SlipMeter™

The SlipMeter is a breakthrough all-in-one gate and meter for farm turnouts and canal offtakes.

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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 canal 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 (0.02in) 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 turnouts
Canal-to-pipe applications
Automation of canal regulators
Automation of canal offtakes
Lowering civil costs because there is no need to stabilize flow at entry and exit
Turnouts requiring very low head loss and/or high accuracy

Highlights

Independently verified Sonaray™ flow measurement accuracy of ±2.5%†
Exceeds California SBx7-7 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
Partially-full measurement when fitted with MicronLevel™ sensor

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.

Local

Position

Moves to a desired set-point and stays there

Flow

Maintains a constant flow regardless of canal level

Upstream water level

Automatically adjusts the gate to maintain a desired water level immediately upstream of the SlipMeter, regardless of canal flow

Network

Supply

Changes the flow to match the flow supplied from the network above the gate while maintaining a stable upstream water level

Demand

Changes the flow to match measured outflow from the network below the pool while maintaining a stable downstream water 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 authorized/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

Independently tested flow measurement accuracy

The SlipMeter’s flow measurement accuracy has been independently verified under a wide range of conditions and has demonstrated compliance with California’s SBx7-7 legislation.

Provost & Pritchard engineers in California conducted in-situ testing in a customer turnout 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.
In addition, 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.

*Accuracy of 24in 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 utilizes high-strength industrial adhesives to bond structural grade aluminum 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 ±0.02in (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, 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
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

SlipMeter™

Integrated MicronLevel Sensors

CableDrive Actuation

Sonaray™ Technology

Solar-Powered

Remote operation

Features and Benefits

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Technologies

Specifications

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Flow measurement

Water level measurement

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