Advanced Groundwater Measurement Based on Colloidal Borescope Principle
Groundwater plays a critical role in environmental protection, geological research, water resource management, and pollution remediation. However, accurately measuring underground water movement has always been a technical challenge because groundwater flow is invisible, complex, and influenced by geological conditions.
The Colloidal Borescope principle provides an advanced visualization and measurement method for groundwater flow analysis. By using particle tracing technology and high-resolution optical observation, this technology allows researchers to directly observe groundwater movement, measure flow velocity and direction, and obtain reliable three-dimensional vector data.
Based on this innovative principle, the AML920 Groundwater Flow Velocity and Direction Meter has been developed as a professional groundwater monitoring instrument designed for environmental investigation, groundwater pollution assessment, hydrological research, and geological analysis.
The AML920 adopts the Colloidal Borescope principle to achieve accurate groundwater flow measurement in a single monitoring well, providing real-time, continuous, and automated data acquisition.
What Is a Colloidal Borescope?
A Colloidal Borescope is an advanced optical measurement technology that uses microscopic particles as natural or introduced tracers to visualize water movement.
Unlike traditional observation methods, a Colloidal Borescope does not simply capture images. It analyzes the movement characteristics of particles suspended in water to determine:
- Groundwater flow velocity
- Groundwater flow direction
- Three-dimensional flow vectors
- Internal groundwater movement patterns
This makes Colloidal Borescope technology especially valuable for groundwater studies where traditional measurement methods cannot provide sufficient accuracy.
The principle has become an important technology for:
- Groundwater environmental monitoring
- Pollution migration analysis
- Geological investigation
- Hydrological modeling
- Contaminated site remediation
AML920 Groundwater Flow Velocity and Direction Meter Overview
The AML920 Groundwater Flow Velocity and Direction Meter is a professional instrument based on the Colloidal Borescope principle and particle tracing measurement technology.
In 2018, groundwater flow velocity and direction measurement instruments were listed as necessary equipment for soil and groundwater environmental damage forensic identification by the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Ecology and Environment.
The AML920 was designed to overcome the limitations of traditional groundwater flow measurement technologies.
Currently, groundwater flow measurement instruments generally use two main methods:
1. Thermal Pulse Method
The thermal pulse method detects water movement by observing heat transfer changes.
However, this method has limitations:
- Strongly affected by water pressure
- Limited detection depth
- Usually suitable only for groundwater flow within approximately 60 meters
2. Particle Tracing Method
The particle tracing method analyzes particle movement to calculate groundwater flow.
However, traditional particle tracing methods may become inaccurate when groundwater is:
- Too clear
- Too turbid
The AML920 improves this process by using advanced particle visualization technology based on the Colloidal Borescope principle, allowing accurate measurement even under challenging groundwater conditions.
Key Features and Advantages of AML920 Colloidal Borescope Technology
1. Measure Groundwater Flow Velocity and Direction in a Single Well
One of the biggest advantages of the AML920 is that it does not require multiple monitoring wells.
Using a single well, the instrument can obtain:
- Three-dimensional groundwater flow vector data
- Flow velocity information
- Flow direction information
This greatly reduces:
- Investigation costs
- Drilling requirements
- Field operation time
It provides researchers with a more efficient groundwater monitoring solution.
2. 360° Panoramic Groundwater Observation
The AML920 provides a unique viewing capability.
At a certain groundwater level, it can achieve:
- Overhead observation
- 360° panoramic view around the well
Unlike many imported and domestic instruments that cannot simultaneously provide these functions, the AML920 allows researchers to observe groundwater conditions from multiple angles.
This improves understanding of:
- Underground water movement
- Geological structures
- Pollution migration pathways
3. Real-Time Continuous Online Measurement
The AML920 can automatically perform continuous groundwater monitoring.
It can generate thousands of sets of:
- Accurate data
- Complete data
- Real-time data
per minute.
This ensures sufficient statistical information for:
- Scientific research
- Environmental monitoring
- Law enforcement investigation
- Groundwater assessment
The maximum working depth reaches 500 meters, making it suitable for deep groundwater investigations.
4. Advanced Particle Tracing Measurement Technology
The AML920 uses particle movement analysis based on the Colloidal Borescope principle.
When groundwater is too clear and particle movement cannot be detected, the system can add only 1 mg of Amerchol contrast agent to make particle movement visible.
After adding the contrast agent:
- Flow direction becomes visible
- Flow velocity can be calculated accurately
This improves measurement reliability under different groundwater conditions.
5. No Cross-Contamination Between Groundwater Bodies
Groundwater investigations often involve multiple water layers and different environmental conditions.
