Water Level Sensors

Sutron

Sutron Bubbler

Sutron Bubbler

Precision Water Level Monitoring System

The Sutron Bubbler CF (Sutron Constant Flow Bubbler) is a proven, industry leading solution for accurate water level measurement in rivers, streams, reservoirs, tidal environments, and industrial sites.  Designed for reliability in harsh field conditions, the Sutron Bubbler combines bubble gauge technology, precision Accubar® pressure sensors, and advanced data logging in one rugged, self-contained unit.

Whether operating as a standalone system or integrated with telemetry and data loggers, the Sutron Bubbler delivers long-term accuracy with minimal maintenance.

Sutron Bubbler

 

Proven Technology

The Sutron Bubbler operates using established bubble gauge principles, maintaining a controlled flow of air through an orifice line. The pressure required to release bubbles corresponds directly to water depth, allowing precise measurement without placing electronic sensors underwater.

This proven approach ensures high reliability, reduced sensor fouling, and accurate long-term performance.

 

High Accuracy Accubar Sensors

Each Sutron Bubbler is equipped with factory-calibrated Accubar® pressure sensors featuring automatic zero correction. This auto-zero capability compensates for drift over time, ensuring consistent and repeatable water level measurements across changing environmental conditions.

 

Single or Dual Orifice Configurations

The Sutron Bubbler is available in single or dual orifice configurations, supporting:

• Redundant water level measurements
• Monitoring of two separate water bodies
• Extended depth range installations
• Water density and suspended sediment measurement (select models)

 

Applications

The Sutron Bubbler is ideally suited for a wide range of hydrological and industrial applications, including:

• River and stream gauging stations
• Flood monitoring and early warning systems
• Reservoir and dam level measurement
• Tidal and coastal monitoring
• Industrial water level control
• Environmental monitoring and research projects

 

Installation & Operation

Installation of the Sutron Bubbler is simple and field-friendly:

1. Mount the enclosure vertically
2. Install the orifice tubing at the measurement point
3. Connect a 12 V DC power supply
4. Perform a leak test and purge cycle
5. Configure bubble rate, units, and logging intervals

Once powered, the Sutron Bubbler begins measuring automatically. All configuration and diagnostics can be accessed via the front panel, SDI-12, or serial communications.

 

RELIABLE DATA LOGGING AND COMMUNICATIONS

The Sutron Bubbler functions as both a sensor and data logger, providing redundant data storage for critical monitoring sites. Even if external telemetry fails, the internal logger continues recording water level data.

Data can be retrieved using:

• SD card
• RS-232 serial connection
• SDI-12 interface to external loggers

This redundancy makes the Sutron Bubbler a trusted solution for long-term, unattended monitoring installations.

 

Sutron Bubbler

This product is manufactured by Sutron and proudly represented by Aqualab Scientific.

FEATURES

KEY FEATURES

  • 50% smaller by volume compared to the original Constant Flow Bubbler
  • Precision Accubar® pressure sensor for high-accuracy water level measurement
  • Self-contained system requiring only external power and outlet tubing/orifice
  • Optional water temperature measurement
  • Fast-track operating mode for rapid setup and diagnostics
  • Long desiccant life of up to 12 months
  • Adjustable bubble rate to suit site conditions
  • Automatic zero (auto-zero) function for long-term accuracy
  • Configurable averaging for stable and reliable readings
  • User-variable automatic purge with manual purge option
  • Flexible automatic blockage detection
  • Modifiable measurement and logging intervals
  • Built-in flash memory storing over 300,000 readings
  • Standalone operation or integration with external loggers and telemetry devices
  • MODBUS protocol support
  • SDI-12 and RS-232 interfaces compatible with loggers, cellular modems, and SatLink2 transmitter/logger
  • Front panel setup and maintenance without removing the enclosure
  • Swing-out front panel for easy servicing and calibration
  • Simplified recalibration process
  • Three levels of filtration for enhanced system protection
Specs

 

  • Measurement Interval:
Stage/Level Internal Temperature Battery Pressure
  • Automeasure Interval
1 second to 24 hours
  • Accuracy Stage/Level/Pressure
0-20 ft.:±0.01 ft. 20-57.5 ft:±0.05% reading Reference to ft. based on USGS conversion factor 2.3073 ft. water per psi.
  • Measurement Technique
Constant Flow Bubbler with user-programmed bubble rate. Pressure measured by Sutron Accubar® Sensor.
  • Stage/Level/Pressure Range
25 psi, 57 ft (17 meters)
  • Measurement Technique
Platinum RTD (385 or 392) or Precision thermistor.
  • Maximum Purge Pressure
50 psi
  • Desiccant
Silica gel, lasts up to a year
  • Outlet
4/6mm tube or 3/8″ tube
  • Enclosure
Polycarbonate NEMA-4X
  • Communication Ports
SDI-12, RS232, RS485
  • Operating Temperature
-25°C to +60°C standard, -40°C to +60°C optional
  • Display Type
2—20 LCD with backlight
  • Keypad Type
6 button
  • Memory
Built-in flash, >300,000 readings, SD card included, no USB
  • Ethernet
no
  • Power Requirements
12 to 16 VDC
  • Max Current
4 amps for 25 psi unit
  • Communication Protocols Supported
MODBUS (via RS232 only), SDI-12, command line
  • Setup
Via front panel, command line or SDI-12
  • Device Dimensions
Height 10.5″ (26.7cm), Length 7.5″ (19.1cm), Width 8.5″ (21.6cm), Weight (including enclosure) 12.2 lbs without dessicant (5.6 Kg)

 

Models

Available models include:

  • Accubar Constant Flow Bubble (CFB) Gauge, 25 PSI max (17.5m/57ft) - Single Oriface
    Product number# 56-0133-25-1
  • Accubar Constant Flow Bubble (CFB) Gauge, 25 PSI max (17.5m/57ft) - Double Oriface
    Product number# 56-0134-25-2
Downloads
Manuals
Sutron CF Bubbler User Manual

Sutron CF Bubbler User Manual

Constant-Flow-Bubblers-Manual.pdf
Download now
Additional files
Sutron CF Bubbler Installation Guide

Sutron CF Bubbler Installation Guide

Sutron-Constant-Flow-Bubbler-Installation-Guide.pdf
Download now
Optional Accessories
  • Platinum 385 Water Temperature Sensor w/100 ft. cable
    Product number# 5600-0100-100
  • Thermistor Water Temperature Sensor with 50ft cable
    Product number# 5600-0030-1-050
  • Replacement Desiccant, full Canister
    Product number# 2911-1279-1
  • Orifice Termination Bubbler Termination fits on a 2” rigid pipe
    Product number# 6661-1314-1
  • Polyurethane, Black Orifice Tubing - 3/8” OD tubing, order by the foot (up to 2000’)
    Product number# 2911-1183
  • Desiccant Kit (includes tubing, adapter, clamps, full desiccant canister) Optional item for Compact CFB models
    Product number# 6661-1320-1
Software
Sutron Constant Flow bubbler - Software

Sutron Constant Flow bubbler - Software

Software/Firmware 1.96

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