Ocean level monitoring has become increasingly important in scientific areas of study due to factors such as global warming as well as seasonal changes that result in extensive flooding and damage. Ocean level data is imperative to physical oceanographers’ research; therefore, they are in search of the most accurate, quick and cost-effective data acquisition equipment in the field.
Over the years, water level monitoring equipment has evolved from a mechanical means of measurement involving buoys and manual data collection, where human error was a significant factor, to electronic techniques involving radar and acoustic sensors. Some level transducers automatically capture data and transmit it to a host PC.
Decision Making Data
When AmberJackSolutions, a company specializing in custom data acquisition and telemetry solutions, wanted to expand the capabilities of its B600 versatile tide gauge, the company looked at different aspects of the gauge’s monitoring functions, specifically its water level sensors. AmberJackSolutions compared the radar, acoustic and pressure technologies typically used to capture water level data in oceanic applications. Staff found that the pressure sensor technology used in hydrostatic transducers provided data more quickly and accurately than that of the other alternatives.
The company invested in Pressure Systems’ KPSI 735T hydrostatic submersible level transducer for use in its tide gauge system. The 735T features titanium construction, and each transducer includes a SuperDry vent filter that utilizes a unique water block feature.
“Our tide gauge systems collect data used to make informed decisions about sea levels and, in conjunction with seismic activity, to detect tsunamis,” said David Mendes, hardware engineer for AmberJackSolutions. "The installation costs are offset by the validity and timeliness of the information generated by the transducers and our customers’ subsequent ability to act on their data."
With the use of Pressure Systems’ 735T level transducer, data can now be conveniently transmitted through GPRS protocol, saved on an SQL database in real time and downloaded for graphical viewing. The B600 tide gauge from AmberJackSolutions has been installed on several islands in the Portuguese Azores.
