Three months ago, the technical manager, Mr. Zhu, of a nuclear power operation and management company in a city in southern China learned about AIMOLI through the internet and took the initiative to contact us.
Mr. Zhu introduced that the company has more than 10 groundwater monitoring wells and needs to conduct regular groundwater sampling and analysis every year. Among them, groundwater flow velocity and direction data are important basic data for groundwater operation and maintenance management in nuclear power plant areas, directly serving hydrological analysis, site assessment, and groundwater pollution risk prevention and control.
- Hydrological analysis: Evaluate groundwater dynamic changes and provide data support for groundwater operation and management in the plant area.
- Site assessment: Determine changes in geology and the groundwater environment around nuclear facilities.
- Risk prevention and control: Timely identify potential pollutant migration directions and groundwater environmental risks.
However, when using traditional groundwater flow velocity and direction meters for monitoring, the customer had long faced problems such as long measurement periods, insufficient data accuracy, and poor adaptability to complex working conditions.
1. What Are the Pain Points of Groundwater Flow Velocity and Direction Monitoring for Nuclear Power Plants?
| Customer Pain Point | Specific Performance | Impact on Nuclear Power Groundwater Monitoring |
|---|---|---|
| Long measurement period | A single measurement takes a relatively long time and requires significant manpower | Annual monitoring plans progress slowly, and operation and maintenance costs are high |
| Low data accuracy | A large amount of data relies on estimation, making it difficult to obtain accurate values | Difficult to meet the high requirements for data reliability in the nuclear power field |
| Poor working-condition adaptability | Significantly restricted by water quality, well depth, and other conditions | Measurement difficulties may occur under complex geological conditions, affecting data continuity |
Therefore, Mr. Zhu hoped to find a groundwater flow velocity and direction meter with higher measurement accuracy and efficiency that could adapt to the complex groundwater conditions of nuclear power plant areas.
After comparing multiple manufacturers, the AML920 entered the customer’s testing scope.
2. Why Do Traditional Groundwater Flow Velocity and Direction Measurement Methods Struggle to Meet Nuclear Power Monitoring Requirements?
There are currently multiple technical approaches for groundwater flow velocity and direction monitoring, but traditional methods have certain limitations in deep wells, complex water quality conditions, and 3D groundwater flow field monitoring scenarios.
1. Thermal Pulse Method: Depth Limitations and Unstable Accuracy in Complex Scenarios
Some groundwater flow velocity and direction meters use the thermal pulse method to measure flow velocity. This type of method is affected by factors such as water pressure, and the detection water level is usually limited to within 100 meters, which restricts its application in deep-well environments.
For deep-well groundwater monitoring scenarios commonly found in nuclear power plant areas, if the monitoring depth reaches several hundred meters, traditional thermal pulse methods have difficulty covering all monitoring requirements.
The AML920 can measure water depths of up to 1000 m, covering deeper groundwater monitoring scenarios and providing a solution for groundwater flow velocity and direction measurement in deep wells in nuclear power plant areas.
2. Traditional Tracer Detection Method: Significant Water Quality Limitations and High Observation Difficulty
Traditional tracer detection of groundwater flow velocity and direction requires determining the migration and diffusion trajectory of tracers in groundwater.
When the water body is too clear or too turbid, the diffusion trajectory of the tracer may be difficult to effectively observe, thereby affecting the acquisition of groundwater flow velocity and direction data.
AML920 adopts particle tracer measurement technology, captures the movement trajectory of particles in water through visual algorithms, and combines it with a 3D stereoscopic vector algorithm to calculate groundwater flow velocity and direction, reducing the limitations of traditional tracer methods on observation conditions.
3. Multi-Well Measurement and 2D Data: High Cost and Difficulty in Fully Reflecting the 3D Flow Field
Traditional groundwater flow velocity and direction measurement generally requires multiple wells for cross-measurement. Some methods require at least 3 wells to complete the relevant determination.
Multi-well measurement not only increases well installation and monitoring costs but also makes it difficult for traditional 2D planar data to fully describe the 3D flow state in complex groundwater environments.
