Geolux unveils the next generation of non-contact flow monitoring

As water authorities, irrigation operators, environmental agencies, and flood managers seek more accurate and lower-maintenance monitoring solutions, Geolux has introduced two innovative radar-based instruments designed to simplify open channel flow measurement: the FX100 and FX200. Both systems combine non-contact surface velocity and water level measurement with onboard discharge calculations, providing a complete solution for continuous river, channel, and wastewater flow monitoring.

The FX100 represents a significant advancement in non-contact flow monitoring technology. Using a combination of FMCW 4D surface velocity radar and FMCW water level radar, the sensor can measure surface water velocity and level without ever touching the water. Unlike conventional Doppler-based velocity sensors, the FX100 employs advanced 4D radar processing that minimizes the impacts of precipitation, structural vibration, and environmental interference, helping maintain accurate measurements even in challenging field conditions.

A key feature of the FX100 is its ability to calculate flow discharge internally. By combining measured velocity, water level, and a user-configured channel cross-section, the instrument delivers real-time flow data without requiring additional field equipment or complex calculations. This makes it particularly attractive for applications such as river monitoring, irrigation channels, wastewater discharge measurement, and flood warning systems where reliability and ease of deployment are essential.

Building on the capabilities of the FX100, the new FX200 introduces an industry-leading enhancement: an integrated LiDAR channel scanner. In addition to measuring water velocity and level, the sensor can automatically determine and update the river or channel cross-section using onboard LiDAR technology. This feature removes the need for manual channel surveys and helps maintain discharge calculation accuracy in waterways where sediment movement, erosion, or changing channel geometry can impact flow measurement results.

Both instruments share a rugged IP68-rated design suitable for demanding environmental applications and support a wide range of industry-standard communication protocols including Modbus RTU and SDI-12. The instruments can readily be integrated with telemetry solutions making them ideal for remote monitoring applications. They are designed for rapid deployment above the water surface, eliminating fouling issues, reducing maintenance requirements, and improving operator safety by avoiding in-water installations.

For organizations seeking accurate, real-time flow measurement with minimal maintenance, the Geolux FX series represents a compelling new approach. The FX100 provides a highly capable non-contact solution for measuring flow, velocity, and level, while the FX200 takes innovation one step further with automated LiDAR-based channel profiling. Together, these technologies demonstrate how radar and LiDAR integration is redefining the future of open channel flow monitoring, delivering higher accuracy, lower lifecycle costs, and greater confidence in critical water management decisions.

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