Ravensgate


Frequently Asked Questions

RAVENSGATE

Sonic Water Level Meters



What is the accuracy of the Sonic Water Level Meter?

Accuracy is +/- 0.2ft of the reading, exclusive of temperature setting errors.

Can the meter read below the normal ignore depth distance of 10 feet?

No. The distance for the normal well reading is 10 feet to 500 feet.

What is the measurement range of a meter?

The measurement range is 10 to 500 feet (3 to 150m) in the normal “Nml” setting. For the deep “Dp” setting, the measurement range is 200 to 1200 feet (60m to 350m).

Does cascading water affect the accuracy of the meter?

No, cascading water does not affect the accuracy of the reading as long as the cascading water does not block more than half of the well’s diameter.

What well bore diameter range is necessary to use the meter?

The meter is specified for a bore diameter range of 1 to 10 inches (25 to 250 mm).

Do gases other than air in the well casing affect the reading accuracy?

Yes! The water level measurement depends on knowing the velocity of sound in the well casing. This parameter is different for different gases. The meter is calibrated for air-filled casings with nominal humidity. (Methane-filled casings can have up to a 30% difference in readings.)

What access to the well cap is necessary to use the meter?

A hole that is at least big enough to allow the 5/8-inch-diameter round duct is needed to effectively use our meters.

Can perforations in the casing cause measurement problems?

Perforations in the casing that are above the water surface can reflect the sonic pulse and result in a measurement that is less than the true water level.

Is your meter water and/or dust-resistant?

Ravensgate Corporation’s Sonic Water Level Meters are self-rated at IP64—water-resistant [totally protected against dust and splashed water from any direction].

Can a reading be taken through a small-diameter pipe between the meter and the top of the well casing when access is limited?

No, this approach will usually not result in a reliable reading.

Can the meter be used when measuring crooked wells?

Yes, you can even measure the length of coiled pipe.

What is the purpose of the temperature setting on the meter?

Accurate measurements are best assured when the temperature setting equals the average air temperature in the well casing. The temperature setting corrects for the variation of the velocity of sound with the air temperature in the well bore. The error is 0.1% per degree of temperature error.

Can the meter be used with wells that have submersible pumps installed?

Yes, you can use our meters on wells that have submersible pumps.

What power source does the meter use?

Our meter uses eight internal AA alkaline batteries. Yearly battery replacement is recommended.

Can the meter be used with capped wells?

Yes, Ravensgate Sonic Water Level Meters can be used on either capped or uncapped wells. For uncapped wells, a 6-inch temporary plastic cap is supplied with the meter. For larger well diameters, a cover can be easily made from any convenient material, such as plastic or sheet metal.

What is the availability of the meter?

Your order can usually be shipped within two weeks after payment is received. Call for the current lead time.

Will pipes, wires, screens, or anything that covers the wells’ cross-sectional area cause a problem when using the Meter?

As long as the pipes and wires do not occupy more than one-half of the bore area, there is usually no problem using the meters.

What is the warranty on the meter?

All Ravensgate Sonic Water Level Meters include a one-year warranty on components and workmanship.

Can the meter be used with partially cased rock wells?

Yes, Ravensgate Sonic Water Level Meters can be used with partially cased wells.

Does the one-year warranty include labor and shipping costs?

The one-year warranty covers the meter’s components and workmanship. Labor and shipping are not covered under the warranty

Can the meter be used with irrigation wells?

We usually do not recommend using our meters for this purpose because overhead pumps are installed at the top of the well casing that cause accessibility problems; our meter works best when reading at the top of the well.

What is the return policy if I find that after I get the meter, it will not work on the type of wells I maintain?

The Ravensgate Sonic Water Level Meter comes with a 15-day trial period. There is a restocking fee. Contact us for details.

How far does the ignore distance for the Normal and Deep modes reach?

The Normal ignore distance reaches 65 feet, and the Deep ignore distance reaches 600 feet.

If a Model 300 or 300DL Meter is damaged beyond repair, may it be traded in for a replacement Model 300 or 300DL Meter?

No. Damaged, non-repairable model 300 or 300DL meters may not be traded in for a new replacement model. Owners who send in damaged, discontinued model 200/200U meters for repair and are assessed as nonrepairable will receive a 10% credit towards the purchase of our newest model.


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