Open Channel Flow Meters
Hach’s Flow Solutions by McCrometer is a suite of industry-leading open channel flow meters designed for accurate and reliable velocity and depth monitoring for municipal and industrial applications. From wastewater collection systems to stormwater and environmental monitoring, these solutions provide dependable data for critical decision-making.
From state-of-the-art wireless flow loggers to industry-pioneering non-contact flow sensors, McCrometer’s open channel product line offers robust solutions and reliable accuracy that exceeds expectations and meets all flow monitoring challenges including fast installation, minimal maintenance, and reliable performance in challenging field conditions.
Engineering firms, consultants, and municipal project teams can rely on Hach’s Flow Solutions by McCrometer for compliance projects, modeling and analysis, short-term I&I studies, capacity planning, and other projects requiring field-proven monitoring solutions and data integrity.
Since joining McCrometer in 2023, Hach’s open channel product line combines high-quality manufacturing from Hach that customers have relied on for decades, with McCrometer’s sales, service, and application expertise.
Explore Hach’s Flow Solutions by McCrometer
Featured Open Channel Flow Equipment
FLO-DAR® AV Sensor
The FLO-DAR AV Sensor is an area velocity sensor for open channel flow measurement, ideal for municipal wastewater, stormwater and drainage, industrial applications, environmental monitoring and more. The FLO-DAR combines cutting-edge doppler radar velocity-sensing with ultrasonic level measurement to deliver precise flow data, dependable performance, and minimal required maintenance. Even in tough conditions, the FLO-DAR ensures repeatable, accurate readings by capturing data from above the flow.
FL900 Flow Logger
The FL900 Series Flow Logger connects to up to four flow sensors to collect and log data allowing easy retrieval via USB, RS232, or remotely through a wireless network using FSDATA software. The FL900 is ideal for use alongside other open channel sensor technologies such as level measurement and level alarming and provides users in municipal and industrial wastewater with a cost-effective, portable flow logging solution.
FH950 Portable Flow Meter
The FH950 is a portable electromagnetic velocity flow meter designed to be lightweight and convenient in open channel flow measurement projects. This battery powered, standalone handheld meter provides fast, accurate flow measurements for velocity and depth, in both lab environments and rugged, outdoor locations without needing a big setup.
Trusted Solutions for I&I Reduction
Protect your collection system from the costly challenges of Inflow and Infiltration (I/I) with McCrometer’s cost-effective, technology-driven I/I tracking solutions.
Whether managing combined or sanitary systems, excessive rainfall can overwhelm capacity through damaged pipes and unsealed manholes, leading to dangerous overflows and skyrocketing processing costs.
McCrometer Equipment and Services for Sewer Systems
Our solutions empower network operators to track, evaluate, and mitigate these risks, ensuring system integrity and public safety through data-driven insights. By integrating high-efficiency Open Channel products and Hach Flow services, we provide verifiable data on overflow duration and quantity—complete with video confirmation.
Eliminate uncertainty and gain actionable results with our safe, comprehensive systems designed to secure your infrastructure.
Wireless Rentals for Wastewater Flow Monitoring
Maximize your budget and operational efficiency with McCrometer’s Wireless Rental Program.
Designed for wastewater operators facing seasonal surges or short-term projects, our program provides immediate access to industry-leading Hach Flow instruments and equipment without the upfront capital expense.
Whether you are performing short-term I&I studies or need emergency backup, our rental fleet includes high-accuracy open-channel flow meters and wireless telemetry systems that integrate seamlessly into your existing network.
Every rental is backed by McCrometer’s technical expertise, ensuring you get the data-driven insights you need for overflow tracking and system evaluation—all with the flexibility to scale as your project demands.
Flow Monitoring Software for Hach Products (FSDATA®)
If you’re already using Hach instruments to measure applications such as wastewater treatment or influent stormwater, then it makes sense to utilize FSDATA® in your collection system. The FSDATA® Instrument Manager application streamlines the setup, download, and maintenance of Hach flow equipment, saving time and improving efficiency in open channel flow monitoring.
Consolidate real-time data in one location, enabling your field crews to assess and adjust meter programming faster while minimizing user interaction, reducing programming errors. Designed with field teams in mind, FSDATA® is equipped with built-in calibration wizards and error-reduction features to ensure operations are smooth on the first try.
Hach’s Flow Solutions by McCrometer
Hach’s Open Channel Flow products have officially transitioned ownership to McCrometer, a fellow Veralto Water Quality Segment Operating Company.
Under the moniker Hach’s Flow Solutions by McCrometer, this transition reflects a shared commitment to advancing innovation and supporting industries that rely on accurate flow monitoring.
McCrometer’s extensive experience and dedication to customer-centric solutions ensure that Hach’s trusted Flow Solutions will continue to meet and exceed the technological needs of dependable flow measurement technology for water and wastewater professionals.
To explore what it means for your operations, visit McCrometer’s official announcement to learn more about Hach Flow Solutions by McCrometer
Knowledge Center
Open Channel FAQs
Open channel flow meters are devices used to measure flow velocity and depth in places where the pipe is not full or pressurized, such as rivers, streams, ditches, sewers, and more. Technologies such as electromagnetic, radar, Doppler, and more will measure flow velocity and depth via a sensor.
Most open channel flow meters can range from ±1% to ±5% accuracy under good conditions, but that number can change depending on the setup and environment. Open channel flow isn’t perfectly uniform and often contain debris, turbulence, and uneven channels affecting readings. The best accuracy is achieved through adequate sensor installation and maintenance.
Natural flow hydraulics and real-world conditions affect even the most accurate sensor readings. Fouled electronics, poorly maintained equipment, incorrectly installed sensors, and rushed or too few measurements can lead to inaccurate flow data.
Yes! Open channel meters and sensors are designed for partially filled and sometimes empty pipes. If water has air above it (not completely full), it’s an open channel. Open channel flow monitoring devices are often used in sewer systems, stormwater pipes, partially filled industrial pipes, and channels and ditches.
Instead of a fixed timeline (unless required by regulations), calibration is tied to installation, flow conditions, and confidence in the data. Calibration is performed during product installation and setup at each measurement site, when flow conditions change, and after maintenance and cleaning. Additionally, recalibration can be performed anytime to ensure data is still accurate.
You measure sewer flow without entering a confined space by using non-contact or remote-mounted sensors. These are installed from above or from outside the pipe/manhole, so no one has to go inside. Products like the FLO-DAR and AV9000 can often be lowered into place from above or installed using mounting brackets or poles.
Installing a sensor in an area with turbulence and uneven flow near junctions, elbows, and drops will cause unreliable readings. Installing the sensor in the wrong position, not centered above the flow, in poor alignment, or with obstructions in the measurement area will lead to bad readings. Installing in poor hydraulic conditions with unknown channel geometry, skipping calibration, or simply using the wrong sensor for the flow project will also skew data.
McCrometer acquired Hach’s open channel line of flow products in 2023, expanding McCrometer’s municipal flow portfolio to meet the needs of municipal and industrial customers. Hach continues to manufacture FLO-DAR and other open channel products as a contracted manufacturer for McCrometer, to maintain already efficient and effective product fulfillment.
Yes! McCrometer’s highly skilled team of flow technicians service open channel equipment both at our Hemet factory and in the field. Additionally, McCrometer’s authorized representatives and partners are trained to install and perform maintenance on open channel products.