The AML920 includes a dedicated cleaning film system designed to prevent:
- Cross contamination
- Data interference
- Pollution transfer between groundwater bodies
This provides higher reliability compared with competing products.
6. Wireless Remote Operation
The AML920 supports wireless control through:
- Mobile phones
- Tablets
The handheld device connects wirelessly with the controller, allowing convenient operation and real-time data display.
Compared with traditional imported instruments that only provide display functions, AML920 offers greater flexibility and usability.
System Composition of AML920 Groundwater Flow Meter
Six-in-One IoT Data Acquisition Terminal
The AML920 system includes an intelligent IoT data acquisition terminal.
The multifunctional probe is lowered into the target well section through:
- Meter-marked cable
- Lifting winch
The system automatically collects groundwater particle movement information.
The camera parameters can be adjusted according to site conditions:
- Brightness
- Contrast
- Saturation
- Color
- Rotation angle
The collected information is processed through:
- Visual algorithms
- Three-dimensional vector algorithms
to calculate groundwater velocity and direction in real time.
920 Controller
The controller integrates:
- Data processor
- Signal acquisition card
- Data export system
- Data upload function
- Display screen
- Waterproof keyboard
- Printer
It provides complete field measurement and reporting functions.
920 Handheld Device
The handheld device connects wirelessly with the controller.
Operators can:
- Monitor measurements remotely
- Control operations
- View real-time results
This improves field efficiency and convenience.
Measurement Parameters
Conventional Measurement Indicators
The AML920 measures:
- Groundwater flow velocity
- Groundwater flow direction
- Water temperature
- Water level
- Overhead view
- 360° panoramic well and mine view
Expandable Measurement Parameters
The system can also support:
- Full-spectrum scanning
- Characteristic pollutant identification
- New pollutant identification
- Groundwater ammonia nitrogen detection
- Heavy metals such as manganese
- pH value
- Conductivity
- Dissolved oxygen
- Turbidity
- Redox potential
- Customized parameters
Main Technical Specifications of AML920
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Monitoring well size | Minimum 5 cm diameter |
| Working depth | 500 meters |
| Flow velocity range | 0–30 mm/s |
| Flow velocity accuracy | 0.01 μm/s |
| Azimuth accuracy | ±1° |
| Maximum water pressure | 750 m water column |
| Power supply | DC12V / AC220V |
| Probe size | 4.5 cm × 66 cm |
| Probe weight | Less than 3 kg |
| Probe material | 316 stainless steel |
| Cable length | 30–500 meters customizable |
| Operating temperature | 4°C–70°C |
| Field view | 2.7 mm × 2.4 mm |
Applications of Colloidal Borescope Groundwater Measurement Technology
The AML920 Colloidal Borescope-based groundwater flow meter is widely used in:
Groundwater Environmental Monitoring
Monitoring groundwater movement and environmental changes.
Groundwater Pollution Investigation
Analyzing pollutant migration paths and contamination behavior.
Groundwater Hydrological Research
Studying groundwater circulation and flow characteristics.
Groundwater Resource Investigation
Evaluating groundwater availability and movement.
Industrial Park Environmental Monitoring
Supporting groundwater safety assessment in industrial areas.
Contaminated Site Remediation Assessment
Providing accurate data for remediation planning.
Groundwater Model Establishment
Supporting numerical groundwater simulation.
Karst Geological Analysis
Studying complex underground water systems.
Dam and Foundation Pit Leakage Detection
Identifying underground leakage pathways.
Coal Mine Water Inrush Prediction
Supporting mine safety management.
Why Choose AML920 Colloidal Borescope Technology?
Compared with traditional groundwater measurement equipment, AML920 provides:
✔ Single-well measurement capability
✔ 360° groundwater visualization
✔ Real-time automatic monitoring
✔ 500-meter working depth
✔ High-precision flow velocity measurement
✔ Three-dimensional groundwater vector data
✔ Wireless remote operation
✔ Advanced particle tracing technology
These advantages make AML920 a powerful solution for modern groundwater investigation and environmental protection.
Conclusion: The Future of Groundwater Monitoring with Colloidal Borescope Technology
The Colloidal Borescope principle represents a major advancement in groundwater flow measurement technology.
By combining optical observation, particle tracing, intelligent algorithms, and real-time data processing, the AML920 Groundwater Flow Velocity and Direction Meter provides researchers and environmental professionals with a reliable method to understand underground water movement.
For groundwater monitoring, pollution investigation, geological research, and environmental assessment, AML920 delivers accurate, efficient, and comprehensive measurement capabilities.
As global demand for groundwater protection and environmental monitoring continues to grow, Colloidal Borescope technology will play an increasingly important role in advanced groundwater analysis.
