Flow meters

The display of a propeller meter registers both gallons per minute and total gallons. Photo: L. Schwankl.

Flow meters serve the dual purpose of providing water application information for irrigation scheduling purposes and monitoring for clogging (for more information, click here). Propeller meters are the most common type in agricultural applications. A propeller meter requires periodic maintenance and should be removed and returned to the manufacturer for maintenance and calibration. This is usually done every 4 years or so.

Flow meter installed at the head of a lateral line. Photo: L. Schwankl.

Whatever type of flow meter you use, do not simply assume that it will continue indefinitely to operate accurately. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for required maintenance.

Click here for purchasing information for a handbook providing extensive additional information on measuring flow rate in irrigation systems.