High water warning system for the U.S. Geological Survey
TEMPE, AZ - 07/09/2010 - Solar Traffic Controls has fielded a two-stage high
water warning system for the United States Geological Survey (USGS) to
protect users at unbridged stream crossings on an U.S. Army base.
The system is designed to fit on standard stream flow gauge stations around
the base. It can run for several hours per event, on up to 3 days per week
during rainy season from a battery charged by a solar module.
The system includes two signal heads in each direction: one amber, one red.
When the water rises to the first depth of concern the system activates in
the flashing yellow mode after staying at the target depth for at least 10
seconds. If the water continues to rise, and reaches a critical level at
which no vehicles should attempt to cross, the lamps change to flashing red.
As the water recedes the lamps cycle back through the different alarm
stages.
STC included smart controls in the package with time delays for both the
rising and falling water levels. The controls allow time-delayed response
to the level changes thereby decreasing false triggering of the indications.
All parameters are adjustable on the control's LCD screen. The controls
display the span of time the system ran on its last activation. A custom
built sensor assembly including a stilling tube is included with the
equipment as a prototype for the USGS to base the final design on.
The system made use of STC's amber and red DC LED lamps which include high
efficiency LED elements as the base light source. All the equipment had to
be designed to accommodate special mounting requirements. After a week's
testing in the USGS shop, the agency installed the system and reported it
working accurately during several rain storms.
As a follow-on to the initial order the USGS ordered another 11 control
packages with sensors for other locations around the base. STC's sales
representative for the area, Floyd Hobbs of Traffic Highway Products, was
instrumental in securing this project.
For more information on STC's products and services, please stay here on our
website or send an email to info@solar-traffic-controls.com or call
480.449.0222.
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