Description: The Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler, known as the ADCP is a discharge measurement device. The ADCP relies on SONAR which uses sound waves to determine the distance to targets. The Doppler Effect is used to resolve the speed of targets. There a several systems that use ADCP technology and careful attention must be made in selection of the system that is best for the application. Some of the applications include the up looking ADCP, side looking ADCP and down looking ADCP.
The side looking ADCP is an in-situ sensor that is mounted to the side of a stream or canal where debris is very minimal. Knowing the channel profile, the side looking ADCP will measure the flow and depth of the water level, resulting in a calculated flow. One of the great advantages of a side-looking ADCP is that the device can continuously measure discharge in backwater. Backwater is when the level and discharge at a given site is affected by a hydraulic conditions downstream of the measurement point, whereby the water level does not relate to discharge. An example of this is the relationship of water level to discharge in a canal, wherby the water level can not be used as a predictor to discharge. Side-looking ADCP's are expensive piece of equipment and careful location consideration is important to prevent the chance of damage from debris and shifting rocks. Side-looking ADCPs have not been entirely successful when applied, so should be carefully thought out before using the device. There or many constraints of these devices that equipment sales representatives may be hesitant to disclose
Costs USD Lower: $8,000
Costs USD Upper: $18,000
Accessories: ACCESSORIES
Advantages: Measures velocity without requiring a stage discharge relationship. Well suited in bodies of water with changing flow directions such as backflow or tide.
Disadvantages: Is subjected to damage if located in water with debris
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