Flow Rate Sensor

The Flow Rate Sensor measures the velocity of water in studying the discharge, flow patterns, and sediment transport of a stream or river.

 

The Flow Rate Sensor can be used for environmental or Earth science studies. Flow rate data can be used to calculate the discharge value for a stream or determine the sediment transport of a stream. The Flow Rate Sensor includes 3 riser rods, which enable the impeller to be placed at fixed depths, and is equipped with a 5 m cable so your data-collection equipment can stay on shore. The Flow Rate Sensor also separates into four sections for easy transport and convenient storage.

 

Specifications

• Range: 0 to 4.0 m/s (0 to 13 ft/s)
• Accuracy: ±1% of full-scale reading
• Resolution: 0.0012 m/s
• LabQuest, LabQuest Mini, Go!Link, LabPro)
• Response time:
• 98% of full-scale reading in 5 seconds
• 100% of full-scale in 15 seconds
• Temperature range (can be placed in): 0 to 70°C

User Guide and Technical Info

Order Code: VR105592 Price £ ex VAT.

Stream Flow Experiment

Introduction:

Stream flow or discharge is the volume of water that moves through a specific point in a stream during a given period of time. Discharge is usually measured in units of cubic feet per second (cfs). To determine discharge, a cross-sectional area of the stream or river is measured. Then, the velocity of the stream is measured using a Flow Rate Sensor. The discharge can then be calculated by multiplying the cross-sectional area by the flow velocity.

Stream flow is an important factor in the stream ecosystem and is responsible for many of the physical characteristics of a stream. Stream flow can also modify the chemical and biological aspects of a stream. Aquatic plants and animals depend upon stream flow to bring vital food and nutrients from upstream, or remove wastes downstream.

Objectives:

Measure the flow velocity at each interval along a stream site using a Flow Rate Sensor.

Determine the stream flow.

Download Experiment Preview

The student-version preview includes:

Step-by-step instructions for computer-based data collection.

List of materials and equipment.

Note: The experiment preview of the computer edition does not include essential teacher information, safety tips, or sample data. Instructions for Logger Pro and other software (such as LabQuest App or TI handheld software, where available) are on the CD that accompanies the book. We strongly recommend that you purchase the book before performing experiments.

Download the Stream Flow Experiment Preview

The full version of this experiment along with 15 other fully detailed experiments can be found in the Water Quality with Vernier