High-Precision Pressure Transmitters for Flood Preventing Systems

So far, several flood prevention projects have been designed and implemented in various cities around the world, including London and Rotterdam. The most newsworthy project now is the M.O.S.E M.O.S.E. (Modulo Sperimentale Elettromeccanico – “Electromechanical Experimental Module”) in Venice, which was implemented to prevent the city from drowning at sea. Venice is a city built on the surface of the water that has been feared to drown at sea since 1960. The reason for this is the large industrial projects implemented in this city and the extraction of fresh groundwater from the Venetian Lagoon. In addition, the expansion of the canals in the Lagoon to accommodate ships was further caused. The expansion of tourism and global warming are other reasons for this.

Projects such as the M.O.S.E in Venice, the Thames Barrier project in London and the Maeslant Barrier project in Rotterdam use moveable flood gates. By issuing flood alarms, floating barriers block entrances to the dam or lagoon. This system is equipped with intelligent monitoring systems. The decision to close the gates is made based on data collected by the system, weather conditions and sea currents.

High-Precision Pressure Transmitters for Flood Preventing Systems

In order to monitor the structure of the caissons and gates, digital (bus) profilometers are installed in concrete elements. High-precision pressure transmitters are designed for these profilometers, which are IP68 rated. These transmitters have a very high accuracy (up to 0.1 mm over several kilometers). The presence of a stable, floating and internal piezresistive transducer with a 16-bit integrated A / D converter and a microprocessor warrants such an accuracy. The transducer detects even the smallest pressure fluctuations and, by installing a float, is completely detached from the mechanical tension in the outer housing.