FSI Acoustic Current Meters-2D-ACM, 3D-ACM

Updated 12/9/2009

2-Dimensional and 3-Dimensional Point Velocity Acoustic Current Meters for Coastal, Deep-Ocean, River and Lake Monitoring

2D- and 3D-ACM Point Velocity Current Meters
FSI current meters use phase-shift acoustic transit-time technology to provide high-accuracy point velocity in 2 or 3 dimensions. The phase-shift measurement principle allows ACM current meters to measure accurately, even in slow moving water and in water with no reflectors present (e.g., deep water or very clear water). Internal compass and tilt sensors provide magnetic horizontal current vector direction, without the need for specific orientation of the current meter during deployment. Because the meters measure a finite volume to provide a point velocity, they can also provide data in very shallow water or very near the ocean bottom. They are used worldwide for monitoring water currents in coastal areas, deep ocean sites, rivers, and lakes.

FSI ACM current meters can be instrumented with an optional CTD unit and additional sensors for affordable water quality monitoring.

FSI's easy-to-use ACMPro and ACMPost software provide easy deployment, data download, and graphical analysis of the current meter and sensor data.

>> Read more about FSI's 3D-Wave meter, which combines 3-dimensional current data with depth readings from a precision pressure sensor to provide directional wave monitoring.

Why choose acoustic transit-time for point velocity monitoring?

Measures in very clear as well as turbid water - no reflectors required

Measures near seabed and surface - not affected by multi-path

Measures very low as well as high velocities

Low cost allows for more measurement sites

Can provide velocity profiling over time at a very reasonable price

2D ACM Current Meter in 1.5-ton Frame

2D-ACM Datasheet
3D-ACM Datasheet

Specifications

2D-ACM Manual
3D-ACM Manual

Software

FAQs

ACM SPECIFICATIONS:

Current Velocity

Range: 0-600 cm/sec

Accuracy: 2% of reading or 1 cm/sec

Resolution: 0.01 cm/sec

Current Direction

Range: 0 to 360°

Accuracy: ±2%

Resolution: 0.01°

Tilt

Range: 0 to 45° (2D-ACM)

Range: 0 to 30° (3D-ACM)

Accuracy: 0.5°

Resolution: 0.01°

Temperature

Range: -2 to 35°C

Accuracy: 0.5°C, optional 0.1°C, (optional 0.05°C on 3D-ACM)

Resolution: 0.01°C

OPTIONAL CTD

Conductivity

Range: 0-70 mS/cm

Accuracy: ±0.01 mS/cm

Resolution: 0.001 mS/cm

Temperature

Range: -5 to 32°C

Accuracy: ±0.01°C

Resolution: 0.001°

Depth

Range: 0-200 dBar (meters); 0-7000 dBar

Accuracy: 0.1% FS

Resolution: 0.01% FS