SonTek-SL Series Side-Looking Doppler Current Meters
Features
- Accurate & reliable water velocity, level, & discharge measurements
- Measurements are made in a remote sampling volume free from flow distortion
- 3G model offers 128-cells for high-resolution and detailed profiles
- Expedited repair and warranty service
- Lifetime technical support
- More
Overview
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 the proprietary SmartPulseHD, the SonTek-SL features accessories, mounting options, software, and a variety of integration formats to ensure it fits the desired application.
Design
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 wide or narrow channels. 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.
Mechanics
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.
Benefits
- 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.
Select Options
In The News
Long-Term Monitoring in the Chautauqua Lake Watershed
With a widely developed shoreline, Chautauqua Lake experiences influxes of non-point source pollution that have historically impacted the health of the lake. The Chautauqua Lake Association (CLA) has been monitoring the lake for over two decades, reporting on changes that have occurred over the years. A pair of local lake advocates, Jane and Doug Conroe, have lived on the lake for over 40 years and have played an important role in establishing monitoring programs and facilitating consistent data collection throughout the watershed. Doug has been involved with the Chautauqua Lake Association (CLA) since the pair moved to the area in 1980, and is currently serving as the Executive Director.
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No Red Herrings: Data Driving the Largest Salt Marsh Restoration in the NE USA
The Herring River system encompasses around 1,000 acres in the Towns of Wellfleet and Truro, Massachusetts. In 1909, the Chequessett Neck Road dike was built at the river’s mouth, drastically limiting tidal flow. Today, it’s one of the most restricted estuaries in the northeastern United States. As a result, the area has suffered environmental decline, including poor water quality, hypoxia, lower pH, and salt marsh degradation. In 2023, the Town of Wellfleet received $14.7 million from NOAA’s Office of Habitat Conservation to fund the Herring River Restoration Project (HRRP). Francesco Peri, President and CEO at Charybdis Group LLC, uses a network of NexSens data loggers to monitor water level and water quality on the Herring River.
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Carbon and Nutrient Monitoring in the Great Lakes Using Satellite Observations
Carbon and nutrients are the foundation of lake food webs and play an important role in the chemical and physical processes that shape aquatic ecosystems and various lake dynamics. Studying these cornerstones can help improve understanding of other lake conditions like harmful algal blooms, hypoxia, and phytoplankton community composition. The way in which these characteristics are monitored varies, though many rely on a proxy approach wherein parameters are extrapolated from the measurement of a different parameter. An assistant professor at Cleveland State University, Brice Grunert, is working to improve current strategies and take a satellite approach to monitoring the Great Lakes.
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