Accurate Irrigation Water Flow Measurement in Pipes

 field being irrigated

Introduction

Accurate flow measurement is important to irrigation water management and water rights accounting and protection. Accurate flow measurement is essential in ensuring the equitable water distribution to water rights holders and shareholders within irrigation companies. Accurate flow measurement can be used to resolve or even prevent conflicts. And it can help producers ensure they can best use their limited water resources.

Many methods can be used to measure water flow, and different methods and technologies are used for pipe flow compared to open channel (canal) flow. In this fact sheet, we cover only pipe flow and for that, only technologies that are most common in conventional irrigation practice. We also address some basic flow measurement principles and the pros and cons of different measurement technologies.

Flow Measurement Principles

Water Flow Rate

Water flow rates are measured and reported in terms of the volume of water moved per amount of time--for example, gallons per minute (gpm) or cubic feet per second (cfs). A cubic foot per second is sometimes called a second-foot. There are 449 gpm in 1 cfs.

Another way to think about water flow is that the flow rate is equal to the average velocity (or speed) of water multiplied by the flow area:

Flow Rate = (Average Flow Velocity) × (Flow Area)

Example
A pipe has an average flow velocity of 4 feet per second and a cross-sectional area of 0.7 square feet. Find the flow rate. The answer is 4 feet per second × 0.7 square feet = 2.8 cubic feet per second (cfs). This is the same as about 2.8 cfs × 449 gpm/cfs = 1,260 cfs.

Some flow meters work on this principle by measuring the average flow velocity in a pipe and multiplying it by the area. The flow area equals the number pi (π) multiplied by the pipe’s inside radius squared. Recall that π is about 3.14:

Area of a Circular Pipe = π × (Inside Radius)2

Example
The inside diameter of Class 125 iron pipe size (IPS) polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe is about 10.05 inches. The radius of this pipe is 10.05 inches ÷ 2 = 5.025 inches. So, the area is π × (5.025 inches)2 = 3.14 × 5.025 inches × 5.025 inches = 79.3 square inches. There are 144 square inches in 1 square foot (12 inches/foot × 12 inches per foot = 144 square inches per square foot). So, 79.3 square inches ÷ 144 square inches per square foot = 0.55 square feet.

Therefore, any difference in the flow area or the velocity conditions from the requirements of a given flow meter will cause errors.

Water Volume

Water is often managed or regulated in terms of an annual water volume. Water volume is computed as the flow rate of water multiplied by the duration of flow:

Volume = (Flow Rate) × (Flow Duration)

When computing volume, the flow duration must have the same time units as the flow rate.

Example
A flow of 1,000 gpm of water is pumped for 60 hours. Find the volume pumped. First, convert the duration time units to minutes to match gpm: 60 hours × 60 minutes per hour = 3,600 minutes. So, 1,000 gpm × 3,600 minutes = 3,600,000 gallons.

Common volume units are gallons, millions of gallons, cubic feet, acre-feet, and acre-inches. An acre-foot is the volume of water it would take to cover an acre of land with water 1 foot deep. An acre-inch is 1/12 of this amount (Table 1).

Table 1. Common Irrigation Volume Conversions

1 cubic feet = 7.48 gallons
1 acre-foot = 43,560 cubic feet
1 acre-foot = 12 acre-inches
1 acre-foot = 325,851 gallons
1 acre-inch = 27,154 gallons

Example
Convert 3,600,000 gallons into acre-feet. 3,600,000 gallons ÷ 325,851 gallons per acre-foot = 11 acre-feet.

Some flow meters provide an instantaneous flow reading and a totalizer reading. The totalizer is like a vehicle’s odometer, but rather than logging the total distance traveled, it records the total volume of water that has passed through the meter. It is most accurate to use the totalizer for flow records and any type of decision-making. In such a case, one may take an initial totalizer reading, set a timer for several minutes, and then take a second totalizer reading. The flow rate would be computed by calculating the difference between the two totalizer readings and dividing by the elapsed time.

