Sommer - SQ-R + Discharge Measurement System
No Flume Required
Non-contact flow measurement for wastewater treatment plants, sewers and industrial water channels
SQ-R + Non-Contact Radar Discharge Measurement System
Ideal for wastewater treatment plants, sewers, and industrial open channel Applications.
The SQ-R provides continuous, non-contact measurement of flow rates in effluent channels, partially filled pipes, and technical ducts used in industrial and water supply applications. Because the sensor does not come into contact with the water, it operates reliably without interference from debris or entrained solids. Its compact design and versatile mounting options make the SQ-R an ideal solution for flow measurement in manholes, facilities, and sewer systems.
Fields of Application
The SQ-R is specifically designed for municipal and industrial applications, including wastewater treatment plants, sewer networks, and process water circuits. It enables accurate monitoring of wastewater inflow to treatment facilities, supporting operational control and fair allocation of wastewater costs. In addition, the system records the duration and frequency of rain and flood events—critical data for effective sewer management by plant operators and utilities.
Implementation
Thanks to its compact design and flexible mounting options, the sensor is very easy to install—for example, under bridges or extensions, on sewer ceilings, or in manholes. The non-contact measuring technology offers a key advantage: the sensor can be mounted above the water level. As a result, the SQ-R is easy to install, readily accessible for maintenance, and not subject to clogging or blockage by entrained solids, which is a common issue with submerged sensors.
A specially designed adjustable mounting bracket is available for installation in manholes of sewers.
Features and Benefits
Non-contact measurement, maintenance-free system
Calculation of discharge by continuous measurement of flow velocity and water level
No construction measures necessary in the sewer
Waterproof and resistant housing also for use in aggressive environments
Wide measuring range from a few liters up to several cubic meters per minute
High data availability even with intensive turbidity and high solids content
Easy integration into existing measuring and control systems
Self-check function supports correct installation and high data quality
Versatile measurement output via RS-485, Modbus, SDI-12, pulse and analog signal
Integrated hydraulic model for precise flow calculations
Easy configuration with SQ-Commander software
Water Flow Measurement by Non-Contact Radar Flow Meter
Typical Installations and Application
Water Treatment Plants
Industrial Effluent
Sewage System (No Flume Required)
Irrigation Canals
Stormwater Canals
How does it work?
Flow velocity
A 24 GHz radar sensor measures the velocity of the water surface. Radar impulses are transmitted at an angle towards the water surface where ripples and waves induce a Doppler frequency shift that is detected by the SQ-R.
Water level
A radar sensor measures the distance between the SQ-R and the water surface by registering the travel time of an impulse sent towards the water surface. An ultrasonic level sensor is available on request.
Water discharge
The discharge Q is computed by the SQ-R:
Q = vm * A (h)
Watch Video
Worker in safety vest, hard hat, and gloves using a tool to open a manhole cover surrounded by orange traffic cones on a street
Industrial water treatment facility with pipes, a walkway, and water processing tanks.
Water treatment plant with metal pipes and equipment, with mountains and trees in the background.
Close-up of a metal and solar panel structure with a small white device attached to it. Behind, there is a blue water body with foam and ripples, and a concrete barrier with some dirt and a small white object.
View of a water channel under a concrete structure, with concrete walls on either side and a white pipe hanging from above.
View of an open sewer or manhole with a mechanical inspection device inside, surrounded by gravel.
A large circular wastewater tank with industrial instruments for measurement and inspection, including pipes, a level sensor, and a measuring ruler inside.
Sensor or equipment installed in a trench with a metal frame, possibly for measuring or monitoring, surrounded by construction dirt and gravel.
A canal with water flowing through it, bordered by grass and trees, under a blue sky with some clouds. There is a tall pole with a device on top, likely a camera or sensor, connected to a horizontal bar extending over the canal.
An industrial sensor or device installed over a trench filled with black liquid, possibly oil or water, surrounded by concrete and metal grating.
Underground sewer or drainage tunnel opening with concrete walls and dark interior, water on the ground, and exposed pipes and wiring.
Close-up of a white outdoor security camera with water droplets, mounted on a pole; another security camera installed inside a ceiling; a mounted electrical box with wires extending into a circular opening.
Diagram showing a process control system with communication between a web server, antennas, and monitoring hardware. The web server connects via HTTP/FTP to antennas, which wirelessly transmit signals to the process control system. The system manages sensors and devices with various signals, including 4-20 mA, Modbus/profibus, RS-485/SDI-12, and pulse signals, for system monitoring and control.