SlipMeter™
The SlipMeter is a flow meter with an integrated control gate designed to automate farm supply points, in-channel regulators and offtakes.
Accurate flow measurement, precise flow control, power supply and radio telecommunications are fully integrated into the SlipMeter.
Sonaray™ flow measurement technology means the SlipMeter provides measurement accuracy in real-world open channel flow conditions and can maintain accuracy at high and very low flow rates.
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
32 transducers across 8 planes 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
The SlipMeter uses Rubicon’s unique ultrasonic array flow measurement technology to accurately measure flows even in turbulent conditions. Instantaneous flow rate and total volume passed are recorded, providing a precise account of water usage.
It features a local LCD display which provides irrigators with the ability to control the supply point and view instantaneous flow rate, volume of current delivery, and total flow volume for the season.
The SlipMeter can be managed and monitored on-site or operated remotely when connected to a SCADA network such as Rubicon’s SCADAConnect™ system.
The SlipMeter is ideal for
- Measuring and controlling flow in farm supply points
- Channel-to-pipe applications
- Automation of channel regulators
- Automation of channel offtakes
- Lowering civil costs because there is no need to stabilise flow at entry and exit
- Supply points requiring very low head loss and/or high accuracy
Highlights
- Independently verified Sonaray™ flow measurement accuracy of ±2.5%†
- Meets AS 4747 accuracy requirements
- Solar-charged battery system or mains power
- Robust high-duty cycle operation and long life
- SCADA ready communication system – can be integrated to many SCADA platforms
Control capabilities
The SlipMeter automatically controls the flow of water by varying the gate position based on a desired set-point or on irrigation demand as shown in the table.
| Control objective | Gate action | ||
| Local | Position | Moves to a desired set-point and stays there | |
| Flow | Maintains a constant flow regardless of channel level | ||
| Upstream water level | Automatically adjusts the gate to maintain a desired water level immediately upstream of the SlipMeter, regardless of channel flow | ||
| Network | Supply | Automatically moves the gate to match measured outflow from the network below the pool while maintaining a stable downstream level | |
| Demand | Automatically moves the gate to match measured outflow from the network above the SlipMeter while maintaining a stable upstream level | ||
Local control pedestal
Each SlipMeter 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.
Low maintenance
The SlipMeter’s modular design allows it to be maintained in the field with minimal tools, training, and easily replaceable parts.
Level sensors are easily removed during in-field servicing
Seals can be replaced
On-site diagnostics built into the software
Service can be done by local Rubicon field technicians or authorised/trained independent local integrators
Easy to install
SlipMeters 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
Existing manual gate
Replaced with SlipMeter
Pattern approved flow measurement accuracy
The SlipMeter’s flow measurement accuracy has been independently verified under a wide range of conditions in the laboratory and in the field:
- As of April 2022, the flow measurement accuracy of Rubicon’s SlipMeter™ SM-600 received official certification from the Australian Government’s National Measurement Institute, read more here.
- Provost & Pritchard engineers in California conducted in-situ testing in a customer service point configuration under calm, turbulent, and extreme turbulent conditions. Download a copy of the report here.
- Manly Hydraulics Laboratory in Sydney, Australia conducted laboratory tests under wave disturbance, upstream disturbance and submerged conditions. Download a copy of the report here.
- Testing has demonstrated compliance with AS 4747
*Accuracy of 600mm 45° SlipMeter verified by Manly Hydraulics Laboratory,
April 2011 and Provost & Pritchard, November 2011
Technologies
The SlipMeter uses technologies developed by Rubicon which are common across TCC™ products:
Sonaray™ flow measurement
The SlipMeter employs Sonaray ultrasonic array technology. Thirty-two transducers across eight planes send and receive ultrasonic pulses to determine velocity by measuring the transit time taken for the pulses to travel between transducers. The measurements from each plane are then integrated to construct the flow velocity distribution.
This technique is resistant to swirl, or other non-uniform velocity distributions caused by garbage or other debris. It also eliminates the need for flow profile calibrations that are required for single-point, single-path and doppler flow meters.
High-strength FormiPanel™ construction
The SlipMeter features FormiPanel™, Rubicon’s high-strength construction method that uses techniques adopted from the aerospace and marine industries.
The gate panel and meter assembly is made from a laminate construction that utilises high strength industrial adhesives to bond structural grade aluminium extrusions and skin plates to a synthetic core material. The result is strong, lightweight, and corrosion resistant.
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, fusing and the pedestal user interface.
Specifications
General |
|
|---|---|
| User interface | LCD screen |
| Data interface | RS232/485, USB, ethernet |
| Unit of measure | Metric/imperial |
| Data tags | A comprehensive set of tags are available for integration into SCADA systems |
| Data storage | All volumetric usage is accumulated and backed up to an SD card. Historical data can be uploaded locally via USB for post processing. |
| Not full alarm | Alarm indicates when meter box is not full |
| 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 |
| Motor | 12V DC |
| Gate position | 256 count magnetic encoder |
| Seal performance | <0.02 litres/second per lineal metre of seal (exceeds the American and European standards AWWA C513 & DIN 19569) |
| Actuation options | 12V DC powered (solar); 120-240V AC powered; mechanical override; electrical override pendant and battery |
Flow measurement |
|
| Technique | Cross-path ultrasonic transit-time |
| Transit-time measurement resolution | 100 picoseconds |
| Measurement frequency | 2.5 seconds |
| Accuracy |
±2.5% in accordance with AS 4747 and ISO 4064/OIML R 49. †Accuracy of 600mm SlipMeter verified by Manly Hydraulics Laboratory, April 2011 and Provost & Pritchard, November 2011. |
| Velocity measurement range | Accuracy listed above is achieved at flow velocities greater than 25mm per second |
| Sensor quantity | 32 individual ultrasonic sensors, arranged in four cartridges, across 8 planes of measurement |
| Calibration method | Factory pre-calibrated. Optional ultrasonic level sensor is also internally self-calibrating. Simple in-field verification process. |
Water level measurement (optional) |
|
| Technique | Ultrasonic |
| Accuracy | 0.5mm |
| Resolution | 0.1mm |
Material |
|
| Frames | Extruded marine grade aluminium |
| Gate panels | Composite laminate construction using marine grade aluminium sheet bonded to RTM Styrofoam on aluminium extrusion |
| Hardware | Stainless-steel |
| Shafts | Stainless-steel |
| Seals | EDPM rubber |
| Wear strip | PVC |
| Pressure rating | Refer to the Dimensions and Maximum Water Level table in data sheet |
| Water level sensor | Anodized 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 |
| Solar panel | 80, 120 or 160 watt polycrystalline silicon solar cell |
| Batteries | Sealed gel lead acid with temperature sensor (~5yr life, provides ~5 days of operation without solar or mains power input) or optional lithium LiFePO4 |
Communications |
|
| Protocols | DNP3, MDLC, Modbus, PLC-5, SLC500, TCP/IP |
Specifications subject to change