Example
Compute the average flow rate from a meter with an initial totalizer reading of 34,583 gallons and a final reading of 34,758 gallons over a 5-minute period. First, 34,758 gallons – 34,583 gallons = 175 gallons. Now, 175 gallons ÷ 5 minutes = 35 gpm.

Flow Conditions

Flow measurement accuracy depends upon the characteristics of flow within the pipe. The speed or velocity of water flowing in a pipe is not the same for all water in the pipe. Water flowing next to the pipe wall flows slower because of friction against the pipe wall, while flow in the center of a pipe flows faster (Figure 1). When water goes through or past a fitting (elbow, tee, reduction, expansion, valve) or through a pump, the flow velocity becomes distorted and no longer follows the pattern shown in Figure 1. This can be a problem for flow measurement accuracy. Many flow meter technologies rely on the type of velocity pattern shown in Figure 1. This type of pattern only develops in pipes that are flowing completely full. Partially full flow can occur when a pipe has an open discharge or when air is trapped in a pipeline (Figure 2 and Figure 3). When a pipe is partially full, the velocity pattern is very different from full pipe flow and the flow area (cross-section) differs also. Many flow meters also rely upon the flow area for flow estimation.

Drawing of Flow Velocity (Speed) in a Full-Flowing Pipe
Figure 1. Drawing of Flow Velocity (Speed) in a Full-Flowing Pipe
Drawing of a Pipe With an Open Discharge Flowing Partially Full
Figure 2. Drawing of a Pipe With an Open Discharge Flowing Partially Full
Drawing of Partially Full Pipe Flow Caused by an Entrapped Air Pocket
Figure 3. Drawing of Partially Full Pipe Flow Caused by an Entrapped Air Pocket

Ensuring Proper Flow Conditions

Proper Velocity Distribution

Proper installation and management of a flow meter include taking measures to ensure proper flow conditions. The installation should include a sufficiently long section of straight, full-flowing pipe without fittings so that the desired velocity distribution can develop in the pipe. Generally, this requires that the pipe be straight and free of fittings or valves for at least ten times the inside diameter of the pipe upstream of the flow measurement device and at least five diameters downstream of the device (Figure 4). This can be called the “10-5 Rule.” For example, a flow meter is installed in a 10-inch, Class 100, IPS, PVC pipeline. This type of pipe has an inside diameter of about 10.2 inches. So, the flow meter would need at least 10 × 10.2 inches = 102 inches of straight pipe upstream of the meter and at least 5 × 10.2 inches = 51 inches downstream of the meter. So, this installation would require 102 inches + 51 inches = 153 inches or 12 feet 9 inches of straight pipe (not including the meter length itself).

Recommended Minimum Straight Pipe Requirements for a Pipe Flow Meter (the 10-5 Rule)
Figure 4. Recommended Minimum Straight Pipe Requirements for a Pipe Flow Meter (the 10-5 Rule)

Exceptions to the 10-5 Rule

The 10-5 Rule is not absolute. Follow manufacturer guidelines regarding installation if they require longer lengths of pipe. However, great care should be taken when following guidelines that suggest smaller distances than the 10-5 Rule unless a qualified, independent, testing laboratory generated the information. That said, some situations and some flow meter technologies may provide accurate measurements with smaller lengths of straight pipe. For example, many flow meters and metering configurations have been tested by the Utah Water Research Laboratory (UWRL) at Utah State University, a world-class water laboratory (https://uwrl.usu.edu/).

The Idaho Department of Water Resources requires flow meters qualifying under their jurisdiction be tested at the UWRL. They have published a list of flow meter models that meet their requirements, available at https://extension.usu.edu/irrigation/measurement and https://idwr.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/water-measurement/Approved-flow-meter-list-v3.8_4_4_2022.pdf. Under their requirements, electromagnetic meters (magmeters) and spool-type ultrasonic meters may have as little as three times the pipe inside diameter of straight pipe upstream and at least two times the inside diameter of straight pipe downstream of the meter. Other meter types do not meet this recommendation. Note that at this fact sheet’s publication, the State of Utah did not have specific guidelines for agricultural irrigation flow measurement. As such, it is recommended to use those from Idaho.

