equipment can be fitted to measure flow, sediment and water quality parameters. In the UK the ARC boat has been designed to carry a variety of Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCP). It is used by the Environment Agency and others to measure river flows in the UK. Its advantages include that it can obtain accurate estimates of flow when the velocity of the river is high (e.g. up to 5 m/s). It is also easy to use and is safer than using an ADCP from a manned boat bor whilst wading. More information is available here: http://equipit.hrwallingford.com/products/arc-boat/the-arc-boat.
i hope that this is of help.
Darren
Indeed, ADCP is the most advanced instrument for streamflow measurements. I assume that you want to measure streamflow using an ADCP mounted on a survey boat or a small float. The selection of appropriate ADCP for streamflow measurement depends on site conditions, mainly the maximum water depth. If your stream is very shallow, say less than 6m deep, you may consider StreamPro ADCP that is a 2 MHz system. If the maximum depth is 25m, you may consider RiverPro ADCP that is a 1200 kHz system. If the maximum depth is 60m, you may consider RiverRay ADCP that is a 600 kHz system. However, ADCP's profiling range will be significantly reduced in high suspended sediment concentration condition. So, if your river has high suspended sediment concentration, you may need to select a lower frequency ADCP.
Both RiverPro and RiverRay ADCPs are the latest river ADCP models manufactured by Teledyne RD Instruments. They are the so-called smart ADCPs. You can check the test reports on these two ADCPs models:
"RiverPro ADCP Streamflow Measurements in Tasmania, Australia" available at
Technical Report RiverPro ADCP Streamflow Measurements in Tasmania, Australia
Discharge Measurement Using RiverRay ADCP in Choa Praya River, Thailand
Technical Report Discharge Measurement Using RiverRay ADCP in Choa Praya Rive...
You may also consider to integrate an differential GPS system with an ADCP. The ADCP-GPS system is a solution to the problem called 'moving bottom.' Besides, if you need to do velocity mapping in addition to discharge measurement, a GPS is a must.
In addition, I suggest you consult someone in U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) about ADCP selection and application if you are not sure. The USGS is the pioneer of using ADCPs for streamflow measurements. They have developed quality control plans and training classes for ADCP streamflow measurements.
Thanks Dr. Darren, Dr. Hening and Dr. Guilermo, for suggestions on ADCP, it will be helpful in selection of Appropriate ADCP. Shared ADCP Report is of immense help.
Regards
Rajat
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