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Remote Location Clamp-on Flow Metering with Telemetry and a Car Battery

Abstract

RS Hydro were approached by an engineering contractor with a challenging task of monitoring the flow inside a pipe in a remote location with no power supply available. The contractor required simultaneous monitoring of 6 points of measurement continuously for one week without any interruption. To address this unique requirement, RS Hydro provided a specialized remote monitoring solution along with portable clamp-on flowmeters. This solution enabled the contractor to accurately measure the flow and ensure that the project was completed within the specified timeline.

Industry

Engineering

Equipment Used

PT878 Portable Clamp On Ultrasonic Flowmeter and Wildeye Telemetry datalogger

The Application

The engineering contractor had identified 6 points of measurement in a remote area where there was no mains power source available. While the PT878 portable clamp-on ultrasonic flowmeter could log flow without power for a limited period, continuous monitoring over the course of a week required an external power source. In response to this challenge, RS Hydro's Sales and Engineering team collaborated to devise an in-house test that could replicate the application conditions.

The Solution

The solution involved connecting the PT878 to a 12V car battery (60Ah) via Leisure Battery Cable Connectors, and then connecting the PT878 to an Outpost Cobra telemetry logger to enable the monitoring of flow rates and battery voltage supplied to the logger over a week-long period. The PT878 and logger were left connected to the flow-rig to ensure that remote logging would work, and to help with sourcing batteries for their application.

The results of the test were encouraging. The telemetry logger successfully captured periods of no-flow and flow in the flow-rig. The battery level of the telemetry logger and the external voltage were also monitored over the period of 1 week, with only a small decrease in voltage of 0.5V over the week-long period. Once the test was completed, the PT878s and dataloggers were prepared for the engineering contractor to carry on and place the PT878s in the remote location, with the added benefit of being able to remotely monitor the data through the datalogger.

Overall, RS Hydro's Sales and Engineering team was able to provide a practical solution that enabled the engineering contractor to carry out continuous monitoring in a remote area with no power source available. The test also provided reassurance that the solution would work effectively and helped the contractor source the necessary batteries for their application.

Above: Results from the flow meter tests on the rig shown on the telemetry portal

RS Hydro's Service

Not only did RS Hydro provide a solution for remote monitoring without power, but we also have the knowledge and resources to support clients who want to view their data remotely. Our experienced teams are always ready to explore new possibilities and provide customised solutions tailored to meet your specific needs.