Working principle and maintenance method of tipping bucket rain gauge

 The working principle of a tipping bucket rain gauge is as follows: Rainwater enters the water collector from the top inlet, falls into the funnel, and flows into the tipping bucket. When the accumulated water reaches a certain height, the tipping bucket loses its balance and tips over, emptying the water. As rainfall continues, the bucket flips left and right. A contact switch converts the number of flips into an electrical signal, which is sent to the recorder. The precipitation data is read from the cumulative counter and the self-recording clock. This process is repeated to measure the rainfall.

Maintenance and care of a tipping bucket rain gauge: Rain gauges typically require monthly maintenance and calibration before heavy rainfall to ensure objective and accurate precipitation measurements. Routine maintenance not only extends the instrument's lifespan but also provides more accurate data. Ensure the outer cylinder is stable and vertical, and the water collector is level, preventing deformation of the water collector opening. If the outer cylinder is unstable, it will shake in strong winds, damaging the instrument. The verticality of the outer cylinder and the levelness of the water collector directly affect the objectivity of the rain gauge's data collection. Specific maintenance measures are as follows:

1. The level bubble should be observed regularly. If the level bubble is not within the center circle, the leveling screw can be adjusted with a small wrench. Excessive force should be avoided during adjustment to prevent breakage of the base feet.

2. The tipping bucket rain gauge is used outdoors in harsh environments. Therefore, the inner wall of the rain collection port should be wiped frequently with a soft cloth to keep it clean. Any foreign objects such as leaves found in the rain collection port should be removed promptly to ensure unobstructed water flow.

3. When the rain gauge is not in use for extended periods, a cover should be placed over the rain gauge ring to protect the rain collection port.

4. The rain gauge should generally be cleaned once a month during long-term operation, and must be cleaned every three months.

5. The tipping bucket is a key component of this instrument, directly affecting the measurement accuracy. Over time, a small amount of dust or oil will accumulate on the inner wall of the tipping bucket. Therefore, the tipping bucket should be cleaned. During cleaning, the inner wall of the tipping bucket can be repeatedly rinsed with clean water or gently brushed with a degreased brush. Never use your hands or other objects to wash the inner wall of the tipping bucket.