Discharge measurements in irrigation canals using multi-frequency acoustics
Date
2009-06
Authors
Cook, Mike, author
Montano, Victor, author
Sloat, John, author
U.S. Committee on Irrigation and Drainage, publisher
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Abstract
The application of acoustic Doppler technology for water velocity measurements was initiated in the late 1970's as an oceanographic application and has evolved into a reliable standard for discharge measurements throughout the world. The increased demand and pricing for water resources has also created the demand for increased precision and accuracy for water users particularly in the irrigation industry. SonTek's Next Generation RiverSurveyor products, the S5 and M9, present end users with a new discharge measurement instrument that is easy to use yet highly robust in its data collection and processing. Typical discharge measurements with the S5 or M9 take only a fraction of the effort when compared to traditional gauging instruments. Multiple frequencies present users a high resolution velocity profile, as well as an extended bottom tracking range. Using the new system, the built-in echo-sounder and multiple frequencies allow the system two options to define cross-sectional area that are extremely accurately regardless of depth. The echo-sounder measures directly below the instrument to measure exact transect profile; this feature eliminates extrapolation errors of the traditional acoustic Doppler profilers by accurately defining discharge cross-sectional area, a key component when calculating discharge. The Next Generation RiverSurveyor has been used in irrigation districts in the Southwestern US, as well as throughout the world. Case studies will be presented analyzing a wide range of gauging scenarios, while highlighting the benefits of the technological advancement.
Description
Presented at Irrigation district sustainability - strategies to meet the challenges: USCID irrigation district specialty conference held on June 3-6, 2009 in Reno, Nevada.