River level measurement

The application

When it comes to drinking water production , municipal waterworks have to pay very close attention to the interaction and influence of ground and surface water as well as flowing water.
A waterworks located on the river Mulde needs quick, accurate level information in order to evaluate the affects of the river water level on the capacity of nearby wells. In this particular case, the official level measuring sites are too far away to deliver accurate, timely information for operation of the waterworks. This is a critical factor because the Mulde is the fastest running river in central Europe.
The requirements on the level measurement are exactly defined. The river level must be measured to an accuracy of ±5 mm and transmitted immediately to the waterworks so that changes can be registered as quickly as possible. The level information is also used for high water warning and initiating a fast switch-over to pressure drainage in case of flooding.

The process data

Medium	water level of a river
Ambient temperature	outdoor temperature
Mounting	vandal-proof installation
Data transmission	wireless
Mounting height	approx. 4 m above normal water level

The solution

The radar sensor VEGAPULS 61 is the ideal solution for contactless level measurement. The plastic-encapsulated antenna of the sensor is insensitive to weather effects like cold, rain or wind. The level readings are transmitted continuously via the radio module PLICSRADIO T61/R61 over a distance of about 400 m to the control room of the waterworks, where they are then evaluated.
Power for the sensor is obtained from the existing street lighting.
Both radar sensor and radio transmitter are mounted under a bridge, protected from the weather and inaccessible to unauthorized persons.

The advantages

	Robust sensors for outdoor mounting
	Wireless transmission of readings over 400 m distance
	Non-contact level measurement
	Continuous transmission of measured value
	Simple installation and commissioning