Solutions for environmental data logging & telemetry

Many rivers and open channels have been historically monitored using a flume or weir structure that has been “rated” using empirical data. Typically this rating is based on the depth of the water running over/through the structure.

In recent times, the use of flumes and weirs has been negated somewhat by the advent of cheaper area/velocity methods. However, thousands of rated structures are still used worldwide in diverse applications such as large broad-crested weirs or smaller Parshall flumes. The HydroMace XCi includes built-in weir/flume equations and a look-up table that enables the user to interface downward looking ultrasonic or submerged depth sensors, and convert the depth readings to flow rate readings. The HydroMace includes equations for all major flume/weir types including:

• Parshall flumes
• V-notch weirs (30°, 45°, 60°, 90°)
• Cipoletti weir
• Replogle flume
• Rectangular weir (contracted/suppressed)
• 35-point user defned “Look-up” table

In the example shown, the HydroMace XCi is measuring the depth of flow across a broad-crested rectangular weir with a MACE EchoFLo ultrasonic depth sensor, converting this to a flow rate and totalising the result. With a MACE WebComm card installed, these readings are available 24/7 on the MACE website, as well as having the ability to be alarmed via SMS/email to any mobile phone.

Many open channels have been historically monitored using a flume or weir structure that has been “rated” using empirical data. Typically this rating is based on the depth of the water running over/through the structure.

In recent times, the use of flumes and weirs has been negated somewhat by the advent of cheaper area/velocity methods, such as the MACE Doppler ultrasonic. However, thousands of rated structures are still used worldwide in diverse applications such as large broad-crested weirs or smaller Parshall flumes in wastewater treatment plants. The HydroMace XCi includes built-in weir/flume equations and a look-up table that enables the user to interface downward looking ultrasonic or submerged depth sensors, and convert the depth readings to flow rate readings. The HydroMace includes equations for all major flume/weir types including:

• Parshall flumes
• V-notch weirs (30°, 45°, 60°, 90°)
• Cipoletti weir
• Replogle flume
• Rectangular weir (contracted/suppressed)
• 35-point user defned “Look-up” table

In the example shown, the HydroMace XCi is measuring the depth of flow through a Parshall flume with a MACE EchoFLo ultrasonic depth sensor, converting this to a flow rate and totalising the result. With a MACE WebComm card installed, these readings are available 24/7 on the MACE website, as well as having the ability to be alarmed via SMS/email to any mobile phone.

Monitoring environmental conditions within water catchment areas is a difcult task for a number of reasons. Generally, these areas are remote and rugged, increasing the need for reliable, robust equipment which will stand the test of time. Often the equipment is installed and serviced by crews which are taken to site by helicopter, making the labour cost very high.

The MACE HydroMace XCi provides an accurate and inexpensive solution for these sites. The HydroMace XCi is easily expandable, providing the user with a cost effective monitoring solution for both basic and complex applications. The MACE FloCom+ software uses a friendly interface and drop down menus, allowing users to configure and calibrate the HydroMace with very little training or experience.

In the example shown, an SDI-12 Master Card is installed allowing the data logger to measure, display and record readings from a multi-parameter water quality sonde. In addition, a tipping bucket rain gauge is monitored. With a MACE WebComm card installed, these readings are available 24/7 on the MACE website, as well as having the ability to be alarmed via SMS/email to any mobile phone.

Leak detection in urban potable water distribution networks is an increasingly important enterprise. As networks age, the risk of major leaks or pipeline malfunctions are a growing reality. In order to counter these risks, simple and cost-effective leak detection methods are required.

The MACE HydroMace XCi in conjunction with a MACE electromagnetic flow sensor, provides a simple and cost-effective solution to the remote monitoring of potable water networks. By using a MACE insertion electromagnetic flow sensor, the HydroMace XCi can be used to monitor flow in pipes from 50mm to 1m in diameter. Because the MACE insertion electromagnetic sensor provides very little obstruction to the flow and has no moving parts, the whole system is virtually maintenance free. Furthermore, it is battery operated and complete remote flow monitoring is possible.

In the example shown, the HydroMace XCi is monitoring a typical potable water pipeline with the flow in the pipe measured with a MACE insertion electromagnetic flow sensor . With a MACE WebComm card installed, these readings are available 24/7 on the MACE website, as well as having the ability to be alarmed via SMS/email to any mobile phone.

Weather stations are used throughout the world to monitor the meteorological parameters important for flood, storm and fire warnings, as well as by operations such as mining and agriculture where certain weather parameters are important for their day-to-day operations.

The MACE HydroMace XCi provides a simple and cost-effective interface to the remote monitoring of meteorological sensors as diverse as wind speed/direction, rainfall and temperature. Furthermore, other important sensors such as those used by mines: dust quantity and vibration may also be monitored. By utilising a MACE SDI-12 Master Card, the HydroMace XCi can monitor up to 10 sensors on a single card, further enhancing the cost-effectiveness of the solution.

In the example shown, the HydroMace XCi is monitoring various typical meteorological sensors on an SDI-12 serial bus. With a MACE WebComm card installed, these readings are available 24/7 on the MACE website, as well as having the ability to be alarmed via SMS/email to any mobile phone.