Geology topics

Frederick A. Kilpatrick

Publications and source records attributed to Frederick A. Kilpatrick.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

USGS1992

Simulation of soluble waste transport and buildup in surface waters using tracers

Soluble tracers can be used to simulate the transport and dispersion of soluble wastes that might have been introduced or are planned for introduction into surface waters. Measured tracer-response curves produced from the injection of a known quantity of soluble tracer can be used in conjunction with the superposition principle to simulate potential waste buildup in streams, lakes, and estuaries. Such information is particularly valuable to environmental and water-resource planners in determining the effects of proposed waste discharges. The theory, techniques, analysis, and presentation of results of tracer-waste simulation tests in rivers, lakes, and estuaries are described. This manual builds on other manuals on dye tracing with emphasis on the expanded use of time-of-travel type data.

Open-File Report↗

USGS1986

STORM-SEWER FLOW MEASUREMENT AND RECORDING SYSTEM.

A comprehensive study and development of instruments and techniques for measuring all components of flow in a storm-sewer drainage system were undertaken by the U. S. Geological Survey under the sponsorship of FHWA. The study involved laboratory and field calibration and testing of measuring flumes, pipe insert meters, weirs, and electromagnetic velocity meters as well as the development and calibration of pneumatic bubbler and pressure transducer head-measuring systems. Tracer dilution and acoustic-flowmeter measurements were used in field verification tests. A single micrologger was used to record data from all the instruments and also to activate on command the electromagnetic velocity meter and tracer dilution systems.

Transportation Research Record↗

USGS1984

Measurement of discharge using tracers

The development of fluorescent dyes and fluorometers that can measure these dyes at very low concentrations has made dye-dilution methods practical for measuring discharge. These methods are particularly useful for determining discharge under certain flow conditions that are unfavorable for current meter measurements. These include small streams, canals, and pipes where: Turbulence is excessive for current meter measurement but conducive to good mixing. Moving rocks and debris are damaging to any instruments placed in the flow. Cross-sectional areas or velocities are indeterminant or changing. There are some unsteady flows such as exist with storm-runoff events on small streams. The flow is physically inaccessible or unsafe. From a practical standpoint, such measurements are limited primarily to small streams due to excessively long channel mixing lengths required of larger streams. Very good accuracy can be obtained provided: Adequate mixing length and time are allowed. Careful field and laboratory techniques are employed. Dye losses are not significant. This manual describes the slug-injection and constant-rate injection methods of performing tracer-dilution measurements. Emphasis is on the use of fluorescent dyes as tracers and the equipment, field methods, and Laboratory procedures for performing such measurements. The tracer-velocity method is also briefly discussed.

Open-File Report↗

USGS1984

Fluorometric procedures for dye tracing

This manual describes the current fluorometric procedures used by the U.S. Geological Survey in dye tracer studies such as time of travel, dispersion, reaeration, and dilution-type discharge measurements. The outstanding characteristics of dye tracing are: (1) the low detection and measurement limits, and (2) the simplicity and accuracy of measuring dye tracer concentrations using fluorometric techniques. The manual contains necessary background information about fluorescence, dyes, and fluorometers and a description of fluorometric operation and calibration procedures as a general guide for laboratory and field use. The background information should be useful to anyone wishing to experiment with dyes, fluorometer components, or procedures different from those described. In addition, a brief section is included on aerial photography because of its possible use to supplement ground-level fluorometry.

Open-File Report↗