HengaoDe H18243 Portable Open-Channel Flow Meter with Color LCD Touchscreen

Overview

The HengaoDe H18243 Portable Open-Channel Flow Meter is an engineered field instrument designed for accurate, real-time volumetric flow measurement in free-surface channels using hydraulic structure-based methods. It operates on the principle of level-to-flow conversion via standardized weirs and flumes—specifically calibrated for triangular (V-notch), rectangular, broad-crested (constant-width), and Palmer-Bowlus (Parshall) configurations. Unlike fixed-installation ultrasonic or magnetic flowmeters, the H18243 employs non-intrusive level sensing combined with embedded hydraulic equations (per ISO 4359, ASTM D1941, and ISO 1438) to compute flow rate from measured upstream head. Its portability, integrated power management, and IP65-rated enclosure enable reliable deployment in wastewater treatment plants, irrigation canals, stormwater outfalls, and environmental monitoring stations where rapid setup, battery autonomy, and ruggedness are critical operational requirements.

Key Features

• Multi-structure compatibility: Pre-programmed hydraulic coefficients for four standard channel geometries—triangular weir, rectangular weir, broad-crested weir, and Parshall flume—ensuring compliance with international calibration standards.
• High-fidelity signal acquisition: Precision ultrasonic or pressure-based level sensor (configurable per application) with 3 Hz sampling frequency and ≤±5% full-scale measurement uncertainty under field conditions.
• 10.1-inch color TFT LCD touchscreen interface: Graphical real-time visualization of both flow rate (m³/s) and water level (mm/cm) trends; password-protected access to calibration and configuration menus.
• Onboard data handling: Internal storage for up to 10,000 timestamped measurement records; expandable SD card support for long-term logging and offline analysis.
• Integrated thermal printer: Direct field printing of measurement reports—including date/time stamp, structure type, head reading, and computed flow—without external peripherals.
• Extended battery operation: Rechargeable 12.6 V Li-ion pack delivering ≥72 hours of continuous measurement runtime; intelligent power management extends cycle life and enables low-power sleep modes.
• Ruggedized portable design: Hand-carried ABS/PC housing (400 × 300 × 110 mm; ≤2.0 kg); IP65 ingress protection against dust and water jets; operating temperature range: –10 °C to +50 °C.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The H18243 is validated for use with open-channel flows carrying municipal wastewater, surface runoff, treated effluent, and irrigation water—provided the hydraulic structure is properly installed and maintained per ISO 1438-1:2021 and ASTM D5388. It does not require channel modification beyond standard weir/flume construction. The device meets electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements per IEC 61326-1 for industrial environments and conforms to safety standards IEC 61010-1 for portable electrical equipment. While not certified for SIL or ATEX zones, its design supports GLP-aligned field data collection when paired with traceable calibration documentation and audit-ready data export protocols.

Software & Data Management

Data transfer is supported via USB-C interface and microSD slot, enabling seamless import into spreadsheet or hydrological modeling software (e.g., HEC-RAS, QGIS). Export formats include CSV and TXT with UTC timestamps, structure ID, head value, temperature-compensated flow, and status flags. No proprietary software is required; raw files are human-readable and compatible with Python/Pandas or MATLAB for batch processing. Firmware updates are delivered via SD card and include version-locked calibration tables traceable to NIST-traceable reference measurements. Audit trail functionality logs all parameter changes with user ID and timestamp—supporting basic 21 CFR Part 11 readiness for regulated field studies.

Applications

• Regulatory compliance monitoring at NPDES discharge points and CSO outfalls
• Performance verification of primary clarifiers and grit removal systems
• Field validation of SCADA-based flow models in wastewater collection networks
• Irrigation district water allocation audits and leakage detection surveys
• Environmental impact assessments requiring short-term, high-temporal-resolution flow data
• Educational hydrology labs and civil engineering field training programs

FAQ

What hydraulic structures does the H18243 support?

It supports triangular (V-notch), rectangular, broad-crested (constant-width), and Parshall flume configurations with pre-loaded discharge coefficients aligned to ISO 4359 and ASTM D1941.

Is the device suitable for submerged flow conditions?

No—it is designed exclusively for free-flow (non-submerged) conditions in calibrated structures. Submergence detection requires external sensors or manual verification.

How is calibration verified in the field?

Users may perform zero-head verification using a certified leveling rod or digital inclinometer; factory calibration certificates are provided with each unit, referencing traceable hydrostatic test data.

Can measurement data be synchronized with GPS coordinates?

Not natively—the device lacks built-in GNSS. However, external GPS loggers with time-sync capability can be used alongside it for georeferenced reporting.

What maintenance is required for long-term reliability?

Annual verification of level sensor zero point and physical inspection of mounting hardware; no routine recalibration is needed unless mechanical damage or sensor drift is suspected.