Non-contact discharge radar RQ-30 (RQ-30a)
The RQ-30 is a sensor for continuous discharge measurement of rivers, open channels and canals with known cross-section profile. The sensor uses innovative radar technology to measure velocity, water level and discharge. It enables reliable, non-contact measurement without the need for structural work in the water.
- Non-contact, maintenance free measurement system
- No structural work is necessary in the water
- No threat to the systsem through flooding
- Low power consumption enables operation using solar cells
- Recognition of flow direction
- Measuring range from +/- 0.10 to +/- 15 m/s (depending on the flow conditions)
- Recognition of hysteresis-effects
- Measurement in backwater situations
- Measures even where weed growth prevails and sensor is not affected by turbidity
- Measurement in tidal waters
- Automatic angle measurement
- Optional (RQ-30a): analogue outputs from 4 to 20 mA
The RQ-30 enables discharge measuerment for rivers, streams, open channels and canals for which continuous monitoring is desired. Thanks to the non-contact radar technology the measuring equipment is not susceptible to contamination, debris or driftwood in the water. Furthermore, the non-contact measurement warrants very low maintenance and fail-safe operation especially during high water or flooding. The sensor can be simply mounted on bridges, on the roofs of closed canals or channel superstructures.
The non-contact radar technology determines the water surface flow velocity using the Doppler frequency shift method, the water level is established by a travel time measurement. With known cross section profile the discharge Q of the water can then be calculated on basis of the continuity equation: Q = vm · A (h)
Dimensions | 338 mm x 333 mm x 154 mmm |
Total weight | 5,4 kg |
Protection | IP 67 |
Power supply | from 6 to 30 V |
Power consumption at 12 V | standby: approx. 1mA; active: approx. 140 mA |
Operating temperature | -35 to +60 °C |
Miscellaneous | integrated lightening protection |
Measurement range | from 0 to15 m (standard); 0 to 35 m (extended) |
Resolution | 1 mm |
Radar frequency | 26 GHz (K-Band) |
Radar opening angle | 10 ° |
Measurement range | from 0,1 to15 m/s |
Accuracy | +/- 0,01 m/s; +/- 1 % FS |
Resolution | 1 mm/s |
Measurement duration | from 5 to 240 s |
Measurement interval | from 8 s to 5 h |
Measurement frequency | 24 GHz (K-Band) |
Radar opening angle | 12 ° |
Distance to water surface | from 0,5 to 35 m |
Necessary minimum wave height | 3 mm |
Analogue output (RQ-30a) | 3 x output 4 - 20 mA for water level, velocity and discharge |
Digital interface |
1 x SDI-12; 1 x RS 485 or Modbus Transfer rate: 1,2 to 19,2 kBd |
Title | Description | Filename |
---|---|---|
Non-contact Discharge Radar RQ-30 | Contact-free discharge measurement for channels and open rivers using radar technology | ProductLeaflet_RQ_30_EN.pdf |
For more information
"We are involved with AMES d.o.o. in activities regarding meteorological and environmental measurements for many years now. We are very satisfied with the quality of their products, services and after sales activities and we recomend AMES to everybody else."
MSc. Alenka Pivko Kneževič
B.Sc. Arch.
Senior Advisor