To power one of the most advanced flood monitoring and forecasting systems in the world, the Iowa Flood Center (IFC) relies on more than 200 Senix ToughSonic® 30 and ToughSonic® 50 ultrasonic sensors to measure stream water levels statewide.
Image Credit: Senix Corporation
Data from these sensors is automatically transmitted to the Iowa Flood Information System (IFIS), where it is integrated into a sophisticated hydrological model. This enables real-time monitoring, with system data and river stage hydrographs accessible to both the public and emergency response officials.
By delivering dependable, real-time, and easily accessible water level information, ToughSonic sensors equip Iowa residents and state agencies with the tools they need for effective local flood management.
Ultrasonic Sensors for Durability and Dependability
The IFC needed a reliable, cost-effective solution for accurate, real-time stream-level readings. Project Engineer Daniel Ceynar turned to Senix ultrasonic sensors, drawing on Senix's long track record in water level measurement at IIHR—Hydroscience & Engineering, The University of Iowa’s globally recognized hydrological research center.
Senix sensors were an ideal choice due to their ease of integration with other system components. For this application, that meant seamless connectivity with cellular modems, solar panels, on-board clocks, and additional monitoring equipment.
ToughSonic sensors were also selected for their rugged design, flexible programmability, and the added value of Senix’s renowned engineering support.
“The Senix sensors and technical team have been pivotal to the success of this project,” Ceynar stated.
Streams and Sensors Go Hand in Hand
The IFC and Senix also collaborated to design a custom-threaded collar for the ToughSonic 50, allowing it to be mounted to the IFC stream gauge enclosure using the same threading as the ToughSonic 30. That rear-mount ToughSonic 50 design has since become a standard Senix product.
Each sensor is programmed to take measurements at intervals ranging from five minutes to an hour, using a boxcar average of a preset number of readings. Between measurements, the system remains in a low-power “sleep” mode until activated to collect data and transmit it to the IFIS. Sensor data is provided using RS-485 serial data communications.
Built for extreme environments, Senix sensors are potted in watertight stainless steel housings and operate in 0–100% humidity across a temperature range of –40° to +70 °C.
After assembly in the IFC lab, each stream gauge is submerged for three days to verify water tightness. This testing has proven invaluable. In the field, many sensors have been completely submerged during flash floods and, once waters receded, resumed sending accurate stream level data without any need for repairs.
“Once installed, the Senix and IFC stream gauges are practically 100% maintenance-free,” Ceynar said. “Most stream gauge sites have not been visited since they were installed several years ago.”
Image Credit: Senix Corporation
Real-Time Water Levels Facilitate Disaster Management
Senix ToughSonic sensors have given the IFC—and the people of Iowa—access to critical, real-time data for both forecasting floods and managing conditions once flooding begins.
“The system of stream gauges and other Hydromet data is routed through the IFIS, where it is regularly used by all levels of government, law enforcement, and the general public,” Ceynar stated. “We’ve had firsthand experience working with our local emergency management coordinator during floods in 2013 and 2014, where we participated in the daily briefings using IFIS.”
Before the stream gauges were installed, crews were often sent into the field to visually assess flooding in threatened areas. Now, with real-time data flowing in, emergency personnel can focus their efforts on protecting people and property.
By pinpointing the location of a flood crest and tracking its movement toward sensitive roads, bridges, and towns, the system provides emergency responders with the insight they need to act quickly and strategically.
Check out this video of a stream stage sensor in action:
Real-time Flood Warning System in Iowa empowered by Senix Sensors
Video Credit: Senix Corporation
Iowa Flood Center as a Model For the World
Officials from other states—and from countries as far as Australia—have contacted Ceynar and his colleagues to inquire about the IFIS.
“The IFC is the only flood center in the United States, and IFIS is the only system of its kind that we are aware of,” Ceynar added. “We will continue our efforts to create a National Flood Center.”
Senix is proud to partner with forward-thinking research and educational institutions like the University of Iowa, supporting their work both in the lab and in the field.
This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by Senix Corporation.
For more information on this source, please visit Senix Corporation