One of the key features of AML920 is obtaining 3D stereoscopic vector data from a single well. With only one monitoring well, AML920 can obtain 3D vector information such as groundwater flow velocity and direction, significantly reducing the cost and time associated with multi-well measurement.
3. AML920 Groundwater Flow Velocity and Direction Meter: Obtain 3D Groundwater Flow Field Data from a Single Well
To address deep wells, low flow velocity, complex water quality, and 3D groundwater flow field monitoring requirements, AIMOLI has developed the AML920 Groundwater Flow Velocity and Direction Meter.
AML920 adopts particle measurement technology, visual algorithms, and a 3D stereoscopic vector algorithm to obtain 3D stereoscopic vector data of groundwater from a single well. It also provides real-time observation of the well environment through top-view and 360° panoramic dual views.
| No. | AML920 Core Capability | Conventional Industry Level | Actual Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Water depth measurement up to 1000 m | Competitors usually only 100 m | Covers deep-well groundwater monitoring scenarios |
| 2 | Obtains 3D stereoscopic vector data from a single well | Multiple wells are usually required, with mainly 2D data output | Reduces well installation and monitoring costs |
| 3 | 3D stereoscopic vector algorithm presents the actual flow field | 2D planar data with limited flow-field restoration | More intuitively presents the 3D movement state of groundwater |
| 4 | Top-view + 360° panoramic dual-view display on the same screen | Imported and domestic instruments cannot achieve this simultaneously | Observes well conditions and groundwater flow field simultaneously |
| 5 | φ45 mm probe, low flow velocity ≤1 μm/s | Weak low-flow-velocity detection capability | Suitable for micro-flow groundwater environments |
| 6 | Standard 6 parameters, expandable to more than 10 items | Fixed parameters and limited expandability | One instrument meets various groundwater monitoring needs |
| 7 | Color particle imaging, capable of distinguishing different particles | Usually displays a single gray image | More intuitive particle identification |
| 8 | Particle measurement technology, capable of measuring accurately under extreme water quality conditions | May fail in overly clear or overly turbid water | Improves adaptability to complex water quality conditions |
For users who need nuclear power groundwater monitoring, deep-well groundwater monitoring, groundwater flow velocity and direction monitoring, and 3D groundwater flow field measurement, AML920 focuses on solving the limitations of traditional equipment in terms of depth, data dimensions, low flow velocity, and complex water quality.
4. AML920 Groundwater Flow Velocity and Direction Meter: Technical Specifications and Parameters
1. Standard 6 Parameters
The standard configuration of the AML920 Groundwater Flow Velocity and Direction Meter includes:
- Flow velocity
- Flow direction
- Water temperature
- Water level
- Top-view well condition
- 360° panoramic well condition
Through simultaneous multi-parameter acquisition, the system can obtain groundwater flow velocity and direction data while also providing real-time observation of the internal conditions of the monitoring well.
2. More Than 10 Expandable Parameters
According to different groundwater monitoring project requirements, AML920 can also be expanded with:
- pH
- Electrical conductivity
- Dissolved oxygen
- Turbidity
- Oxidation-reduction potential
- Qualitative identification of characteristic pollutants
- Identification of emerging pollutants
- Groundwater three nitrogen parameters
- Organic matter
- Heavy metals, etc.
For special groundwater monitoring projects in nuclear power, scientific research, and other fields, AIMOLI also supports single-unit customization services, configuring functions according to actual monitoring requirements.
5. AML920 System Composition: Integrated Design for Field Groundwater Monitoring
1. Big Data Acquisition System
AML920 uses a meter-marked cable and lifting winch to accurately lower the multifunctional probe to the target depth of the groundwater monitoring well.
After the probe enters the monitoring well, it captures particle movement information in the water in real time and converts the observed information into groundwater flow velocity and direction data through visual algorithms + 3D stereoscopic vector algorithms, enabling continuous measurement.
The system can obtain thousands of data sets per minute, ensuring sufficient statistical samples and improving the completeness of groundwater flow velocity and direction monitoring data.
