sensors

Sonar (Non-contact)

Active acoustic sensor for real-time, non-contact monitoring of riverbed elevation and scour hole development.

Model No
G93-800N
Frequency
200 kHz or 500 kHz
Measurement Range
0.5m to 10m (Standard)

Visuals Uploading Soon

Our team is currently capturing high-res assets for this product.

Asset_Pending

Overview

Active acoustic sensor for real-time, non-contact monitoring of riverbed elevation and scour hole development.

The Geolook G93-800N Sonar Scour Sensor is an advanced acoustic instrument designed to provide continuous, real-time measurements of the riverbed or seabed elevation. Unlike contact-based systems, the Sonar sensor is mounted at a fixed underwater position on a bridge pier and "looks" down at the sediment surface. By emitting high-frequency acoustic pulses and timing their return, the sensor calculates the exact distance to the bed with high precision. This allows engineers to monitor the dynamic process of scour development as it happens during a storm, providing a much higher resolution of data compared to traditional manual sounding or passive mechanical devices.

Read Detailed Description

Benefits & Features

  • Real-time measurement of current bed elevation
  • Non-contact acoustic technology (no moving parts in the sediment)
  • Robust housing designed to withstand high-velocity flows and debris
  • Advanced signal processing to filter out fish, debris, and air bubbles
  • Digital RS-485 / Modbus output for seamless data logger integration
  • Programmable sampling intervals to save power between events
  • Compact, low-profile design to minimize hydrodynamic drag

Detailed Description

Active Acoustic Sounding

The G93-800N operates on the principle of Echo Sounding. It transmits an ultrasonic pulse through the water column. When this pulse hits the riverbed, it reflects back to the transducer.

Because the speed of sound in water is known, the sensor can calculate the distance to the bed with extreme accuracy. By subtracting this distance from the sensor's known elevation, the system provides a live 'elevation' of the riverbed, allowing for the immediate detection of erosion.

Dynamic vs. Maximum Scour

While mechanical systems (like the Magnetic Collar) are excellent for recording the 'worst-case' depth, the G93-800N Sonar is superior for understanding the 'process.'

It can show engineers how quickly a scour hole forms during the peak of a flood and, just as importantly, how quickly it fills back up as the water slows down. This data is vital for validating hydraulic computer models and improving the design of future bridge piers.

Filtering the 'Noise'

A major challenge for underwater sonar is 'noise'—turbid water, floating logs, or schools of fish. The G93-800N features proprietary signal-processing algorithms that can distinguish between a moving object (like a fish) and the stable surface of the riverbed.

Even in 'chocolate-milk' turbidity levels common during major floods, the 200kHz signal is able to penetrate the suspended solids to find the true bottom, ensuring the data remains reliable when the structure is most at risk.

Integration with Early Warning Systems

The G93-800N is designed to be part of an 'Intelligent Bridge' network. When the sonar detects that the bed has dropped below a critical safety threshold, the Geolook GL-DL series data logger can trigger automated sirens, warning lights, or digital alerts to the Department of Transportation.

Available Models

Models Uploading Soon

We are currently updating the specific model configurations and technical datasheets for this product category.

Specifications

Model No
G93-800N
Frequency
200 kHz or 500 kHz
Measurement Range
0.5m to 10m (Standard)
Resolution
10mm
Accuracy
±1% of distance
Beam Width
8° to 12° (Conical)
Material
Marine-grade Bronze or Stainless Steel 316L