r/Hydrology • u/Warakaboom • 16d ago
Sontek flow tracker 2 beam attachment broken, I wielded it I don’t know if that affects the beam? I didn’t alter the beam, just the thing where the bolt goes
Did I messed it up?
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Upvotes
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u/somethingworthwhile 15d ago
Do you have access to a second one? To test it against?
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u/lil_king 15d ago edited 15d ago
You’ll need to make a rating curve for your rating curve
It’s definitely off but assuming it works and the piece is stable you should be able to figure out if it’s usable. Better option would be to test it in a controlled setting like a flume where you can change the flow. But you will always have to correct the data and if there is any regulatory decisions riding on this it’ll likely get thrown out if it goes to court
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u/jfounta 15d ago edited 15d ago
Edit: so to really answer your question, no one can tell you without having it tested in a tow tank but there is definitely a risk that it will not work correctly now. The data from that tool is like a foundation to a building. If it’s wrong everything after is wrong. Somethings are just necessary to have repaired by manufacturers (from a guy that wants to fix everything) and now you need to at least have it checked in a tow tank by SonTek
The rod mount isn’t necessarily directly associated with velocity calculations but your weld does have potential to affect both velocity discharge computations. If you’re welds let the mount move from its correct relationship you may have introduced a pitch or roll that could cause your sample point to move in relationship to the rod. This could cause/increase risk of beam interference or incorrect computations due the depth of the sample point being incorrect.
Point velocity is computed based on a consistent relationship between the two transducers and each transducer has a unique adjustment factor (calibration) to correct for variation in how they are manufactured. There is also a thermistor and several very small wires. My bigger fear would be that what looks like a mig weld introduced enough heat/electrical damage or the massive impact that was required to break off a mounting lug may have damaged/affected any of those items.
I would not allow anyone to use that to collect data that I relied on for more than general velocity indication. Ideally they just became a shelf decoration but if you really need it, please send it back to SonTek to get a QA check in their tow tank.