Project Overview
A customer in Vietnam contacted Zero Instrument looking for a complete solution for open-channel water velocity measurement.
The customer required an LS1206B Propeller Current Meter with a portable display unit, an extended wading rod system, and calibration documentation for field measurement work.
Because the measuring depth at different sites may vary, the customer also needed additional extension rod sections beyond the standard configuration.
After confirming the technical requirements, Zero Instrument supplied a complete LS1206B measurement set configured for immediate field use.
Customer Requirements
The customer requested the following configuration:
- Instrument: LS1206B Propeller Current Meter
- Application: Open-channel water velocity measurement
- Display: Digital velocity counter / display unit
- Standard Wading Rod: 1.6 m total length
- Standard Rod Configuration: 4 sections × 0.4 m
- Additional Extension Rods: 6 pcs × 0.4 m
- Calibration Document: Calibration certificate
- Calibration Formula: v = a + b·n
- Delivery: Express door-to-door shipment to Vietnam
One important requirement was that the customer needed sufficient rod length for measurements at different water depths.
The standard LS1206B wading rod has a total length of 1.6 meters, consisting of four 0.4 m sections. To increase measurement flexibility, six additional 0.4 m extension sections were supplied.
This allowed the operator to adjust the rod length according to actual site conditions.
The Measurement Challenge
Open-channel velocity measurement often requires instruments to be positioned at different depths across a river, canal, drainage channel, or irrigation channel.
A fixed short measuring rod may not be suitable when:
- Water depth changes between measuring points
- Measurements are taken in deeper channels
- Operators need to measure at several vertical positions
- Field conditions require flexible instrument positioning
For this project, a modular rod configuration was therefore important.
By combining the standard rod with additional extension sections, the operator can adapt the measurement length according to the actual depth of the channel.
Zero Instrument Solution
Zero Instrument supplied a complete LS1206B Propeller Type Current Meter system.
The complete set included:
- LS1206B propeller current meter sensor
- Digital counter / display unit
- Standard 1.6 m wading rod
- 6 additional 0.4 m extension rod sections
- Required connecting accessories
- Calibration certificate
- English translation of the calibration documentation
The instrument was prepared as a complete measuring system, allowing the customer to begin field measurements after receiving and assembling the equipment.
Calibration Documentation
Calibration documentation was particularly important for this project.
Each LS1206B current meter is supplied with its corresponding calibration data.
The velocity calculation is based on the relationship:
v = a + b·n
Where:
- v = water velocity
- n = propeller rotation rate or measured rotational frequency
- a = calibration coefficient
- b = calibration coefficient
The original calibration certificate was issued in Chinese.
To make the documentation easier for the customer to use locally, Zero Instrument also prepared an English translated version to accompany the original certificate.
This allowed the customer to retain the original calibration record while also having an English document for engineering reference and project documentation.
Why the LS1206B Was Suitable for This Application
The LS1206B is well suited to portable open-channel measurement because of its simple mechanical structure and modular field configuration.
Modular Wading Rod
The standard 1.6 m rod consists of multiple detachable sections.
Additional rod sections can be added when deeper measurement positions are required.
Portable Measurement
The system can be transported easily to different field locations, making it suitable for temporary measurements and survey work.
Direct Velocity Measurement
The propeller sensor responds directly to flowing water, allowing the operator to determine local water velocity at specific positions in the channel.
Individual Calibration
The calibration formula supplied with the instrument provides the relationship between propeller rotation and actual water velocity.
Typical Applications
The LS1206B Propeller Current Meter can be used for applications such as:
- River velocity measurement
- Irrigation channel surveys
- Open drainage channels
- Water conservancy projects
- Hydrological monitoring
- Environmental water surveys
- Canal flow investigations
- Field verification of open-channel flow conditions
By measuring velocity at multiple points across the channel cross-section, engineers can also use the collected velocity data as part of an overall flow-rate assessment.
Delivery Solution
Because the customer required a relatively fast and straightforward delivery method, the complete instrument set was shipped by international express service directly to Vietnam.
Before shipment, the configuration was confirmed to include the requested additional rod sections and documentation.
The complete package was arranged so that the customer could assemble the measuring rod and begin field measurements after receipt.
Project Result
The final configuration provided the customer with a flexible open-channel velocity measurement system suitable for varying water depths.
The combination of:
- LS1206B current meter
- Digital display unit
- 1.6 m standard rod
- 6 additional extension sections
- Calibration certificate
- English calibration document
created a complete field-ready solution.
The project also demonstrated the importance of confirming not only the instrument model, but also the measurement depth, rod configuration, accessories, and calibration documentation before shipment.
Key Takeaway
When selecting a propeller current meter for open-channel applications, the sensor itself is only one part of the system.
For practical field use, engineers should also confirm:
- Required measuring depth
- Standard and extended rod length
- Display or counter unit
- Calibration formula and coefficients
- Calibration documentation
- Transportation and carrying requirements
A properly configured system can significantly improve field efficiency and reduce the need to purchase additional accessories after delivery.
About Zero Instrument
Zero Instrument supplies flow, level, pressure, temperature, and water measurement instruments for industrial and environmental applications.
For LS1206B current meter selection, customers can provide the required measuring depth and application conditions, and we can recommend a suitable rod configuration and complete accessory package.
Need an LS1206B Propeller Current Meter for river, canal, or open-channel measurement? Contact Zero Instrument for configuration and quotation.