Abstract: A system for measuring flow parameters in a drain pipe which may be partially or completely filled. The system comprises wide band pulsed ultrasonic echo ranging sensor disposed in a lower portion of a pipe with a beam directed generally upward at a predetermined inclined angle. Echo information may be processed to determine contiguous particle traces from the same respective particles in a range vs. time format. Particle velocity may be determined based on trace slope or arc. Average particle velocity from a measurement subset of flow may be used to determine a subset average flow rate, which is then related to total flow rate and total flow average velocity based on one or more models. One embodiment may reflect the beam from the surface of the water to extend coverage near the bottom of the pipe and may avoid an exclusion zone at the bottom of the pipe.

Abstract: A system and method for measurement of flow parameters in a sewer pipe that may be partially or completely filled. Flow parameters may include flow velocity, flow volume, depth of flow and surcharge pressure. Measurements are taken from a sensor head installed on the inside of the pipe at the top of the pipe approximately the larger of at least 1 foot or 1 pipe diameter upstream of a pipe opening. Flow velocity may be measured by two different technologies. The technology employed depends on whether or not the pipe is full. If the pipe is not full then flow velocity may be measured, for example, using a wide beam, ultrasonic, diagonally downward looking Doppler signal that interacts with the surface of the flow. If the pipe is full, then flow velocity may be measured using, for example, an average velocity Doppler sensor, a peak velocity Doppler sensor or an ultrasonic velocity profiler.