Ailun General AL-3010 Portable Open-Channel Flow Meter

Overview

The Ailun General AL-3010 Portable Open-Channel Flow Meter is an engineered field verification instrument designed specifically for compliance-driven flow calibration and acceptance testing of fixed online open-channel flow measurement systems in wastewater discharge monitoring applications. It operates on the principle of ultrasonic time-of-flight level sensing combined with standardized hydraulic equations—such as those defined for triangular weirs, rectangular weirs, Parshall flumes, and broad-crested (constant-width) weirs—to compute real-time volumetric flow rates. Its primary use case aligns with regulatory requirements under China’s HJ 354–2019 (Acceptance Technical Specification for Online Monitoring Systems of Water Pollution Sources), HJ/T 15–2019 (Technical Requirements and Test Methods for Ultrasonic Open-Channel Wastewater Flowmeters), and JJG 711–1990 (Trial Verification Regulation for Open-Channel Weir/Flume Flowmeters). The AL-3010 satisfies mandatory field comparison protocols—including simultaneous dual-instrument liquid-level error assessment (6 paired readings at 2-minute intervals) and cumulative flow error validation over a 10-minute synchronized measurement window—thereby enabling auditable, traceable verification of installed ultrasonic or radar-based channel flowmeters.

Key Features

• Compliant with four standard hydraulic structures: V-notch (triangular) weir, rectangular weir, broad-crested (constant-width) weir, and Parshall flume—each supported by pre-loaded discharge coefficients and geometry-specific calculation algorithms.
• 24-bit high-resolution analog-to-digital conversion ensures stable signal acquisition from ultrasonic level transducers, minimizing quantization noise and supporting reliable low-flow detection.
• 7-inch color TFT touchscreen with intuitive, guided workflow interface—designed for rapid setup, parameter selection, and real-time data visualization without requiring prior instrumentation training.
• Integrated thermal line printer enables immediate hard-copy generation of test reports, including timestamped level/flow series, calculated errors, and pass/fail status per HJ 354–2019 criteria.
• USB host port supports direct export of measurement logs to FAT32-formatted USB flash drives; exported files are CSV-compliant for downstream analysis in Excel, MATLAB, or LIMS environments.
• Onboard non-volatile memory stores up to 20,000 complete measurement records, each containing date/time stamp, sensor ID, weir type, water level sequence, computed flow values, and operator notes.
• Rechargeable 24 V Li-ion battery provides ≥72 hours of continuous operation under typical field conditions (ambient temperature 25 °C, 1 Hz display refresh, 3 Hz level sampling), eliminating dependency on external power during extended site visits.
• Robust carry-case design (IP54-rated enclosure) with ergonomic handle and integrated cable management facilitates transport across uneven terrain, manhole access points, and municipal pumping stations.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The AL-3010 is validated for use with common open-channel hydraulic structures installed in municipal and industrial effluent discharge points. Its computational engine implements ISO 4359:2016-derived discharge equations for rectangular and triangular weirs, and ASTM D1941–91 / HJ/T 15–2019–aligned formulations for Parshall flumes. All internal algorithms undergo factory calibration against NIST-traceable level standards. The device meets electromagnetic compatibility requirements per GB/T 18268.1–2010 (IEC 61326–1) and environmental robustness per GB/T 2423.1–2008 (IEC 60068–2–2) for operational stability in humid, non-condensing field environments. While not certified for SIL or ATEX zones, its electrical isolation and low-power architecture make it suitable for Zone 2 classified areas when used with appropriate transducer mounting hardware.

Software & Data Management

No proprietary software installation is required for basic operation. All configuration, measurement execution, and report generation occur locally via the embedded Linux-based firmware. For advanced data aggregation, users may import CSV exports into third-party platforms supporting GLP/GMP audit trails (e.g., LabWare LIMS, Thermo Fisher SampleManager). The AL-3010 does not implement FDA 21 CFR Part 11 electronic signature functionality; however, its immutable local log storage—with write-once timestamps and sequential record indexing—supports retrospective verification during regulatory inspections. Optional RS485 or LoRaWAN modules (sold separately) enable remote telemetry integration into SCADA or cloud-based environmental monitoring dashboards, subject to local radio frequency licensing.

Applications

• Field verification of online ultrasonic/radar flowmeters during commissioning and periodic revalidation per HJ 354–2019.
• Supporting QA/QC programs for wastewater treatment plants operating under discharge permits issued by provincial生态环境 departments.
• Technical due diligence assessments during environmental impact evaluations for new industrial outfalls.
• Flow profiling studies for hydraulic optimization of existing channel infrastructure.
• Educational deployment in university environmental engineering laboratories for hands-on hydrology instruction.

FAQ

Does the AL-3010 require annual recalibration?
Yes. Per JJG 711–1990, field-deployed open-channel flow verification instruments must undergo traceable calibration every 12 months using certified level simulators or gravimetric flow benches. Ailun General offers accredited recalibration services through its Qingdao service center.
Can the AL-3010 measure flow in partially filled pipes?
No. It is strictly designed for free-surface open-channel applications with defined hydraulic geometry (weirs/flumes). It does not support pipe flow algorithms or Manning’s equation-based conduit estimation.
Is firmware update capability available?
Yes. Firmware updates are distributed as signed .bin files via USB drive and applied through the device’s System Maintenance menu. Version history and release notes comply with IEC 62443-2-4 change control guidelines.
What transducers are compatible with the AL-3010?
The unit interfaces natively with standard 4–20 mA or RS485 Modbus RTU ultrasonic level sensors meeting IP68 ingress protection and operating within 0–3 m range. Transducer mounting brackets and alignment jigs are available as optional accessories.
How is measurement uncertainty reported?
Each test report includes expanded uncertainty (k=2) derived from combined contributions of level sensor accuracy (±0.5 mm), temperature drift compensation (1 L/s under laminar approach conditions.