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Heat Pulse Flow Meter Hydrogeology: Measuring Ultra-Low Fluid Speeds inside Deep Boreholes
Quick Answer: A heat pulse flow meter is the right tool for ultra-low fluid speed measurement inside deep boreholes. It detects flow from 0.1 m/day to 5 m/day using a thermal pulse and temperature sensors. Silver Automation Instruments supplies the SAI-HP-100 model for groundwater surveys, deep aquifer studies, and hydrogeology logging.
Hydrogeologists need reliable flow data from deep boreholes to locate fractures, estimate groundwater velocity, and track saline intrusion. Standard electromagnetic flow meters cannot read flow below about 0.05 m/s. That is 4320 m/day. Many groundwater zones move at 0.1 to 3 m/day. This is why heat pulse technology matters. It works in nearly still water and gives a stable velocity output without moving parts.
What a Heat Pulse Flow Meter Measures in a Borehole
The SAI-HP-100 uses a small heating element and two or four temperature sensors in a 22 mm probe. The heater emits a short thermal pulse. The sensors detect the time for the heat to travel downstream. A faster arrival means higher fluid speed. A slower arrival means lower speed. The tool also logs borehole fluid temperature and direction in the same run. Direction is determined by the sensor sequence. This data lets hydrogeologists map inflow and outflow zones in one pass.
Why Standard Flow Meters Fail in Deep Boreholes
Here is the thing. Turbine meters need a minimum rotation speed. Electromagnetic meters need conductive water and a threshold velocity. Ultrasonic Doppler meters need particles or bubbles. In deep boreholes with clean groundwater, these conditions often do not exist. A heat pulse flow meter does not rely on conductivity, particles, or turbulence. It directly measures heat transport in the water. Because the tool senses thermal lag, it gives a reading even when the water appears still. In practice, most engineers skip the standard tools after one field test in a low flow aquifer.
Key Specifications for Hydrogeology Work
The SAI-HP-100 heat pulse flow meter covers 0.1 to 5 m/day with a resolution of 0.01 m/day. Accuracy is ±2 percent of reading or ±0.02 m/day. The probe body is 316L stainless steel with PEEK sensor holders. A built in PT100 reference sensor compensates fluid temperature. Operating temperature is -10 to 80 °C. Pressure rating is 200 bar, which suits 1500 m deep wells. Fluid conductivity range is 0 to 100000 µS/cm. Output options are 4-20 mA HART and RS485 Modbus RTU. Power supply is 24 VDC. The probe diameter is 22 mm and it fits DN50 boreholes and larger. Centralizers are available for 100 mm, 150 mm, and 200 mm well casings.
Field Data and Output Integration
Field crews can run the SAI-HP-100 on a single conductor wireline or a 4-wire cable. The surface unit logs data at 1 second interva
Recommended Model SAI-HP-100
Silver Instruments supplies the SAI-HP-100 heat pulse flow meter for deep borehole hydrogeology. The standard package includes the probe, 500 m cable, surface display, and transport case. Order the 1500 m cable option for deeper wells. For groundwater with high salinity, specify the PEEK sensor version. For ATEX Zone 1 boreholes, request the Ex version. Contact our team before ordering if the borehole has gas or hydrocarbon traces.
Customer Site Example
Last year, a hydrogeology contractor in Chile used the SAI-HP-100 at a copper mine site. The borehole was 450 m deep with a 150 mm casing. Flow was below 1 m/day in most zones. The tool found two inflow zones at 180 m and 295 m. The contractor used the data to place packers and avoid a dry section. The entire survey took one day. We have seen this on customer sites many times in mining regions.
How to Request a Quote
Send us your borehole depth in m, casing diameter in mm, fluid type, temperature in °C, pressure in bar, and expected flow range in m/day. We will recommend the right probe version, cable length, and output option. Contact Silver Automation Instruments at Tel: +86-25-68650347, WhatsApp: +86-25-52155837, WeChat: +86 15365082610. We reply within one working day.
FAQ
What is the lowest flow speed the SAI-HP-100 can measure?
The tool detects flow from 0.1 m/day. The output resolution is 0.01 m/day. It can read near zero flow in fractured rock and low permeability sand.
Can the SAI-HP-100 work in saline or brackish groundwater?
Yes. The standard version works from 0 to 100000 µS/cm. For very high salinity brine, choose the PEEK sensor option and specify chloride concentration when you send the quote request.
What borehole diameters does the SAI-HP-100 fit?
The probe diameter is 22 mm. It fits DN50 boreholes and larger. Centralizers are available for 100 mm, 150 mm, and 200 mm well casings.
Does the SAI-HP-100 need calibration?
Each unit is calibrated in water at 25 °C before shipment. Field staff can check zero flow stability in a still water column. A recalibration interval of 12 months is common for hydrogeology projects.
How deep can the SAI-HP-100 go?
The standard cable length is 500 m. An optional 1500 m cable is available for deep boreholes. Pressure rating is 200 bar, so the tool suits most hydrogeology wells.
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