How to Measure Water Current of Irtysh River?

1. Where is Irtysh River?

The Irtysh River is a magnificent water body that courses through the heart of Central Asia. It originates in the Altai Mountains, which are well-known for their spectacular alpine landscapes and abundant biodiversity. It meanders through the continent, touching both Kazakhstan and Russia.

It cuts across the large steppes where grasslands spread to as far as the horizon and are host to varieties of nomadic herding communities. For a very long period of time, these communities have utilized the waters of the Irtysh as the only means for the sustaining of their cattle and satisfying their household needs. Along its banks, there are also quite a few cities and towns that have gained momentum for their development due to this river. Cities like Omsk in Russia developed around the Irtysh, using its water for industrial purposes, as well as supplying clean drinking water to the urban population.

The Irtysh River culturally represents the history and traditions of the people of the region. It has been a witness to the migrations of different ethnic groups, and its waters have carried the stories and legends of the local cultures. The river is a place of celebration, with festivals and fishing traditions that have been passed down through generations.

What is the Irtysh river's flow rate?

The Irtysh River forms a very important resource for those territories through which it flows. It is an important means of transportation by water and an integral element of the local ecosystems.

The Irtysh River experiences serious seasonal and year-to-year variation in flow. In the spring, heavy snowmelt from the Altai and other catchments upstream produces a great spate in the river. During this period, the water level grows, the current becomes very strong, and much sediment and nutrient load is carried with it. This phase is really crucial for the ecology of the river since during that time the riparian floodplains enrich and there is an obvious boost in the aquatics.

During the summer, the flow rate somewhat stabilizes. It still provides a regular supply of water for the different needs of the communities and the environment. The flow of the river is maintained by rainfall in the catchment area and the release of water from reservoirs. During fall and winter, the flow rate decreases. In addition, the average flow rate depends on various factors such as snowfall in upstream areas, the topography of the river basin that dictates water collection and runoff, and operation of dams and water managing systems along the river.

3. How to measure water current of Irtysh River?

The following are different ways in which the water current of the Irtysh River can be measured:

Velocity Meter Method

This traditional approach applies mechanical or electronic velocity meters. These meters are placed at specific points in the water to measure the speed of the water passing by. However, to get a thorough understanding of the current, there is a need for multiple placements at different locations and depths, which can be a very time-consuming process and may not provide a continuous profile throughout the water column.

Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) Method

The ADCP technique applies to the measurement of water current in a much better manner with increased efficiency. Measured simultaneously with it is the velocity at discrete and evenly distributed intervals with regard to depth using sound waves. It would allow doing a fine profile from surface to bed, by simply transmitting the acoustic signals and processing Doppler shift from reflected ones, for continuous recording in every different water stream phase across sections.

Buoy Method

In this method, buoys are installed in the river, and their movements are monitored over some time. The shifting of the buoys from their initial position by water current is indicative of the flow speed and direction. Nevertheless, there are certain disadvantages of the method. This method cannot provide very accurate measurement of the velocity at all depths. Besides, factors such as wind and wave action could affect the travel of buoys themselves.

Among these methods, the ADCP method is more advanced and convenient for the measurement of water current of the Irtysh River.

4. How do ADCPs using the principle of the Doppler work?

ADCPs work on the principle of the Doppler effect. When an acoustic signal is transmitted from the ADCP transducer into the water, the sound waves encounter and interact with the moving particles of water. Due to the flow of water, the frequency of the reflected sound waves back to the transducer shifts; this is what is called the Doppler shift.

Accordingly, when water is actually flowing toward a transducer, the reflected wave frequency will be higher than that of the emitted frequency, whereas the frequency will be low in cases when water is flowing away from the transducer. This frequency shift, exactly at varying angles and depth, provides the ADCP profiler the capacity to calculate the actual speed of water in most direction dimensions and at various depths inside the water column. The velocity of the current will show everything: how, with which strength and even temperature from the surface down to the riverbed; that is a really full-blown profile of the current provided.

5. What's needed for high-quality measurement of Irtysh River Currents?

The measuring equipment for high-quality measurement of the Irtysh River currents should possess certain features. The materials used in its construction should be reliable for accurate and consistent measurement. Small size is effective in its deployment and retrieval within the river, especially where access is poor. The equipment should not be heavy to simplify the installation process and reduce the work of handling.

Low power consumption is essential to ensure that the equipment can operate for extended periods without the need for frequent battery replacements or a complex power supply setup. Cost - effectiveness is another important factor as it enables more widespread use and larger - scale measurement campaigns.

When it comes to the casing of the ADCP flow meter, titanium alloy is an excellent choice. Titanium alloy has many advantages. It is highly resistant to corrosion, which is very important, since the equipment will always be in contact with water that might contain various minerals, sediments, and pollutants. It has a good strength-to-weight ratio, which enables a durable yet lightweight casing. It will also be able to withstand the mechanical stresses occurring at the time of deployment and operation in the flowing water of the Irtysh River.

6. How to Choose the right equipment for current measurement?

In choosing the proper equipment for measuring the current of the Irtysh River, one has to consider two major factors.

Depending on the usage purpose, for horizontal cross-section measurement, the Horizontal ADCP (HADCP) is the suitable option. It is designed to accurately measure the flow velocities across a horizontal plane in the river, which is useful for understanding the lateral distribution of the current. The Vertical ADCP would be more appropriate for vertical cross-section measurement, since it focuses on profiling the current from the surface to the bottom along a vertical line in the water column.

Second, different frequencies of ADCPs are applicable for different water depths. For example, an ADCP current profiler with a frequency of 600 kHz is suitable for water depths within 70 m. It can provide accurate current measurements in the relatively shallower parts of the Irtysh River. An ADCP current meter with a frequency of 300 kHz is more appropriate for deeper waters up to 110 m, which can be useful in areas where the river has greater depth.

There are well - known brands of ADCPs such as Teledyne RDI, Nortek, and Sontek. However, for those looking for a cost - effective option with good quality, the China Sonar PandaADCP is highly recommended. It is made of all - titanium alloy material and offers an incredible price - performance ratio. You can find out more about it on its website: https://china-sonar.com/.

Here is a table with some well known ADCP instrument brands and models.