Researchers in Nebraska found that some spool-type magmeters could function with as little as two pipe inside diameters of straight pipe upstream and one inside diameter of straight pipe downstream (Eisenhauer et al., 2021). However, this would apply only to the model of meter that they tested. Conversely, Taghvaeian (2017) lists examples where much more length is needed than the 10-5 Rule for ultrasonic flow meters.

Sometimes, straightening vanes may be placed in a pipe to reduce the necessary straight pipe length (Figure 5). This application may be necessary, for example, with a propeller meter (Eisenhauer et al., 2021).

Depiction of Straightening Vanes in a Pipe: Cross-Section View (left) and Side Cutaway (right)
Figure 5. Depiction of Straightening Vanes in a Pipe: Cross-Section View (left) and Side Cutaway (right)

Full Pipe Flow

Full pipe flow is not guaranteed even in sprinkler and drip irrigation systems. A flow meter may be positioned in a segment of pipe that could collect air, for example, a segment of aboveground pipe that feeds a buried pipe (Figure 6). Whenever a flow meter is installed in a section of pipe that is higher than the surrounding pipe, a continuous-acting air vent should be installed in the pipe segment to bleed off any entrapped air (Figure 7). An air vent/vacuum release valve that is not continuously acting will not bleed off entrapped air during operation.

For open discharge systems, like those used to supply a head ditch for surface irrigation, there is often a risk of the pipe flowing partially full. In these cases, a small rise can be added using elbows or pipe miters to ensure the pipe flows fully through the flow meter (Figure 8; Eisenhauer et al., 2021). Other situations may exist or can be designed to ensure full flow through the flow meter (Figure 9). The principle is that the pipe should flow full for the required distances upstream and downstream of the meter (Figure 10).

Finally, many flow meters can be mounted in vertical pipe sections. However, the same required straight pipe distances apply. Manufacturers typically recommend that water flows upward through the pipe section and flow meter (for example, McCrometer, Inc., 2021).

A Flow Metering Situation That May Require a Continuous-Acting Air Vent
Figure 6. A Flow Metering Situation That May Require a Continuous-Acting Air Vent

 

Examples of Continuous-Acting Air Vents
Figure 7. Examples of Continuous-Acting Air Vents
(left) ACV200 Air Control Valve from Nelson Irrigation Corporation, Walla Walla, WA;
(right) CR100 Continuous-Acting Air Vent and Vacuum Relief Valve From Waterman Valve, LLC, Exeter, CA
Pipe at Risk of Flowing Partially Full (top) and Pipe With a Rise After the Flow Meter (bottom)
Figure 8. Pipe at Risk of Flowing Partially Full (top) and Pipe With a Rise After the Flow Meter (bottom)

 

Pipes Not at Risk of Flowing Partially Full
Figure 9. Pipes Not at Risk of Flowing Partially Full

 

A Pipe at Risk of Flowing Partially Full Upstream of the Flow Meter (top) and Problem Remedied (bottom)
Figure 10. A Pipe at Risk of Flowing Partially Full Upstream of the Flow Meter (top) and Problem Remedied (bottom)

 

Flow Meter Types

There are several types of flow meters common in agricultural applications. Flow meters can be categorized by measuring, mounting, and readout methods.

Flow Meter Measurement Types

There are several flow measurement types commonly used to measure water flow in pipelines. Only some of these are common in agricultural irrigation (Table 2). Example photos of some of these technologies are provided in Figure 11.

Pipe Flow Meters
Figure 11. Pipe Flow Meters
(top left) Doppler Meter for Pipe-Bottom Installation (Can Measure Partially Full Flow); (top right) Spool-Type Magmeter;
(bottom left) Transit Time Flow Meter in Carrying Case; (bottom right) Transit Time Flow Meter Installed on a Center Pivot Lateral

Table 2. Comparing Flow Meter Measurement Types

Meter types

Function

Used in irrigation?

