| HCFM-XP Hydraulic Conductance Flow Meter 
The Hydraulic Conductance Flow Meter (HCFM) is designed to perform quantitative root and stem analysis without having to dig up roots or drag limbs back to the lab. In most cases, the analysis of a sample root or shoot is completed in as little as 10 minutes. You can quickly measure the major components of the hydraulic conductance in the soil-plant-atmosphere continuum (reference # 70). The hydraulic architecture of a whole shoot or of a single leaf can be represented by a resistance diagram similar to the one on the left. One can measure the values of the individual hydraulic resistances, then compute the pattern of water flow and water potentials in the resistance network. Each hydraulic resistance element (R) equals the pressure difference driving flow through the element divided by the resulting flow (F) (reference # 82). In the HCFM method, the resistance of the root and shoot are measured separately by pressure perfusion and added together. The HCFM will help plant physiologists and agronomists look forward to those seasonal studies of root and shoot progression, water potential, or soil treatment effects. The HCFM is Designed for Two Types of Numerical Analysis The first analysis is an in-situ transient analysis of hydraulic conductance. HCFM measures the flow as the water pressure increases while flowing into the root or shoot. The software then intelligently calculates the slope of the increased flow and pressure. That slope is the hydraulic conductance. The second analysis is a quasi-steady state, constant pressure and flow into the sample. This derives the flow pressure and conductance in a steady state environment. Software The HCFM comes with menu driven software that is easy to use and straightforward in its approach. The software also includes diagnostics and calibration modes to assure the user of correct readings. All data is saved to the PC hard drive for later analysis by your favorite spreadsheet and graphing packages. Features - Very portable “briefcase” design
- In-situ analysis of hydraulic conductance
- Stem Ranges - 1 mm to 36 mm
- Roots or Shoots, Stems or Petioles
- Intelligent regression
- Flow Rates 0.01 to 100 grams/hr
| Specifications Stem Ranges
1 mm to 36 mm diameters Flow Rates
0.01 to 100 grams/hr in 5 overlapping ranges Conductance
7.7E-08 to 6.5E-04 Kg s-1 MPa-1 Electronic A/D
12-bit resolution dual Analog / Digital converters Analog/Digital
One reading every two seconds Data Interface
Standard Parallel Port (via 1.5 m cable) Battery
12 VDC, 4 Amp hour Charger
110 - 220 VAC, typical time - overnight Dimensions
22 x 19 x 9 (61 x 48 x 23 cm) Weight
37 lb (16.8 kg) Capacity
24 oz. Degassed Water Maximum Pressure
90 psi (620 kPa) Air Gas Tank
6 cu.ft. (170 liter) with CGA-580 Valve & Connector |
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