The runoff measuring system consists of various components that can be used in a modular fashion. The measuring system is used to record and sample surface runoff and the erosion loads it contains. The basic equipment is the sample distributor, also known as the erosion vessel. Other components are the measuring plot limitation, the collecting gutter, the divider system, hoses and a bypass tipping counter. There are no bottlenecks in the entire system that could clog, cause backwater or slow down the flow rate. The erosion material can thus be unhindered transported  in the flowing water.

Measuring plot limitation, collecting gutter, and dividing system

The measuring plot limitation is a system for the medium and long-term demarcation of a 30 m² (3 m x 10 m) measurement area for collecting surface runoff. In combination with the collecting gutter and the dividing system, the runoff can be collected from the plot area and routed via the dividing system to the tipping counters to measure the runoff.

The collecting gutter consists of a stainless-steel angle construction that is firmly anchored in the ground. The collecting gutter is buried in such a way that no sediment load can accumulate. The cover of the collecting gutter prevents rainwater from entering the collecting gutter.

To limit the flow rate at the inlet of the sampler distributer an dividing system is required. The collecting gutter directs the run-off water to the dividing system. The dividing system contains a perforated plate to keep out large foreign bodies and prevent animals from entering. The dividing system has two outlets at two different heights for connecting tipping counters. The lower connection leads to the tipping counter in front of the sample distributor. When the capacity of the tipping counter is reached, the water flows out via the upper outlet of the dividing system to the bypass tipping counter. The data from both tipping counters is recorded by the data logger.

Sample distributor / erosion vessel

The surface water is fed into the sample distributor via the tipping counter on the sample distributor. A double-ring bottle magazine is located in the sample distributor. A processor-controlled swivel arm fills the inner and outer bottle positions (maximum 12 bottles each) fully automatically or empties the collected surface water via the outlet of the sample distributor.

The sampling frequency is adapted to the discharge intensity by means of a microcomputer to ensure that the various discharge events can always be optimally recorded. In the case of low runoff volumes, the entire surface runoff captured by the collecting gutter is filled as a sample in order to obtain the largest possible sample quantity. In the case of a high runoff event, on the other hand, sample water is only collected at adjusted time intervals. The remaining water is dumped again after the quantity has been recorded. This prevents all sample bottles from being filled too quickly and ensures that the samples are distributed over the entire discharge event.

The sample distributor is installed below the measuring surface in order to generate the flow solely due to the difference in height and not to be dependent on pumps. This creates a free flow and keeps energy consumption to a minimum.

Comprehensive picture of runoff and erosion processes

In combination with meteorological and soil hydrological measuring stations, the run-off measuring system can be used to obtain a comprehensive picture of run-off and erosion processes.

Item no.: 2011000 - Run-off measuring device: Sample distributor / erosion vessel

• 1 x Vessel with removable cover
• 1 x Double ring bottle magazine for 24 amber glass bottles
• 24 x amber glass bottles 1.000 ml
• 2 x electric motor drives for swivel arms
• Position sensors and proximity switch
• 1 x Inlet and outlet
• V2A - Water guide elements with 3-way switching
• 1 x V2A-tipping counter 1 l
• 1 x logger housing with microprocessor control, integrated data logger
• 1 x software UGTLog
• 1 x UGT data cable
• 2 x Removable battery with a charger