LaserFlow Non-contact Velocity Sensor

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Advanced laser Doppler technology for velocity measurement below the surface

The LaserFlow® water flow velocity sensor remotely measures water flow (including wastewater and stormwater) in open channels with non-contact Laser Doppler Velocity technology and non-contact Ultrasonic Level flow rate technology. The water flow sensor uses advanced technology to measure water flow velocity with a laser beam sending a pulse signal at single or multiple points below the surface of various liquids.

The water flow sensor uses an ultrasonic level sensor to measure the level of water flow and determines a subsurface point to measure velocity. The flow sensor then focuses its laser beam at this point and measures the frequency shift of the returned light.

The LaserFlow is ideal for a broad range of water flow measurement applications. It is compatible with both the Teledyne ISCO Signature flow meter, DuraTracker flow meter, and the Teledyne ISCO 2160 LaserFlow Module, depending on the type of installation.

During submerged conditions, the water flow sensor continues to operate without interruption, with optional continuous wave Doppler Ultrasonic Area Velocity technology.

With its specially designed mounting bracket in place, the LaserFlow water flow sensor can be deployed and removed from street level. This avoids the risk and expense of confined space entry where water flows. A variety of communication options enable programming and data retrieval from a remote location. Information about data quality can be recorded and transmitted with the water flow data.

Additionally, built-in diagnostic tools simplify installation and maintenance, and advanced communication options reduce site visits to measure water flow.

For applications within the United Kingdom requiring certification by The Environment Agency, LaserFlow flow sensors are designated MCERTS Class 2.

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​System V​er​​satilit​y

From​​ industrial applications to manhole installations, the LaserFlow offers versatile configuration options to give you the flexibility to measure water flow in most open channel applications. The sensor is compatible with both the Signature flow meter for permanent discharge compliance monit​​oring, and the 2160 module for everything from portable surveys to permanent installations. Both flow meters have a variety of communication options for remote data access and programming, eliminating the need for frequent site visits.

Single or Multiple Point M​​easur​ement

Depending on your application needs, the LaserFlow device can be programmed to take velocity measurements at single or multiple points below the water's surface, producing an accurate mean liquid flow rate.

Remote Ultrasonic Opt​ion

In applications where the level measurement point of the built-in ultrasonic and the measurement point of the laser velocity are of different elevations, such as a free-falling outfall or drop manhole, the remote ultrasonic option can be used so that both measurement points reference the same elevation.

Due to unique site requirements, various mounting hardware is available for use with the LaserFlow sensor and 310 remote ultrasonic sensor.

Optio​nal Submerged Functionality

During submerged conditions, when water flow reaches the LaserFlow flow sensor, the optional bottom-mounted TIENet™ 350 Area Velocity sensor seamlessly takes over the flow rate measurement. The sensor provides ultrasonic Doppler velocity measurement and Differential Pressure level measurement within a wide range of operating temperatures. This option measures flow in the pipe/channel. By measuring velocity over a large area, the ultrasonic Doppler technology provides more accurate flow rates during submerged conditions.

Optional Redundan​​t Measurement

For redundant measurement at critical monitoring sites, a unique flexibility is added by the optional 350 water flow sensor when mounted at the bottom of the pipe. This water flow sensor provides redundant velocity, level, and flow data from the same site as the LaserFlow flow meter.

Easy and Secure Retrieval/R​​eplacement Without Manhole Entry

Following initial installation and adjustment, the water flow sensor can be installed or removed as needed without manhole entry in most situations, using the optional water flow sensor retrieval arm to grasp the handle.

The handle's simple yet effective locking mechanism holds the water flow sensor securely in place, and is easy to engage and release from above ground.

Stand​ard Features

  • Non-contact velocity and level measurement
  • Single or Multiple Point measurement below the liquid surface
  • Rugged, submersible enclosure with IP68 ingress protection
  • Zero deadband from measurement point in non-contact level and velocity measurements
  • Quality readings without manual profiling
  • Bidirectional velocity measurement
  • MCERTS Class 2

Applications

  • Permanent and portable for CSO, SSO, I&I, SSEs, CMOM, and other sewer monitoring programs
  • Shallow measurement in varying pipe sizes
  • Wastewater treatment plant influent, process, and effluent
  • Industrial process and discharge
  • Stormwater conveyance and outfall
  • Irrigation canals and channels

Options and ​Accessories

  • Functionality during submerged conditions via Ultrasonic Doppler technology
  • Redundant operation with simultaneous Continuous Wave Doppler or Ultrasonic Level Sensing
  • Permanent and temporary mounting hardware
  • Sensor retrieval arm enables installation and removal without confined space entry
  • Remote ultrasonic level sensor options for drop manhole and outfall applications​

Specifications

​LaserFlow® Non-contact Velocity Sensor

​Dimensions (HxWxD):​14.96 x 10.3 x 22.32 in (38.01 x 26.21 x 56.7 cm)
​Laser Class:​Class 3R
​Temperature Range:​Operating: -20 to 60° C (-4 to 140° F)
Storage: -40 to 60° C (-40 to 140° F)
​Flow Accuracy:Accuracy @ 22° C
±0.006m (0.02 ft) at < 1 ft level change
​± 0.012m (0.04 ft) at > 1 ft level change
​Power Required:​Input voltage: 8 to 26V DC
12V DC Nominal

​For a full list of product specifications, see the ​​datasheet​​.

Videos

  • Lessons on LaserFlow - Episode 3: Peak Detect

  • Lessons on LaserFlow - Episode 2: Compatible Technologies

  • Lessons on LaserFlow - Episode 1: Introduction to LaserFlow

  • ​Introduction to LaserFlow Operation

​What is a water flo​​w sens​​or?

Water flow sensors measure the flow rate of liquid flowing through a pipe or open channel. There are a variety of flow sensor/flow meter technologies, each with its benefits and limitations. Types include magnetic flow sensors, vortex flow sensors, and ultrasonic flow sensors such as Teledyne ISCO’s LaserFlow.

When you purchase instruments from Teledyne ISCO, you not only receive innovative, high quality products, you also receive excellent customer service and product support. Your initial purchase is only the beginning of Teledyne ISCO's ongoing commitment to their customers.

​Frequently As​ked Questio​​ns

What are the disadvantages of a wat​er flow sensor?

Some water flow sensors do not reach the le​​vel of sensitivity required. Submerged flow sensors are prone to corrosion and must be cleaned of particulates they block in the flow, leaving them inoperable. When used above the flow, those aren’t  issues for the Laserflow flow meter. 


What is the difference between a flow ​​meter and a flow sensor?

The terms flow meter and flow sensor are interchangeable. A water flow sensor measures the flow rate of various liquids, normally water, wastewater or stormwater, flowing at a given po​int in a given amount of time. ​