Pulsar Measurement Open Channel Flow Meters
Open channel flow meters are measurement instruments used to monitor flow in open bodies of water, such as stormwater drains, canals, and rivers. These measurements provide crucial data on how local water migration can affect local infrastructure.
Pulsar Measurement has designed a range of ultrasonic and radar flow meters to support users who need to measure the area and velocity of open water channels, with both permanent and temporary installations.
These systems are designed for non-invasive installation, meaning you don't need to build additional infrastructure to divert the watercourse; simply mount these sensors near the channel (in some cases, in the channel), and users can begin monitoring quickly.
Below is a short overview of the Pulsar Measurement products we stock.
Strapped for time? Call the ADM Team on 1300 236 467 or send any questions via our contact page here.
Open Channel Monitoring Overview
Below, we've listed an overview of all the Pulsar Measurement Open Channel products:
| Model | Technology | Mounting / Contact Type | Channel / Pipe Size | Ideal Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MantaRay | Submerged Ultrasonic Doppler | Wetted (Bed mounted) | Partially full pipes & small channels | Short-term logging, remote flow audits |
| AVFM 6.1 | Submerged Ultrasonic Doppler | Wetted (Bed mounted) | Channels & pipes 150 mm to 5 m | Permanent trade waste, storm & wastewater |
| dBMACH3 | Ultrasonic Level (0.1 mm res.) | Overhead (Non-contact) | Zero blanking up to 2.42 m | Flumes, weirs, PMD primary level sensing |
| MicroFlow | K-Band Radar Velocity | Overhead (Non-contact) | Channels up to 1.5 m wide | Corrosive liquids, dirty effluent, sewers |
| FarSight | K-Band Radar Velocity | Overhead (Non-contact) | Wide open channels & rivers | Mining runoff, river discharge, wide canals |
MantaRay - Portable Location Open-Channel & Partially Filled Pipe Water Level & Velocity Transducer + Monitoring + Relay
The MantaRay is a battery-powered, portable IP67-rated ultrasonic flow meter with a submersible transducer for monitoring flow rate and total flow in open channels.
A single sensor is secured at the bottom of the channel or partially filled pipe, which measures both the level and velocity of incoming water & media, collecting reflections as they pass over. With a built-in data logger, it is ideal for stormwater, irrigation & environmental flow audit applications.
Learn more about the MantaRay Ultrasonic Open-Channel Flow Meter.
AVFM 6.1 - Fixed Location Open-Channel & Partially Filled Pipe Water Level & Velocity Transducer + Monitoring + Relay
Similar to the portable MantaRay, the AVFM 6.1 is an ultrasonic flow meter for fixed installations. It uses the same submersible transducer for velocity & level measurement to monitor flow rate and total in open channels using the Area x Velocity formula.
The sensor is inserted into an open channel or partially filled pipe, mounted via a stainless-steel bracket to the bottom of the channel. The system produces a signal toward incoming water & media, collecting reflections as it passes over the transducer.
AVFM 6.1 is ideal for wastewater, stormwater, effluent, industrial wastewater, and irrigation water applications.
Learn more about the AVFM 6.1 Ultrasonic Area Velocity Flow Meter.
dBMACH3 - Non-Contact Open-Channel & Partially Filled Pipe Water Level Transducer
The Pulsar Measurement dbMACH3 is a highly accurate ultrasonic transducer used to determine levels in open-channel and partially filled pipe applications. This transducer is ideal for mounting close to the high level in open-channel applications, enabled by zero effective blanking outside the nose cone.
The dbMACH3 Integrates with partnering processors, such as Ultra 4 & 5 or TWIN Controller and can be paired with FlowCERT for higher-accuracy demanding applications. With an IP68 rating & accompanying sun-shield, the dbMACH3 can be used in clean & media-laden water applications.
Learn more about the dbMACH3 Ultrasonic Level Transducer.
MicroFlow - Non-Contact Narrow Body Open Channel Flow Velocity Transducer
The Pulsar Measurement MicroFlow is a radar-based transducer sensor that uses K-Band radar to produce short bursts of microwaves to detect surface ripples and monitor a channel's flow velocity.
The MicroFlow sensor is ideal for channels under 1.5 metres wide; however, it can integrate with additional sensors to expand capability for channels broader than 1.5 metres. Additionally, this system can integrate with a level sensor to provide accurate area x velocity flow readings.
The Pulsar MicroFlow is ideal for non-contact, open-channel applications in sewer and quarry & mining settings, where liquid may contain media and contamination.
Learn more about the MicroFlow Radar Flow Velocity Transducer.
FarSight - Non-Contact Wider Body Open Channel Flow Velocity Transducer
The Pulsar Measurement FarSight is radar-based, similar to the MicroFlow, leveraging K-Band Radar technology and short bursts of microwaves to monitor flow velocity. The FarSight sensors are ideal for monitoring wider open-channel applications, such as rivers, irrigation, effluent flow, and mining irrigation.
You can pair the FarSight range with longer-range radar level transducers to monitor level and flow in larger open-channel applications.
Learn more about the FarSight Radar Flow Velocity Transducer.
FlowCERT - Fixed Location Open Channel Flow & Level Transducer + Monitoring + Relay
The FlowCERT is a flow transmitter designed for permanent installation, providing comprehensive open channel flow measurement with extensive data logging and control functions. The FlowCERT can connect multiple flow and level transducers to give a much more detailed overview of the intended flow operation. This unit features five alarm/relay outputs, enabling the system to trigger pumps or gates to support operations.
Learn more about the FlowCERT Flow Transmitter.
These Pulsar Measurement Open Channel Flow Meters provide a unique flow measurement solution for open channel and partially-full pipe applications where no primary measuring device (PMD) is present. This offers a cost-effective solution compared to designing and installing various flumes or weirs in the flow channel.
Additionally, where a PMD is already present, Pulsar offers a range of ultrasonic & radar level sensors to measure the water level behind the flume, plus transmitters to calculate the flow rate based upon the relevant flume linearization.
Pulsar Measurement devices offer simpler installation and setup, enabling faster deployment, saving time and money, with virtually no ongoing maintenance required.
If you'd like to explore Pulsar Measurement's wider range of flow, level, and velocity instruments and monitoring systems, check our Pulsar Measurement supplier page.
Need Support? Call Today!
If you have an open channel that needs non-invasive flow and level monitoring, the ADM team is here to help! Please send any questions via our contact page here or speak directly with the team on 1300 236 467.
