SonTek-SL Series Side-Looking Doppler Current Meters

The SonTek-SL Series side-looking Doppler current meters are an advanced instrument for water velocity measurement and flow calculations in streams, rivers, and other water bodies.

Features

  • Accurate & reliable water velocity, level, & discharge measurements
  • Measurements are made in a remote sampling volume free from flow distortion
  • 3G models offer 128-cells for high-resolution and detailed profiles
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Inspired by the need for a simple way to measure water velocity and level in open channels, the SonTek-SL (affectionately known as the Side-Looker or "SL") has earned worldwide acceptance as a long-term monitoring solution. Now, with two new (3G) models turbo-charged by our proprietary SmartPulseHD, the SonTek-SL features accessories, mounting options, software, and a variety of integration formats to ensure it fits your application.

Designed specifically for side mounting on bridges, canal walls, or riverbanks, the SL's sleek, low-profile housing makes installation easy. With three models to choose from, the SL can be used in channels as small as you can jump across to rivers as wide as the Amazon. Ultra narrow beam widths combined with unmatched side lobe suppression provide the superior acoustic directivity necessary for achieving maximum horizontal range free of interference from surface or bottom boundaries.

First time users can collect test data within minutes of receiving the SonTek-SL. Deployments require only a few minutes to configure the SL and start collecting data. This system provides the highest quality Doppler velocity data without requiring the user to become an expert on Doppler technology.

SmartPulseHD (3G models only): An intelligent algorithm that looks at water depth, profiling range, velocity, and turbulence, and then acoustically adapts to those conditions using pulse-coherent, broadband, and incoherent techniques.  Best data possible under any condition.  High-def cell sizes down to 4 cm.

Compact, Hydrodynamic Design: Incredibly lightweight and easy to transport and mount.  Slim shape is easy to maintain, stays clean, increases available sample area, and fits into more places.

Water Velocity Profiling: Customizeable, flexible setup options to suit a variety of applications. 3G models offer 128-cells for high-resolution and detailed profiles.

Acoustic-Pressure "Duo" Water Level (3G models only): Not only redundant sources of water level, the acoustic vertical beam and pressure sensor continually self-check, and pressure data are auto-corrected to keep atmospheric offset negligible.

Versatile, Easy Mounting:  Easy-access side mounting reduces concerns over personnel safety, lowers operational cost by avoiding divers and boats, avoids interruption in facility operations, and avoids interruption in data and water delivery to clients and stakeholders. 

Wave Spectra Option: Integrated pressure sensor calculates and outputs wave-height and period, in real-time.

Questions & Answers
Can this calculate flow internally, or does this need to be performed in post-processing?
The SonTek-SL Series Side-Looking Doppler Current Meters can calculate flow as long as the channel shape data (area) is entered in the Software. With this information, the instrument can automatically log and/or transmit flow data.
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SonTek Argonaut-SL 3.0 MHz System
SL1500-3G
SL1500-3G side-looking real-time acoustic Doppler current meter/flowmeter, 1500 kHz
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SonTek Argonaut-SL 0.5 MHz System
SL500-232
SL500 side-looking real-time acoustic Doppler current meter/flowmeter, 500 kHz
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