Level monitoring solutions

HYDROview:
Self-sufficient water level measurement

Are you looking for a smart monitoring device that allows you to monitor water levels easily
and flexibly and detect flood risks early on?

Detecting Flood Risks Early

Streams may look idyllic, but they can become a real danger during heavy rainfall. They are often the cause of devastating floods.
With RCT’s HYDROview water level monitoring system, such waterways can be monitored easily and flexibly –
allowing hazards to be detected early on.

The 2021 flooding in the Ahr Valley, Germany, demonstrated that smaller streams were the cause of this once-in-a-century disaster. Triggered by heavy rainfall, they carried up to 400 times more water than usual – and did so in a very short period of time. Experts therefore advocate for the continuous monitoring of even smaller streams using measurement technology. This is the only way to detect an impending flood early on.

Requirements for Water Level Measurement 
What is needed are smart water level measurement devices that can be set up quickly and flexibly as needed and, above all, operate autonomously – even along rivers and streams far from any energy infrastructure.

Disadvantages of Previous Solutions 
Water level measurement devices have been around for some time. However, their complex, labor-intensive, and comparatively expensive setups – involving brackets, mounting elements, and cables to external power sources – are a drawback.

Easy Installation 
With HYDROview, RCT now offers a water level measurement device that enables easy installation and commissioning, as well as self-sufficient and mobile operation. The new development features a cost-effective sensor that cyclically measures water levels capacitively, detects flood hazards, and issues alerts.

Quick Setup
Using a measuring rod equipped with a measurement and data processing unit – which can be easily positioned near the shore – both water level data and GPS data can be collected and transmitted. The electronics communicate with the outside world via GSM/NB-IoT on the LTE network. In the event of a flood risk, the transmission frequency changes. Data is then automatically transmitted at shorter intervals. The battery-powered (battery life depends on transmission frequency) water level measuring device operates completely autonomously without external aids.

Geodata included
In addition to monitoring and transmitting physical parameters such as water level and temperature, the unit’s geolocation can also be transmitted.

Industrial-grade & weatherproof
The measuring device can be configured externally via radio. A programming cable is not required for this. Additional information, such as the location, can also be stored. Thanks to its compact design, the entire unit is industrial-grade, UV-resistant, and suitable for use in demanding weather conditions (temperature range: −20 °C to +50 °C).

HYDROview

Measurement and Transmission Unit

With HYDROview, RCT offers a water level measurement device that is easy to install and commission.
This new product features a cost-effective sensor that uses capacitive technology to measure water levels at regular intervals,
detect flood hazards, and send alerts.

Benefits

1. Cost-effective to purchase
2. Easy installation and commissioning
3. Mobile and flexible use
4. Self-sufficient operation
5. Automated, periodic level measurement
6. Secure wireless technology (GSM/NB-IoT)
7. Transparency through geodata (GPS, cell ID)
8. Continuous level monitoring
9. Quick information via apps

Installation options

Measuring probe driven into the riverbed

Measuring probe attached to a concrete foundation via a screw connection. e.g., sewer

Measuring probe driven into the ground near the shore

HYDROview:
Technical Details

How the Electronics Work

A capacitive sensor is used to measure the water level of a river, stream, or other body of water at regular intervals. The water level probe does not necessarily have to be submerged in the water; it can also be placed near the bank. The cyclic measurement results are compared with stored threshold values and saved. If necessary, a cyclic notification or alarm is sent. The last 24 measured values are transmitted via GPRS/LTE or Cat M1, NB-IoT to a stored destination address. Measurement range = 0 cm to 150 cm. Other measurement parameters available upon request.

The ambient temperature is measured using a thermocouple located inside the probe. This value is also stored and compared with setpoints. Measurement range: -20°C to +50°C.

The unit's location is tracked and transmitted at regular intervals.

If the unit is shaken or removed, an alarm containing geolocation data is also transmitted.

When the measurement values are transmitted, the received cell IDs are also transmitted to enable location tracking even without GPS.

In addition to programming the parameters, other important information can also be stored and transmitted remotely.

4 x 3.6-volt lithium batteries, battery life approx. 3 years (depending on transmission frequency)

IP 67 (probe) and IP 65 (electronics)

IEC 60079-0 (Ed. 7.0) · IEC 60079-11 (Ed. 6.0), CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 60079-0:19, CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 60079-11:14, ANSI/UL 60079-0 (Ed 7.0), ANSI/UL 60079-11 (Ed 6.0)

1. in accordance with Annex III of the Directive on equipment for use in potentially explosive atmospheres 2014/34/EU

2. in accordance with Annex III of the Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/EU (RED)

3. in accordance with the EMC Directive 2014/30/EU

4. in accordance with the Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU

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Contact

Contact

We are happy to answer your questions:

Martin Meyer
Managing Director

T: +49 6462 419880
E: m.meyer@r-c-t.biz