PikoMeter™

The PikoMeter is an integrated canal turnout gate and meter that enables you to remotely deliver precisely-measured quantities of water.

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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 (±0.02in) 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

Canal to pipe applications
Cost-effective metering at smaller turnouts
Turnouts 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

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

18in PikoMeter measured under normal operating conditions relative to ABB Magmaster

PikoMeter head loss

18in PikoMeter™ measured in Rubicon’s hydraulics laboratory (ML/d)

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 canal 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 ±0.02in (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 soak 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/metre of seal (exceeds American and European standards AWWA C513 and 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 sensors	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

PikoMeter™

Integrated MicronLevel Sensors

CableDrive™ Actuation

Sonaray™ Technology

Solar-Powered

Remote operation

Features and Benefits

Local

Technologies

Specifications

General

Flow measurement

Water level measurement (optional)

Material

Power

Company

Solutions

Software

Gates & Flow Meters

Case Studies

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