RQ-30+ Non-Contact Discharge Radar

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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…  Read more

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Physical and environmental
Power supply 6...30 VDC; Reverse voltage protection, overvoltage protection
Power consumption at 12 VDC Standby approx. 1 mA
Active measurement approx. 140 mA
Outputs RS-485 ASCII / Modbus RTU SDI-12
Analog output 4…20 mA (14 bit, max. load 250 Ω)
Digital output (low: 0V, high: Vsupply, max. 1.5 A)
Operating temperature -40…60 °C (-40…140 °F)
Storage temperature -40…60 °C (-40…140 °F)
Relative humidity 0...100 %
Protection rating IP 67
Lightning protection Integrated protection against indirect lightning with a discharge capacity of 0,6 kW Ppp
Housing material Powder coated aluminum, vandalism- proof
Stainless steel option available
Mounting bracket Ø34…48 mm
Size L x W x H 295 x 160 x 210,5 mm (11.61 x 6.30 x 8,29 in)
Weight 5.4 kg (11.90 lb)

 
Velocity
Detectable measurement range 0.08…16 m/s (depending on waves)
Accuracy ± 0.01 m/s (certified by METAS)
Resolution 1 mm/s
Direction recognition +/-
Measurement duration 5…240 s
Measurement interval 8 s…5 h
Measurement frequency 24 GHz (K-Band)
Radar opening angle 12°
Distance to water surface 0.50…35 m
Vertical inclination Measured internally

 
Automatic vertical angle compensation
Accuracy ± 1 °
Resolution ± 0.1 °

 
Water level measurement 15 m 30 m
Measurement range (distance between level sensor and water surface) 0...15 m 49.2 ft. 0...30 m 98.4 ft.
Measurement frequency 80 GHz
Resolution 2 mm
Accuracy ± 0.025 % FS
Level sensor opening angle 8° 8°

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.

Thanks to the non-contact radar technology the RQ-30+ is not susceptible to contamination, debris or driftwood in the water. Furthermore, the non-contact measurement provides very low maintenance and fail-safe operation especially during high water or flooding.

The RQ-30+ can be simply mounted on bridges, on the roofs of closed canals or channel superstructures. Depending on the properties of the water surface the device can be installed in a height of 0.5 to 35 m. The RQ-30 is available in three versions: 

  • RQ-30a: water levels from 0 to 15 meters (0 to 49.21 ft)
  • RQ-30a-35m: water levels from 0 to 35 meters (0 to 114.83 ft)
  • RQ-30a-75m: water levels from 0 to 75 meters (0 to 246 ft)

The measurable velocity range is between 0.10 and 15 m/s. Additionally the direction of flow is detected, enabling the operation in tide influenced rivers.

Measuring principle

The non-contact radar technology determines the water surface flow velocity using the Doppler frequency shift method and furthermore the water level is established by a travel time measurement. With known cross section profile the discharge Q of the water is calculated.

  • Non-contact, maintenance-free measurement system; no structural work needed 
  • Fully operating even in flood water situations 
  • Low power consumption enables operation using solar cells 
  • Detection of flow direction 
  • Recognition of hysteresis effects 
  • Measures in backwater situations 
  • Automatic installation angle correction 
  • Automatic discharge calculation based on hydraulic model with multiple k-factors 
  • Sensor self check with status and error output 
  • 3-point velocity calibration certificate 
  • Water level and velocity sensor combined in one weather and vandalism proof housing