Continuous automated sensing of streamflow density as a surrogate for suspended-sediment concentration sampling

Matthew C. Larsen; Carlos Figueroa Alamo; John R. Gray; William Fletcher

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USGS · 70120641

Continuous automated sensing of streamflow density as a surrogate for suspended-sediment concentration sampling

Matthew C. Larsen·Carlos Figueroa Alamo·John R. Gray·William Fletcher

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Abstract

A newly refined technique for continuously and automatically sensing the density of a water-sediment mixture is being tested at a U.S. Geological Survey streamflow-gaging station in Puerto Rico. Originally developed to measure crude oil density, the double bubbler instrument measures fluid density by means of pressure transducers at two elevations in a vertical water column. By subtracting the density of water from the value measured for the density of the water-sediment mixture, the concentration of suspended sediment can be estimated. Preliminary tests of the double bubbler instrument show promise but are not yet conclusive.

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Source-reported bounding extent: 18.2309147° to 18.2334521° latitude; -66.0563858° to -66.0463556° longitude. This indicates report coverage, not an exact sampling location. View area on OpenStreetMap.

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Matthew C. Larsen, Carlos Figueroa Alamo, John R. Gray, William Fletcher. 2001. Continuous automated sensing of streamflow density as a surrogate for suspended-sediment concentration sampling. https://pubs.usgs.gov/publication/70120641

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