150 likes | 158 Views
Sutron's TPG is a weighing bucket gauge with built-in logger for measuring precipitation remotely, suitable for various applications. Features include SDI-12 interface, low power consumption, optional wind shield, and NIST traceable calibration. The TPG operation theory and components ensure accurate data collection, while optional accessories like drain kits and heaters enhance performance.
E N D
Total Precipitation Gauge (TPG) 12/19/13
Overview TPG, Single Cell TPG-0001-1 Sutron’s Total Precipitation Gauge (TPG) is a weighing bucket gauge with a built-in logger designed for remote measurement of precipitation. The TPG can be equipped with multiple load sensors for added redundancy and reliability. Sutron designed the TPG using technology proven in the NWS Fischer Porter Rebuild kit program. Instead of refurbishing an ageing Fischer Porter Gauge, many users will find it easier to simply replace with Sutron’s TPG.
TPG Applications • Hydro-Met monitoring systems • Municipal hydrology • Flood warning systems • Stormwater monitoring networks • Water balance models • Watershed and catchment basin studies • Climate change studies • Tropical and arctic monitoring • Tipping bucket upgrades • Replacement of Fischer/Porter gauges • CRN -- Climate reference network • AWS – automatic weather stations • ASOS/AWOS – Automated Weather Observing System (airports) • NWS Co-op modernization
TPG Features Measures all forms of precipitation: drizzle, rain, sleet, snow, graupel, and hail. No moving parts – greater reliability and lower maintenance (less clogging) than tipping buckets. High capacity – 36” (914mm) precipitation – with option to expand range to 72” or higher using auto-drain. SDI-12 interface to Satlink, IridiumLink, GPRS/CDMALink or other loggers Built-in logger for data redundancy to station logger, or can act as a standalone logging sensor. Low power consumption (<1ma standby) for long life of battery. NIST traceable factory calibration with simple field verification/calibration. Simple mounting on 4.5” OD pipe Optional Wind Shield to increase catchment of precipitation – studies show that gauges without shields miss 25-50% of solid precipitation in windy environments. Optional heater – eliminates capping of the sensor in heavy snows or areas with riming ice (requires line power). Based on NWS Precip Gauge Upgrade technology being used in over 1000 stations. WMO compliant (manual 306, No 8)
TPG Specifications Measurements: Precipitation, Precip rate, Internal Temp, Battery Automeasure Interval : 1 second to 24 hours Measurement Technique: Precision hermetically sealed load cell Accuracy: 0.02" (0.6mm) -25°C to +60°C Range: 36" (914 mm) standard, >72" (1800 mm) with optional drain kit Enclosure: UV Resistant ABS plastic Cover, 8" diameter aluminum inlet with knife edge. Cast aluminum base with 4" pipe mount (for 4.5" OD pipe) Communication Ports: SDI-12, RS232 Operating Temperature: -40°C to +60°C Built-In Flash Memory: 4 MB (>300,000 readings) Clock Accuracy (at 0°C – 40°C): 20 seconds per month Power Requirements: 9-18 VDC Current Drain: <1mA @12 VDC standby, 5ma active Communication Protocols: MODBUS, SDI-12
TPG Operation Theory & Components 8” diameter opening allows all types precipitation to fall into the collection bucket Optional heater keeps opening free from snow and ice Oil layer reduces evaporation Antifreeze in bucket melts snow/ice Precision load cell weighs the precipitation Electronics convert weights into precipitation amounts, logs data, and sends data to main station logger/telemetry Optional drain kit empties bucket when it precipitation reaches 70% capacity Mounts on 4.5” OD pipe
Windscreen Benefits Windscreen Example WMO is testing the TPG in the Solid Precipitation Inter-Comparison Experiment (SPICE). TPG3 with Alter shield catches 25-50% more than TPG1 without shield.
Client Portfolio – U.S.A USACE USGS National Park Service Bureau of Reclamation
Client Portfolio – International WMO Hoskin Scientific Anyone else?
Installation Examples Master Station Demo Station – Sutron Headquarters Rooftop, Sterling VA
Installation Examples Gated Weather Station with TPG - Kabul, Afghanistan
Installation Examples TPG in Bulgaria
Installation Examples ???, Alaska
Installation Examples WMO’s Solid Precipitation Inter-Comparison Experiment (SPICE) – Marshall, Colorado
TPG Models & Options Models TPG-0001-1 TPG, single cell TPG-0003-1 TPG, triple cell Options TPG-DK TPG Drain Kit TPG-HK-120 TPG Heater kit, 120V, 200W TPG-HK-240 TPG Heater kit, 240V,200W TPG-HK-48 TPG Heater kit, 48V, 200W TPG-WS-36-GA TPG Windscreen - Galvanized TPG-WS-36-SS TPG Windscreen - Stainless Steel TPG-WS-48 TPG Windshield, 48” diameter WS-24-EXT-GA Windscreen Extension - Galvanized WS-24-EXT-SS Windscreen Extension - Stainless Steel