YST940M-3CY10 Split-Type Ultrasonic Open-Channel Flowmeter for Wastewater Monitoring
| Brand | YST (Dalian Yisite) |
|---|---|
| Origin | Liaoning, China |
| Model | YST940M-3CY10 |
| Measurement Principle | Ultrasonic Time-of-Flight (ToF) Level Sensing + Hydraulic Algorithm-Based Flow Calculation |
| Flow Range | 0.01–10,000 m³/h (channel-dependent) |
| Level Range | 0.02–3.0 m (customizable) |
| Velocity Range | 0.01–5.0 m/s |
| Level Accuracy | ±0.5% FS |
| Velocity Accuracy | ±1.0% FS |
| Flow Accuracy | ±2.0% FS (for standard rectangular/trapezoidal channels) |
| Operating Temperature | −20°C to +60°C |
| Storage Temperature | −30°C to +70°C |
| Humidity | ≤95% RH (non-condensing) |
| Sensor IP Rating | IP68 |
| Transmitter IP Rating | IP65 |
| Analog Outputs | 4–20 mA, 0–10 V |
| Digital Output | RS485 Modbus RTU |
| Relay Outputs | 2-channel (configurable) |
| Power Supply | AC 220 V ±10% / 50 Hz or DC 24 V ±10% |
| Data Logging | ≥8,760 records (1 sample/hour for 1 year), USB export supported |
Overview
The YST940M-3CY10 is a purpose-engineered split-type ultrasonic open-channel flowmeter designed specifically for continuous, non-intrusive wastewater flow monitoring in municipal and industrial effluent applications. It operates on the time-of-flight (ToF) principle: an ultrasonic transducer mounted above the channel surface emits high-frequency pulses toward the water surface and precisely measures the echo return time to calculate real-time liquid level. This level data—combined with pre-configured hydraulic geometry (e.g., rectangular, trapezoidal, or Palmer-Bowlus flume parameters) and standardized discharge equations (ISO 4359, ASTM D5942)—is processed internally to compute instantaneous flow rate (m³/h), cumulative flow (m³), and flow velocity (m/s). The separation of sensor and transmitter enables installation flexibility, eliminates direct contact with corrosive or abrasive wastewater streams, and ensures long-term measurement stability without mechanical wear or fouling-related drift.
Key Features
- Non-contact ultrasonic level sensing: Transducer mounted above the channel avoids exposure to wastewater contaminants, eliminating corrosion, scaling, and biofilm interference—critical for long-term reliability in aggressive effluent environments.
- Modular split architecture: Sensor and transmitter are physically decoupled, allowing optimal placement: sensor overhead for unobstructed acoustic path; transmitter in sheltered, accessible locations (e.g., control cabinets or wall-mounted enclosures).
- Robust environmental resilience: IP68-rated sensor withstands submersion and high-humidity conditions; IP65 transmitter operates reliably from −20°C to +60°C ambient, supporting deployment in outdoor pump stations, lift stations, and remote treatment outfalls.
- Dual power compatibility: Supports both AC 220 V ±10% (50 Hz) and DC 24 V ±10%, enabling integration into existing plant power infrastructure or solar-powered telemetry systems.
- Comprehensive I/O interface: Includes isolated 4–20 mA and 0–10 V analog outputs for PLC/SCADA integration, RS485 Modbus RTU for digital communication, and two programmable relay outputs for alarm signaling or flow-triggered control actions.
- Onboard data integrity: Internal flash memory logs ≥8,760 timestamped records (1 per hour for 1 year); data export via USB interface ensures audit-ready traceability compliant with EPA Method 1609 and ISO/IEC 17025 documentation requirements.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The YST940M-3CY10 is validated for use with open-channel flows in wastewater conveyance structures including rectangular weirs, trapezoidal channels, Parshall flumes, and Palmer-Bowlus flumes. It accommodates suspended solids concentrations up to 10,000 mg/L and moderate surface turbulence typical of secondary effluent and industrial outfalls. While not certified to UL 61010-1 or ATEX for hazardous areas, its design aligns with functional safety expectations for Class I, Division 2 environments when installed per NEC Article 501. Calibration verification follows ISO 772 and ASTM D5942 procedures using certified reference weirs or portable transit-time ultrasonic meters. For regulatory reporting, the device supports configuration-locking and user-access logging—foundational elements for GLP-compliant data governance under US EPA NPDES permit requirements.
Software & Data Management
The embedded firmware provides intuitive local configuration via a backlit 4.3-inch TFT LCD with capacitive touch interface. Parameter setup—including channel geometry, discharge coefficient, temperature compensation, and output scaling—is performed through hierarchical menus with real-time preview of hydraulic calculations. All configuration changes are timestamped and stored in a non-volatile event log. Remote access is enabled via Modbus RTU over RS485, permitting integration with industry-standard SCADA platforms (e.g., Ignition, Siemens Desigo, or Schneider EcoStruxure). Data export files are generated in CSV format with ISO 8601 timestamps and UTC/GMT offset metadata—ensuring interoperability with environmental data management systems (EDMS) and regulatory portals such as US EPA’s CDX or EU’s EIONET. Audit trails meet minimum criteria for FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance when deployed with external identity-authenticated gateways.
Applications
- Municipal wastewater treatment plant effluent discharge monitoring for NPDES compliance reporting
- Industrial pretreatment system flow tracking at facility boundary outfalls
- Combined sewer overflow (CSO) event quantification and duration analysis
- Stormwater detention basin release rate verification
- Decentralized wastewater system performance validation (e.g., packaged plants, MBR units)
- Water balance accounting across multi-source influent streams in regional treatment hubs
FAQ
Does the YST940M-3CY10 require calibration against a physical flume or weir?
No—field calibration is performed by entering verified channel geometry and hydraulic coefficients; however, periodic verification using a handheld ultrasonic level meter or stilling well is recommended annually per ISO/IEC 17025 QA protocols.
Can it operate accurately in channels with surface foam or floating debris?
Yes—the 20 kHz transducer frequency and adaptive echo processing reject low-amplitude reflections from foam layers; installation height and beam angle should be optimized during commissioning to minimize multipath interference.
Is the device suitable for measuring flows in partially filled pipes?
No—it is engineered exclusively for open-channel hydraulics; for pressurized or closed-conduit applications, a transit-time ultrasonic clamp-on or insertion meter is required.
What is the maximum allowable distance between sensor and transmitter?
Up to 300 meters using shielded twisted-pair cable (AWG 18 or larger) with proper grounding; signal integrity must be verified per IEEE 518 EMC guidelines.
Does the firmware support custom discharge equations beyond standard ISO 4359 formulations?
Yes—advanced users may import user-defined polynomial or lookup-table-based Q(h) relationships via USB configuration file upload, subject to internal validation checks.

