Which instruments are commonly used to measure flow depths?

The choice of bubblers and pressure sensors is particularly relevant in measuring flow depths because these instruments are designed to accurately assess the level of liquid in a given environment. Bubblers operate by releasing a gas into the liquid at a controlled rate, and the depth of the liquid can be inferred from the pressure required to maintain that gas flow. Pressure sensors directly measure the hydrostatic pressure exerted by the liquid column above the sensor, from which liquid depth can be calculated.

While orifice plates and flow tubes, as well as float switches and magnetic sensors, can be utilized to measure flow and level in certain circumstances, they are not as straightforward or commonly associated with direct flow depth measurement compared to the first choice. Orifice plates focus more on flow measurement through a constriction, and float switches respond to specific float positions rather than providing continuous depth data. Magnetic sensors typically measure level changes in specific contexts but may not be as prevalent for measuring flow depths as bubblers and pressure sensors.

Thus, the emphasis on bubblers and pressure sensors aligns closely with common practices in environmental compliance and flow measurement applications.