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An Optical Sediment Sensor Integrated with Flow Velocity Measurement

Published by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, St. Joseph, Michigan www.asabe.org

Citation:  2012 Dallas, Texas, July 29 - August 1, 2012  121341177.(doi:10.13031/2013.42452)
Authors:   Yali Zhang, Naiqian Zhang, Darrell Oard
Keywords:   Cross-correlation, Flow velocity measurement, Brilliant Blue FCF, Optical sensor

Flow velocity measurement is usually conducted with SSC measurement to assess sediment mass transport at a given time and depth. However, flow velocity and sediment concentration measurements that were conducted by different sensors could result in time mismatch, and high cost for equipment. An optical sediment sensor integrated with flow velocity measurement based on cross-correlation principle was tested in this study. Flow experiments were conducted in the laboratory to examine the sensor performance on velocity measurement using a closed circulation system. A solution of blue colorant, Brilliant Blue FCF, was used as an artificial absorbent to create signal variation pattern when water flow that carries the colorant passed through the sensor. Flow velocity was calculated based on the patterns using the cross-correlation principle. The results indicated that the cross-correlation-based velocity sensor was capable of measuring water flow velocity using the dye injection method.

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