2. AML920 Controller
The AML920 controller integrates:
- Data processor
- Signal acquisition card
- Data export and upload module
- Display
- Waterproof and dustproof keyboard
- Printer
- Screw handle
The integrated design makes it more suitable for field groundwater monitoring and on-site data acquisition.
3. AML920 Handle
The AML920 handheld controller is wirelessly connected to the main controller, enabling remote operation and real-time data display, improving the efficiency of on-site groundwater flow velocity and direction measurement.
6. On-Site Nuclear Power Groundwater Flow Velocity and Direction Test: From Equipment Testing to Official Procurement
After comparing the technical parameters of multiple manufacturers, Mr. Zhu ultimately selected AML920 for on-site testing.
After AIMOLI engineers arrived at the site, they provided equipment demonstrations and operation training for the customer. During the actual groundwater survey, AML920 demonstrated six major practical advantages.
1. Single-Well Direct Measurement
No tracer agents need to be added, and cross-well observation is not required. Groundwater flow velocity and direction measurement can be completed using one monitoring well.
2. Precise Depth Determination
The professional meter-marked cable can accurately determine the actual depth of the probe in the groundwater, making it suitable for different well depths and complex well conditions.
3. Top-View + 360° Panoramic Dual View
AML920 is equipped with high-definition top-view and 360° panoramic dual cameras, enabling real-time observation of bottom-of-well conditions, clear identification of well-wall screen holes, and further determination of effective monitoring locations.
4. Flow Pro Intelligent Data Analysis
Through the Flow Pro data analysis system, the brightness, contrast, color, and rotation angle of the image can be intelligently adjusted to capture particle movement trajectories in the water more clearly.
5. High-Frequency Sampling
AML920 supports 5 seconds/group high-frequency sampling by default and also supports customized monitoring frequencies, allowing sampling parameters to be adjusted according to actual project requirements.
6. Real-Time Calculation
Based on visual algorithms and 3D stereoscopic vector algorithms, AML920 can calculate groundwater flow velocity, flow direction, water temperature, and other core data in real time.
7. On-Site Test Results: AML920 Data Highly Consistent with the Customer’s Geological Analysis Results
After the on-site survey was completed, AIMOLI provided the customer with a professional monitoring report.
The test results showed that the groundwater flow velocity and direction data obtained by AML920 were accurate and stable, matched the actual geological conditions of the plant area, and were highly consistent with the customer’s previous geological analysis results.
The customer highly recognized AML920’s equipment performance, survey efficiency, and data accuracy.
One month after the project was implemented, the customer officially submitted a procurement application. The project has now successfully completed all acceptance procedures.
This project also verified the practical application capabilities of AML920 in nuclear power plant groundwater monitoring, deep-well groundwater flow velocity and direction measurement, and complex groundwater environment monitoring.
8. Why Is AML920 Suitable for Nuclear Power Groundwater Flow Velocity and Direction Monitoring?
For nuclear power operation and management organizations, groundwater flow velocity and direction monitoring requires not only obtaining data but also ensuring good data completeness, accuracy, and on-site traceability.
The core advantages of the AML920 Groundwater Flow Velocity and Direction Meter can be summarized as follows:
Greater measurement depth: water depth measurement up to 1000 m;
Higher data dimensions: 3D stereoscopic vector data obtained from a single well;
Higher measurement efficiency: no multi-well cross-measurement required;
Stronger low-flow-velocity capability: low flow velocity ≤1 μm/s;
Stronger water quality adaptability: particle measurement technology;
More intuitive well-condition observation: top-view + 360° panoramic dual view;
Stronger parameter expansion capability: standard 6 parameters, expandable to more than 10 items;
More convenient field operation: integrated controller, wireless handheld controller, and lifting winch.
Therefore, for projects requiring nuclear power groundwater monitoring, groundwater flow velocity and direction monitoring, deep-well groundwater monitoring, and groundwater 3D flow field measurement, AML920 can provide a complete solution covering on-site data acquisition, real-time measurement, and data analysis.
9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What Is a Groundwater Flow Velocity and Direction Meter?