Some pros

Some cons

Mechanical meters
 

Propeller/ Turbine meter

A propeller or turbine is placed in the pipe (typically centered and pointed upstream). Velocity is based on the rotational speed of the propeller.

Yes

Among the least expensive options. Installation can be easier than other methods.

Strongly affected by the flow velocity distribution. Prone to mechanical wear, which causes inaccurate readings. The meter can collect debris.

Paddle wheel

A small paddle wheel is placed inside the pipe (typically centered horizontally). Velocity is based on the rotational speed of the paddle wheel.

Yes

Electronic meters
 

Electro-magnetic (mag-meter)

Generates a magnetic field and measures flow based on distortion of the field. These meters require proper grounding.

Yes

One of the more accurate methods. No moving parts. Based on flow rate, not velocity. May require less straight pipe than other methods.

More costly than some other options. The installation often requires more effort than other technologies.

Transit time meter

Measures the time an ultrasonic wave takes to travel from a transducer through a pipe to a second receiving transducer. The travel time is related to flow velocity.

Sometimes

Some can be installed on the outside of a pipe, not requiring additional fittings. No moving parts.

More costly than some options. The meter must be protected from the elements. Not best for corroded pipes.

Doppler meter1

Sends sound waves into the water and measures the speed of the waves reflected off particles in the flow. Velocity is based on the speed of the reflected waves.

Sometimes

Pressure reduction
 

Venturi

A tapered pipe constriction causes a pressure difference in the pipe. The flow velocity is based on the physics of water flow.

Rarely

Can be quite accurate. No moving parts.

Relies on accurate pressure measurements.

Orifice plate

A flat plate with a hole in it is placed in the pipe. The flow velocity is based on the pressure difference between the two sides of the plate and the physics of water flow.

Rarely

1 See Masasi et al., 2017.

Flow Meter Mounting Types

There are several common methods for mounting pipeline flow meters (Table 3). Some measurement technologies may be available in multiple mounting configurations. Example drawings of some of these mounting methods are provided in Figure 12.

Table 3. Comparing Flow Meter Mounting Types

Mounting types

Description

Types of meters

Some pros

Some cons

Insertion

The meter is typically cylindrical and of relatively small diameter (< 2"). The meter is inserted through a threaded outlet (tee or half coupler) in the pipe.

Paddle wheel
magmeter
propeller/ Turbine

Among the least expensive options. Installation is often relatively simple.

Strongly affected by the flow velocity distribution. The meter can collect debris.

Saddle

A hole is cut in the top of the pipe to accommodate the flow meter. The flow meter is attached to a saddle, much like a repair saddle, to cover the hole.

Propeller/ Turbine
magmeter

Among the least expensive options. Installation is often relatively simple.

Strongly affected by the flow velocity distribution. The meter can collect debris.

Spool/ Fitting

The meter is a cylindrical fitting, typically flanged, that must be mounted in the pipe and through which water flows.

Magmeter
propeller/

Turbine
venturi
orifice

Can be a more accurate option, depending on the meter technology.

Can cost more than some options. Installation is often more involved.

Interior wall mount

The meter is mounted to the inside (often bottom) of the pipe and the sensor cable must be routed out through a fitting or the pipe discharge.

Doppler

Among the least expensive options. Installation is often relatively easy.

The sensor can collect sediment.

Exterior

Transducers are mounted on the exterior of the pipe.

Transit time
doppler

The least expensive of mounting methods.

The mounting location must be protected from the elements.
Three Types of Pipeline Flow Meter Mounting Methods, With Dashed Lines Representing Items Inside the Pipe
Figure 12. Three Types of Pipeline Flow Meter Mounting Methods, With Dashed Lines Representing Items Inside the Pipe

Flow Meter Recording Types

The output of flow meter readings can differ among flow meters, with multiple options available for many meters. For example, a meter may only have a manually readable dial, or it may have datalogging capacity and remote access using a cellular connection (Table 4).

