The Teledyne ISCO LaserFlow® Non-contact Velocity Sensor

The Teledyne ISCO LaserFlow velocity sensor remotely measures flow in open channels with non-contact Laser Doppler Velocity technology and non-contact Ultrasonic Level technology. The sensor uses advanced technology to measure velocity with a laser beam at single or multiple points below the surface of the wastewater stream.

The sensor uses an ultrasonic level sensor to measure the level and determines a sub-surface point to measure velocity. The sensor then focuses its laser beam at this point and measures the frequency shift of the returned light.

During submerged conditions, flow measurement continues without interruption with optional continuous wave Doppler Ultrasonic Area Velocity technology.

With its specially designed mounting bracket in place, the LaserFlow can be deployed and removed from street level. This avoids the risk and expense of confined space entry. A variety of communication options enable programming and data retrieval from a remote location. Information about data quality can be recorded and transmitted with the flow data.

For more information about Teledyne ISCO products in Western Pennsylvania, Western Maryland, West Virginia, and Northeastern Ohio, contact Advance Instruments. Call them at  (888) 388-6446, or visit their website https://advanceinstruments.com.

Measuring Industrial Effluent Flow in the Presence of Solids, Fibers, and High Turbidity

LaserFlow Installation

A manufacturer of high-quality staple fiber and caustic soda treats approximately 3,500,000 gallons of waste water per day from three (3) production units. The effluent from each of these production units varies. In order to optimize the treatment, accurate flow information from each unit is important. Wastewater from two of the production units is clear and without any solid particles; therefore, it can be easily pumped and measured with a closed pipe flow meter.

To reduce energy costs resulting from pumping, the effluent from the third production unit is sent to the treatment plant via gravity feed. The channel is 4.3 feet wide and 5.9 feet high. Therefore, the waste stream must be metered using an open channel method.

LaserFlow Installation
(looking downward)

Popular flow metering technologies and methodologies presented various problems and challenges as detailed in the table below:

Possibility 1 - Weir with level measurement. Problem: Weirs frequently clog with solids con-tent and require periodic cleaning to get accurate readings. This requires costly plant shutdowns.

Possibility 2 - Flume with level measurement. Problem: Building a flume to the dimensions of the channel is very expensive. It also requires a costly plant shutdown.

Possibility 3 - Area-velocity flow sensor (contact/in situ).
Problem: Debris and solid particles may cover the sensor and hinder velocity measurement.

Possibility 4 - Transit-time.
Problem: Solid particles reflect the ultrasonic signal from the transmitter, blocking it from the receiver. It also requires a costly plant shutdown.

Solution

Teledyne ISCO LaserFlow

Teledyne Isco’s LaserFlow Non-Contact Area Velocity Flow Sensor offered an ideal solution to
the site’s metering challenges. The above-water installation of this laser Doppler flow meter is not threatened by the list of potential issues above. Additionally, because it is installed above the water, the installation of the Laser-Flow did not require a plant shutdown.

The LaserFlow remotely measures the level and velocity of the flow in the influent channel. By using an ultrasonic level measurement, the sensor calculates a subsurface point at which to focus an optical laser. The Doppler frequency shift of the returned light is proportionate to the water’s velocity. The LaserFlow is able to measure velocities at up to fifteen points below the water’s surface. This minimizes the effects of turbulence and eliminates the need for manual profiling. By producing exceptionally accurate mean velocity readings and level measurements, the LaserFlow renders some of the most accurate area velocity measurement results in the industry. Additionally, due to the non-contact nature of the LaserFlow sensor, personnel safety is improved and operating costs are greatly reduced.

System Integration and Reporting

The LaserFlow, in conjunction with the Signature Flow Meter, collects level, velocity, and flow parameters that are outputted via 4-20 mA signals and received by the customer’s distributed control system (DCS). These parameters are used in conjunction with others by the DCS to provide comprehensive process control throughout the facility.

The Signature is unique in its ability to verify data integrity as four of its logged data types cannot be altered and are designed to alert the user to any trends or anomalies. This makes the LaserFlow and the Signature excellent choices for creating regulatory compliance reports.

For more information on the Teledyne ISCO LaserFlow, or to discuss your effluent flow challenge, contact Advance Instruments by calling (888) 388-6446 or by visiting https://advanceinstruments.com.

Introduction to the LaserFlow™ Non-contact Velocity Sensor by Teledyne ISCO

The Teledyne ISCO LaserFlow™ is a velocity sensor that remotely measures flow in open channels with non-contact Laser Doppler Velocity technology and non-contact Ultrasonic Level technology.

The sensor uses advanced technology to measure velocity with a laser beam at single or multiple points below the surface of the wastewater stream.

The sensor uses an ultrasonic level sensor to measure the level and determines a sub-surface point to measure velocity. The sensor then focuses its laser beam at this point and measures the frequency shift of the returned light.

The LaserFlow is ideal for a broad range of wastewater monitoring applications. It is compatible with both the Teledyne ISCO Signature Flowmeter and the Teledyne ISCO 2160 LaserFlow Module, depending on the type of installation.

For more information, contact:
Advance Instruments
https://advanceinstruments.com
(888) 388-6446

Non-Contact Area Velocity Flow Measurement Using Advanced Laser Doppler Technology

The Teledyne ISCO LaserFlow remotely measures flow in open channels with non-contact Laser Doppler Velocity technology and non-contact Ultrasonic Level technology. The sensor uses advanced technology to measure velocity with a laser beam at single or multiple points below the surface of the wastewater stream.

An ultrasonic level sensor is used to measure the level and then determines a sub-surface point to measure velocity. The sensor then focuses its laser beam at this point and measures the frequency shift of the returned light.

This sensor is ideal for a broad range of wastewater monitoring applications and is compatible with readily available flow meters.

With optional continuous wave Doppler Ultrasonic Area Velocity technology flow measurement continues without interruption even while submerged.

With a specially designed mounting bracket the sensor can be deployed and removed from street level,  avoiding the risk and expense of confined space entry. A variety of communication options enable programming and data retrieval from a remote location as well. Built-in diagnostic tools simplify installation, maintenance, and advanced communication options reduce site visits.

The sensor provides excellent system versatility across a wide variety of industrial applications to manhole installations, with many configuration options providing the flexibility to measure flow in most open channel applications.

Depending on your application needs, the device can be programmed to take velocity measurements at single or multiple points below the water's surface, producing an accurate mean velocity reading.

In applications where the level measurement point of the built-in ultrasonic and the measurement point of the laser velocity are of different elevations, such as a free-falling outfall or drop manhole, the remote ultrasonic option can be used so that both measurement points reference the same elevation.

During submerged conditions, the optional bottom-mounted area velocity sensor seamlessly takes over the flow rate measurement. The sensor provides ultrasonic Doppler velocity measurement and Differential Pressure level measurement. This option measures flow in the pipe/channel. By measuring velocity over a large area, the ultrasonic Doppler technology provides more accurate flow measurement during submerged conditions.

For redundant flow measurement at critical monitoring sites, a unique flexibility is added by an optional sensor which is mounted at the bottom of the pipe. This sensor provides redundant velocity, level, and flow data from the same site as the device.

Following initial installation and adjustment, the sensor can be installed or removed as needed without manhole entry in most situations, using the optional sensor retrieval arm to grasp the handle.

The handle's simple yet effective locking mechanism holds the sensor securely in place, and is easy to engage and release from above ground.

For more information, contact Advance Instruments at https://advanceinstruments.com or call  (888) 388-6446.