SediMeter™ — sediment level and turbidity

The SediMeter™ is a patented instrument for measuring siltation, sedimentation, erosion, and bedload sediment transport. It measures a vertical turbidity profile through the sediment – water interface, and estimates the exact level of the bottom. It has been used for many kinds of projects. The fourth generation SediMeter™ is based on the same sensor design as has been in use since 2007, with a geometry developed in 1985, but adds a range of new sensors and features:

  • ISO 7027 turbidimeter (NIR laser)
  • EPA turbidimeter (white light)
  • Fluorescence 90° & 180°
  • Luxmeter
  • Accelerometer 3D
  • Conditions-based monitoring (CBM)
  • UV anti-fouling

The sedimeter sensor consists of 36 near infrared optical backscatter detectors (NIR OBS) spaced 1 cm apart. The active measurement length is 35 cm. Turbidity is measured at 71 levels, every second one as straight backscatter (OBS) and every second one as oblique backscatter, and reported in formazin turbidity units (FTU) with no decimals. The level is estimated with 0.01 mm resolution.

SediMeter™ SM4. The copper tape is optional and user applied.

About 11 cm higher up there are two turbidity sensors, one ISO style turbidity meter with NIR light, and one EPA style turbidity meter with white light, both reflected 90 degrees. There is also a fluorescence meter emitting UV light and measuring the returned white light. The window of the turbidimeters are protected against fouling by UV LEDs.

The SediMeter SM4 also has a 3D accelerometer for measuring tilt and vibrations. Every measurement it stores either 20 measurements with 10-bit resolution, or 30 measurements with 8-bit resolution. The default is +-2 g range, 10 Hz frequency, 8 bit resolution. This can be reconfigured by the user up to +-16 g range, and from 1 Hz to 400 Hz frequency. The instrument also offers Conditions Based Monitoring (CBM): When the acceleration surpasses a user-configurable threshold, in a user-configurable orientation, an extra measurement is triggered.

The SediMeter SM4 has a built-in memory that holds 32,786 measurements. The time interval between measurements can be configured from 1 seconds to 24 hours using the included software. It can also be used in real-time monitoring, alone or in a network. When used in stand-alone mode it is powered by a built-in battery that is recharged through the same USB cable used to set up the instrument and to download data. For maximal redundancy, the system allows for internal data collection and real-time remote monitoring simultaneously.

The SM4 instrument can be mounted in sediment using the standard anchor and holder tube included if purchasing a kit. This holder is screwed down in mud and sand with the help of a handle. This model is available separately or as a kit in a convenient case, complete with all necessary accessories for stand-alone use in the field (handle, anchor, holder tube, cable, blind plug).

The SM4 model has a 15 mm diameter level sensor that goes into the holder tube, and a 20 mm diameter turbidimeter region that stays free of the holder tube. The battery house is designed to avoid galvanic corrosion even in shallow, tropical seas, and to have a natural antifouling property.

The SM4P model, where P stands for professional, has 20 mm diameter throughout. It is intended to be used without a holder tube. Instead, the user would typically mount it to a platform or tripod. It is physically stronger than the SM4. The instrument can be rebuilt at factory if the sensor tube gets fouled or scratched.

PDF Files for Download

SM4 Flyer
SM4 Flyer
SM4 Specifications
SM4 Specifications
SM4 Kit
SM4 Kit
SM4P Specifications
SM4P Specifications