Table 4. Comparing Flow Meter Data Output Types

Recording types

Description

Types of meters

Some pros

Some cons

Notes

Needle/ Totalizer

An indicator with a needle (like a speedometer) and a rotating totalizer (like an odometer). Measurements are recorded manually.

Propeller/ Turbine

Among the least expensive options.

Often, there is no data logging or remote access.

The totalizer is more accurate than the needle or instantaneous value.

Electronic display/ Totalizer

Like a needle/totalizer but a digital display is used. Measurements are recorded manually.

Propeller/ Turbine
paddle wheel
magmeter

4-20 mA

An electrical current output is generated ranging from 4 to 20 mA.

All

Can be added to many meters to adapt to external dataloggers. These are common outputs readable by many types of dataloggers.

The signal generator may be an added expense to a meter. It does not include a display or datalogging on its own. Thus, it requires an additional datalogger and telemetry (for remote access).

  

0-5 V

An electrical voltage output is generated ranging from 0 to 5 V.

All

Pulse output

An electrical output is generated with pulses which can be DC (on/off) or AC.

Many

Digital output

A digital signal is output by the meter. Common standards include SDI-12, RS-232, and MODBUS.

Many

Can be read by many types of dataloggers.

Digital output may be more expensive than other electrical signal options (above).

  

Built-in datalogging

The meter is equipped with a built-in datalogger.

Transit time/
Doppler/
Some others

No external logger is needed.

Less common. Data typically needs to be downloaded with a computer. Remote access may not be an option.

  

Flow Meter Accuracy

The accuracy of flow measurements depends upon the meter technology, manufacturer, installation, maintenance, and other factors (Table 5). It is important to consider the accuracy of a meter before purchase. Select meters with no greater than ±2% flow error in the range of expected flow rates. Sensor accuracies will often be described as a percentage plus or minus the measured flow rate. Some accuracies are described in terms of a percentage of velocity measurement and a separate percentage of flow depth measurement (for example, doppler meters used for partially full flow measurement). A rough approximation is to combine those accuracies as follows:

Total Accuracy % = 100 - (1 - (Velocity Accuracy %) / 100) × (1 - (Depth Accuracy %) / 100) × 100

Example
A flow meter has a depth accuracy of ±2% and a velocity accuracy of ±5%. Compute the total accuracy.

The answer is:
total accuracy = 100 – (1% – 2% ÷ 100) × (1% – 5% ÷ 100) × 100 = 100 - (1 – 0.02) × (1 – 0.05) × 100 = 100 – 0.98 × 0.95 × 100 = 100 – 0.931 × 100 = 100 – 93.1 = 6.9%.

The total accuracy of the meter is ±6.9% of the reading. So, if the meter measured a flow of 100 gpm, the accuracy would be ±0.069 × 100 gpm = ±6.9 gpm. The actual flow could be anywhere from 93.1 gpm to 106.9 gpm.

Some accuracies are presented as a percentage of the full range, meaning the full sensor range. If the sensor range is 10 gpm to 1,000 gpm and the accuracy is ±1% of the full range, then the accuracy is (1,000 gpm – 10 gpm) × 1% ÷ 100 = 9.9 gpm. This accuracy is approximately ±1% at 1,000 gpm but nearly ±100% at 10 gpm. Some accuracies are also provided in absolute terms, like ±1 gpm or a combination of the above-stated methods.

It is important to understand that the accuracy of many types of sensors can drift, or decrease, over time. This is true for many types of flow meters. For example, Masasi and others (2017) found sensor drift in some types of ultrasonic sensors. Sensors that have moving parts are subject to bearing wear and subsequent calibration drift. Follow manufacturer recommendations for maintenance and recalibration.

