Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: This research paper describes the development of a low-cost device for measuring wastewater flow rates in open channels, a significant advancement enabled by the evolution of microcomputers and processing techniques. A laboratory setup was constructed to validate the device's accuracy against a standard flow measurement method, optimizing key parameters to achieve a linear relationship between detected and set flow rates, while considering hardware limitations and energy efficiency. The central focus of the research was developing a method to measure the velocity of contaminated fluid using ultrasonic signals, employing the cross-correlation method for signal delay analysis in a stochastic environment. This was complemented by a procedure to measure fluid levels, also based on ultrasonic signals. The device's reliability was assessed through repeatability and uncertainty measurements, confirming its accuracy with an extended uncertainty not exceeding an average of 3.47% for flows above 40 L/min. The device has potential to provide valuable data on the operational dynamics of sanitary networks, crucial for developing and calibrating simulation models.
Source: Sensors
DOI: 10.3390/s24206607
Authors: Daria Wotzka, Dariusz Zmarzły
Institution: Opole University of Technology
Language: English
Subfield: Mechanics of Materials
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,955
OpenAlex ID: W4403462741