Water Level Data Logger Range

Whether you just need a simple water level logger, or a remote water level monitoring system - we can help you. Tempcon are the professional water level monitor specialists.

Flood Water Monitoring Systems: Latest Best-practice

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 Water Level Data Logger Facts

professional water level monitor

There are many Water Level Data Logger products on the market from nearly as many manufacturers—which one is the most appropriate for your application? We’ve written this short guide specifying the most significant criteria, to help you choose.

What is a Water Level Data Logger?

A water level logger (often referred to as a water level recorder) is a professional water level monitor that measures and records variations in water level. Water level data logs together with time stamps are stored in the logger’s memory and can be retrieved using software included with the logger. With some water level loggers, it can be collected by other means, for example, a mobile app, or telemetry.

Water level data loggers usually contain an IP-rated enclosure covering one or more sensors and are positioned underwater to record data from the neighbouring water.

Functioning on battery-operated power, professional water level monitor data loggers record at a steady sample rate.

As you would expect, the battery type controls how long the logger can keep track. Normally they have a typical battery life of numerous months up to a year, with choices for longer life.

At the conclusion of the recording period (i.e., the termination of water analysis, etc.), it's simple for the user to produce tables and reports showing the data.

Types of Water Level Logger

There are two main types of water level data loggers – vented and non-vented. Vented loggers comprise a fitted vent tube that allows the loggers to compensate for atmospheric pressure changes automatically. A well-made and maintained vented water level logger can deliver precise water level data by levelling these changes on both sides of the water pressure sensor.

Non-vented loggers do not utilise a vent tube: in its place, these loggers contain a barometric sensor in addition to the water level sensor. 

Vented loggers have the potential to deliver the highest accuracy, but they also have a number of restrictions that can cause difficulties and result in imperfect data and data loss. These limitations include:

• Vented water level recorders are larger than non-vented loggers, which can make them problematic to carry and install.

• Most vented loggers require the usage of desiccants for moisture security, which increases the extent of upkeep that’s necessary. Also, condensation accumulation can lead to accuracy issues.

• When monitoring water containing pollutants, vent tubes with pollutant-resistant material have to be used, which adds to the price of the logger. As does the cleaning process that’s required before the logger can be re-deployed.

• Vented loggers lack flexibility when it comes to installing them at numerous depths. Cables cannot be lengthened in the field and cutting requires carefully winding the cable without making any bends.

• If the end of the vented logger cable is flooded by increasing water, all succeeding data is will be incorrect due to unknown pressure compensation dynamics throughout the flood event.

These drawbacks emphasise the benefits of non-vented loggers, which are more compact, require negligible maintenance, can be effortlessly installed in wells of variable depths, and are not distressed by flood water.

Accuracy

When assessing water level accuracy, there are some points to consider concerning specs. Useful questions include:

Do the accuracy specs apply across the total-calibrated measurement range of the logger?
The accuracy a water level logger can attain at the high or low end of its range might be far dissimilar from the correctness at the middle of its range. For this purpose, it is significant to find out if the logger’s accuracy description mentions a single point or the complete measurement range.

Is the stated accuracy only for the logger's sensor or for the complete logger and sensor unit?
A water level recorder’s sensor as well as the analogue-to-digital converter (ADC) both add to miscalculation. The miscalculation from the ADC can be just as important as sensor inaccuracy. Check that the specified accuracy applies to the complete instrument as opposed to just the sensor. Achieving a 0.01-ft water level resolution necessitates a minimum of 2-bit ADC coupled with a 30-psi water level sensor.

Is drift significant?

The water pressure sensors in water level loggers will vary over time. Drift is significant in circumstances when absolute pressure values are required or when there are no recent reference level or depth measurements obtainable. This might be the circumstance if a water level logger is installed for over a year and zero reference level readings are taken throughout that installation. Drift won't be a substantial factor if it will be balanced by consistent (i.e., once-a-month) physical reference level readings. Irrespective of whether drift will influence data, requesting drift specs is wise.

Along with these questions; check if the logger’s accurateness has been confirmed by UKAS-traceable values. 

Software Features you Might Need

Just as water level loggers can vary significantly from one model to another, so can the graphing & analysis software and/or mobile app that goes with them. From an overall perspective, it’s a decent idea to look for something that’s intuitive, so the learning curve is negligible. You’ll likewise want to be able to easily execute tasks such as arranging loggers, and discharging, graphing, and distributing data.

The software features you’ll want depend on where the software is being utilised. For software being utilised in the field, seek competencies related to installing loggers and transferring data. For software being utilised to analyse data in your workplace, look for strong analysis competencies.

With respect to detailed features, here are some you’ll want to think through:

• Time-saving – If you will be initiating numerous loggers simultaneously, look for software that allows you to configure the logging parameters once then utilise those settings for all the loggers. This saves time and helps guarantee that all loggers are configured the same. For instance, you might want to configure a group of loggers to all begin in unison and with the same logging rate.

• Barometric compensation (for loggers that don’t contain incorporated barometric pressure compensation) – To change a non-vented logger’s pressure readings to barometrically- adjusted water level values, the software must have a barometric compensation function. These tools normally permit you to insert reference level, density, and additional values and then carry out the pressure to-water level conversion.

• Multiple-logger graphing – When observing water levels at multiple sites, for example for hydrological research, it is always beneficial to see and examine data from every water level logger on one  graph.

• Simple data transfer – Since water level data often needs to be input into additional software programs, for example, spreadsheets, make sure the software will allow you to transfer data easily in a variety of formats.

• Saving a project and retrieving it – The ability to save and retrieve projects might seem like a basic feature of any logger software, but the fact is many do not support this.

Since data analysis often includes a number of steps, including combining data files together, changing pressure readings to different units, and creating charts, you’ll want to know that the software enables you to save your data, so you can easily retrieve it whenever you like.

Connection

Data loggers with wireless connection to a mobile device offer the convenience of not having to take a laptop into the field, while still being able to view data and change configuration settings in the field, if needed. Wireless loggers with Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology have the additional benefit of not having to physically access the logger to push a button to activate communication, as earlier versions of Bluetooth require, so provide true wireless water level monitoring.

Water level loggers that use plug-in connectors can be damaged by water when in use. Loggers with sealed optical interface eradicate the opportunity of water-related damage. However, with these you will need an optical base station to connect the water level recorder to a computer.

The HOBO RX2100 MicroRX Cellular Web-enabled Water Level Monitoring Station is highly cost-effective for remote water level monitoring. It is easy to set up and can easily be moved from one site to another, as needs change. Optional sensors can be added for rain etc.

Onset’s field-proven HOBO RX3000 cellular remote monitoring station with the Stevens SDX water level sensor provide remote, 24/7 access to high-accuracy water level/depth data. Watch this webinar to find out more (YouTube video 40:31).  Also covered are Bluetooth water level data loggers.

Why Tempcon is the Answer

Whether you require a single water level logger or a complete hydrological monitoring equipment solution - we can assist you. The team at Tempcon are the expert water level monitor consultants. Call us on +44 (0)1243 558270, or alternatively fill out our contact form

Are you using the XBeach model?

Our wide range of research-quality water level data loggers could be ideal for your project if you are using the XBeach two-dimensional model for wave propagation, long waves and mean flow, sediment transport and morphological changes of the nearshore area, beaches, dunes and back barrier during storms.