Table 5. Comparison of Potential Flow Meter Accuracy and Equipment Cost

Flowmeter type

Mount type

Claimed accuracy1

Potential 2022 cost4

Magmeter

Spool

±0.2%–0.75%a

$380–$450 per diameter incha

Magmeter

Insertion

±0.5%–10%2,b

$1,500–$2,500a

Paddle wheel

Insertion

±3%–10%c

~$1000a

Propeller/Turbine

Saddle

±2%d

$1,000 + $80 per diameter inchb,c

Propeller/Turbine

Weld-on saddle

±2%d

$180 per diameter inch, more for
< 8 inchesb

Propeller/Turbine

Spool

±2%d

$370 per diameter inchb

Ultrasonic

Exterior

±1%–1.5%3,e

$7,100–$11,000a

Ultrasonic

Insertion

±1%g

~$7,200d

Ultrasonic

Interior wall

±1%–2%f

$8,200–$11,400d,e

1As reported by the manufacturers. Accuracies may differ from the manufacturer’s statements (see Masasi et al., 2017). Accuracies should be obtained from a qualified, third-party testing facility. Sensors may also be subject to calibration drift. Manufacturers/sources included: aBadger Meter, FloCat, Instrumart; bGeorge Fischer Signet, Instrumart, Seametrics, McCrometer; cGeorge Fischer Signet, Instrumart; dDirect Pivot Parts, Geyser, Insrumart, McCrometer; eBadger Meter, Fuji Electric, Instrumart, Panametrics; fIn-Situ, Measuring and Control Equipment, Sontek; gIn-Situ, Measuring and Control Equipment. Information was retrieved November 2022.
2Depends on the flow rate and manufacturer.
3Masasi and others (2017) found the range to be much larger and to be biased low.
4Based on costs from online sources and quotes. Costs do not include installation, including pipe cutting, welding, flanges, half couplings, or other materials. Costs typically include signal output (for example, 4-20 mA), and many include totalizer displays. Only ultrasonic and area-velocity meter costs include data datalogging capability. The cost for a datalogger and telemetry can vary depending on the manufacturer and customization. For example, a datalogger may be less than $300 but may be $1,350 or more if telemetry is added. Telemetry service and data hosting services are often an additional annual cost. Sources include: aInstrumart; bDirect Pivot Parts; cMcCrometer, dIn-Situ; eSonTek. Costs are from November 2022.

Flow Meter Cost

The cost of flow meters depends upon the technology, mounting type, data collection system, manufacturer, installation, longevity, and maintenance. Maintenance and longevity information is difficult to obtain, but many equipment dealers can provide general information on these subjects. Table 5 contains a range of installation costs for different flow meter technologies.

Summary

When considering a pipeline flow meter, it is important to consider the meter technology and ensure proper flow conditions. When no other information is available, apply the 10-5 Rule. The meter’s accuracy should be no greater than ±2% of the flow as tested by a reputable third party. It is important to consider sensor accuracy drift and maintain the meter to minimize drift. Consult equipment dealers regarding the expected longevity of the flow meter under consideration. The cost of flow measurement includes not only the meter itself but also the cost of installation, maintenance, signal output, datalogging, remote access telemetry, and data hosting services. Considered both accuracy and cost when selecting a flow meter because the value of the right to use water in crop production is so great.

Disclaimers

All figures and photos are by Burdette Barker and require attribution.

References

Published April 2023
Utah State University Extension
Peer-reviewed fact sheet

Download PDF

Authors

Burdette Barker Irrigation Specialist, Cody Zesiger, and Matt Yost

crops
Specialist
Burdette Barker
Directory
irrigation
Extension
Burdette Barker

Burdette Barker

Irrigation Specialist

435-797-3926

Burdette.Barker@usu.edu

Extension
Weber County
agriculture and natural resources
crops
agriculture
Natural Resources
Directory
Davis County
local irrigation
Morgan County
Cody Zesiger
small farms
ag-nat
Cody Zesiger

Cody Zesiger

Extension Assistant Professor | Agriculture & Natural Resources | Weber, Morgan and Davis Counties

801-399-8208

cody.zesiger@usu.edu

Logan
Specialist
matt yost
crops
Directory
irrigation
Extension
expert
agroclimate
Matt Yost

Matt Yost

Agroclimate Specialist

435-797-4210

matt.yost@usu.edu

Related Research

Events

View Events Near You

Learn More

Take an Online Course Tips SIGN UP Find an Event