PikoMeter™
The PikoMeter is an integrated undershot service point gate and meter that enables you to remotely deliver precisely-measured quantities of water.
Its all-in-one design makes remote automated control as simple as the installation.
And no matter where you are, with a smartphone and SCADAConnect™ software you can open and close the gate, read the meter, check historical data and monitor real-time performance.
Integrated MicronLevel Sensors
MicronLevel water level measurement sensors are housed within the internal frame
CableDrive™ Actuation
Positive drive in both the raise and lower directions, with positioning to within ±0.5mm for precise control
Sonaray™ Technology
20 transducers across five plains send and receive ultrasonic pulses to determine velocity
Solar-Powered
Solar-charged battery system with 80, 120, 160 watt solar panel options
Remote operation
Can be controlled remotely when connected to a SCADA system or over cellular networks using SCADAConnect
Features and Benefits
When connected to a SCADA system, users can order their water online or over the phone and the PikoMeter will automatically open and close at the right time to deliver the water. The PikoMeter’s control gate modulates to maintain a pre-set flow rate, even with fluctuating channel water levels.
Sonaray™ flow measurement technology uniquely enables the meter and control gate to be integrated into a single device. This means installation and maintenance costs are lower, while measuring with unrivalled accuracy in harsh conditions.
The option of integrated ultrasonic water level measurement enables the meter to measure even when partially-full.
The PikoMeter is ideal for
- Channel to pipe applications
- Cost-effective metering at smaller supply points
- Farm supply points in remote locations
- Measuring very low flow rates
Highlights
- Sonaray flow measurement accuracy of ±2.5%
- Solar-charged battery system
- Compact, lightweight construction for easy installation
- Integrated SCADA communication system
Control capabilities
| Control objective | Gate action | |
| Local | Position | Moves to a desired set-point and stays there |
| Flow | Maintains a constant flow regardless of channel level | |
Low maintenance
The PikoMeter requires minimal maintenance. Comprehensive error detection and on-site diagnostics are built into the meter software. Factory pre-calibrated, its digital measurement does not drift or require periodic recalibration to maintain accuracy.
- High-quality components designed for long-life
- Built-in on-site diagnostic software and remote alerts
- Control and meter components easily accessible for visual inspection
Easy to install
PikoMeters are designed to mount to existing headwall structures as well as purpose-built emplacements, significantly reducing costs associated with civil work.
- Installed and operational in two days during irrigation or off-season
- Factory calibrated and pre-configured
Accurate flow measurement
Extensive independent laboratory and field testing of the ultrasonic array measurement technique has shown that accuracy is maintained in a wide range of conditions:
- Turbulent water
- Obstructions at the meter entry
- Water contaminants
PikoMeter measurement accuracy
450mm PikoMeter measured under normal operating conditions relative to ABB Magmaster
PikoMeter head loss
450mm PikoMeter™ measured in Rubicon’s hydraulics laboratory
Technologies
The PikoMeter uses core technologies which are common across TCC™ products:
Sonaray™ flow measurement technology
The PikoMeter employs Rubicon’s Sonaray cross-path ultrasonic flow measurement technology. Twenty transducers across five planes send and receive ultrasonic pulses to determine velocity by measuring the transit time taken for the pulses to travel between transducers. Cross-path measurement means that the control gate can be located directly downstream from the measurement area without affecting accuracy. The PikoMeter also has a downward facing transducer to determine whether or not the measurement cylinder is full.
Local control pedestal
Each PikoMeter installation includes a robust pedestal that provides power and control to the gate and is a secure, weather-proof housing for electronic components and batteries.
The pedestal also serves as a local user interface. A keypad and LCD display are located under the lockable pedestal lid, allowing farmers to monitor, or operators to control and troubleshoot on-site.
Partially-full flow measurement
A MicronLevel™ ultrasonic water level sensor can be optioned to provide a precise measure of channel water levels, plus it enables the PikoMeter to measure flow even when not completely full.
The MicronLevel sits within the internal frame, or alternatively, a long-range MicronLevel Air sensor can be externally mounted nearby.
CableDrive™ and SolarDrive™ gate control technology
CableDrive™ is Rubicon’s actuation system designed to provide precision gate position accuracy and repeatability in harsh environments. The drive is a wire rope (cable) and drum mechanism that provides positive drive in both the raise and lower directions. It is designed for high duty cycle operation and provides precise gate positioning to within ±0.5mm.
The drive is managed by Rubicon’s SolarDrive technology – a purpose-built integrated circuit board that manages gate positioning, solar power regulation, battery charge and the pedestal user interface.
Specifications
General |
|
|---|---|
| User interface | LCD screen |
| Data interface | RS232/485, USB, Ethernet, Protocols – DNP3, MDLC, Modbus, TCP/IP, others |
| Local interface language | English, Spanish, French, Chinese and Italian (metric/imperial units) |
| Data tags | A comprehensive set of tags are available for integration into SCADA systems |
| Data Storage | Historical data can be uploaded locally via USB for post processing |
| Control | Local or remote via SCADA |
| Electronics | SolarDrive™ power management and control technology housed in the local control pedestal. Each unit passes a 12hr heat pre-stress and 100% functional test. |
| Gate actuation | 12V DC motor with 256 count magnetic encoder; with mechanical and electrical override provisions |
| Power supply options | 12V DC powered (solar); 120-240V AC powered |
| Seal performance | <0.02 litres/second per lineal metre of seal (exceeds the American and European standards AWWA C513 & DIN 19569) |
Flow measurement |
|
| Technique | Cross-path ultrasonic transit-time |
| Measurement resolution | 100 picoseconds |
| Measurement rate | 1.5 seconds |
| Accuracy | ±2.5% verified in Rubicon’s hydraulics laboratory under fully submerged conditions measured between flow ranges of 0.5ML/d to 27.5ML/d for the PM-450 models and between flow range of 0.25ML/d to 12.0ML/d for the PM-300 models. |
| Measurement range | Accuracy listed above is achieved at flow velocities greater than 30mm per second. Maximum flow capacity is determined by site hydraulic conditions, but is typically greater than 2m per second. Consult your Rubicon sales engineer for details. |
| Sensor quantity | Flow measurement provided by 20 ultrasonic transducers across 5 planes of measurement. An additional downward-facing transducer monitors pipe-full status. |
| Calibration method | Factory pre-calibrated. Simple in-field verification process |
| Alarming | Meter alarms if water depth falls below minimum required level, when optional water level sensor is installed. |
Water level measurement (optional) |
|
| Technique | Ultrasonic |
| MicronLevel™ | Accuracy 0.5mm, resolution 0.1mm, maximum range 1400mm |
| MicronLevel™ Air | Recommended for deeper applications |
Material |
|
| Frames | Extruded marine grade aluminium |
| Gate panel | Marine grade aluminium |
| Gate and meter body | Cast aluminium with protective coating |
| Hardware and shafts | Stainless steel |
| Seals | EDPM rubber |
| Wear strip | PVC |
| Pressure rating | 2.4m differential pressure or specified checking height (whichever is greater) |
| Water level sensor | Anodised marine grade aluminium and copolymer acetyl plastic with stainless steel fittings |
Power |
|
| Power supply | 12V DC self-contained battery charged from solar panel or AC mains power |
| Batteries | Sealed gel lead acid with temperature sensor (~5yr life, provides ~5 days of operation without solar or mains power input) or optional LiFePO4 |
Specifications subject to change