Abstract
A flow measurement system was designed and implemented for a subsurface drainage field experiment. Design constraints dictated that the measurement system operate on minimal elevation head difference and low power requirements, with a flow measurement range of O to 46 L/min (12 gal/min) from the drained area. A system utilizing a flume in series with a sump pump was implemented. A 12V battery-powered system was controlled by a datalogger that switched between the sump pump for low flow and the flume for high flow. The battery was recharged with a 100-W solar panel. The system performed reliably during its first year of use and the power supply remained stable. Diagrams and photographs of the system are provided as well as measured flow data from the initial year of operation.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 307-310 |
| Number of pages | 4 |
| Journal | Applied Engineering in Agriculture |
| Volume | 18 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| State | Published - May 1 2002 |
Keywords
- Controlled drainage
- Drainage
- Drainage discharge
- Flow measurement
- Flume
- Sump