A groundwater flow velocity and direction meter is a professional monitoring device used to measure groundwater flow velocity and flow direction. The AML920 Groundwater Flow Velocity and Direction Meter uses particle measurement technology, visual algorithms, and a 3D stereoscopic vector algorithm to obtain 3D groundwater flow velocity and direction data.
Q2: What Is the Maximum Measurement Depth of the AML920 Groundwater Flow Velocity and Direction Meter?
AML920 can measure water depths of up to 1000 m. Compared with equipment that typically has a measurement depth of approximately 100 m, it is more suitable for deep-well groundwater monitoring and deep-well monitoring in nuclear power plant areas.
Q3: How Many Monitoring Wells Does AML920 Require?
AML920 supports single-well measurement. Only one monitoring well is required to obtain 3D stereoscopic vector data of groundwater, without the need for traditional multi-well cross-measurement.
Q4: Can AML920 Measure 3D Groundwater Flow Velocity and Direction?
Yes. AML920 uses a 3D stereoscopic vector algorithm to obtain 3D groundwater flow velocity and direction data. Compared with traditional 2D planar data, it can present the groundwater movement state more comprehensively.
Q5: What Is the Lowest Groundwater Flow Velocity That AML920 Can Measure?
AML920 has a low-flow-velocity measurement capability of ≤1 μm/s, making it suitable for low-flow groundwater environments.
Q6: Does AML920 Require Tracer Agents?
AML920 adopts particle tracer measurement technology. During on-site testing, traditional tracer agents did not need to be added, and cross-well observation was not required to perform groundwater flow velocity and direction measurement.
Q7: Can AML920 Be Used for Groundwater Monitoring in Nuclear Power Plant Areas?
Yes. AML920 has been used for on-site groundwater flow velocity and direction testing by a nuclear power operation and management company and has completed project acceptance. It can be used for deep-well groundwater monitoring, groundwater flow velocity and direction monitoring, and related hydrological analysis data acquisition in nuclear power plant areas.
Q8: What Else Can AML920 Measure Besides Flow Velocity and Flow Direction?
AML920 has 6 standard parameters, including flow velocity, flow direction, water temperature, water level, top-view well condition, and 360° panoramic well condition. It also supports more than 10 expandable parameters, including pH, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, oxidation-reduction potential, qualitative identification of characteristic pollutants, emerging pollutant identification, groundwater three nitrogen parameters, organic matter, heavy metals, and more.
Q9: What Groundwater Monitoring Scenarios Is AML920 Suitable For?
AML920 is suitable for nuclear power groundwater monitoring, deep-well groundwater monitoring, groundwater flow velocity and direction monitoring, groundwater 3D flow field measurement, scientific research monitoring, and complex groundwater environment surveys.
Q10: Can the AML920 Groundwater Flow Velocity and Direction Meter Be Customized?
Yes. AIMOLI supports single-unit customization services for special projects such as nuclear power and scientific research, and can expand corresponding parameters and functions according to specific monitoring requirements.
10. Conclusion: From “Estimating the Groundwater Flow Field” to “Directly Observing Groundwater Movement”
Traditional tracer detection of groundwater flow velocity and direction has problems such as long measurement periods, high costs, and high observation-condition requirements. Some traditional methods also mainly rely on 2D data or estimation, making it difficult to fully reflect the actual flow state in complex groundwater environments.
The AML920 Groundwater Flow Velocity and Direction Meter uses particle measurement technology, visual algorithms, and a 3D stereoscopic vector algorithm. With only one monitoring well, it can obtain 3D stereoscopic vector data and supports water depth measurement up to 1000 m, low-flow-velocity measurement of ≤1 μm/s, top-view + 360° panoramic dual view, 6 standard parameters, and more than 10 expandable parameters.
If traditional groundwater flow velocity and direction measurement can be described as “estimating how groundwater flows,” AML920 is closer to real-time visual observation of the groundwater flow field.
For groundwater monitoring in nuclear power plant areas, what truly matters is not simply “obtaining a number,” but obtaining true, accurate, complete, fast, and up-to-date groundwater flow velocity and direction data, providing a more complete data foundation for hydrological analysis, site assessment, and groundwater environmental risk prevention and control.
