PROGRAMS AND PLANS--Use of Oil Cylinders to Prevent Freezing in Streamgaging Wells


4351 4016, SW Branch                     January 28, 1977


WATER RESOURCES DIVISION MEMORANDUM NO. 77.49

Subject: PROGRAMS AND PLANS--Use of Oil Cylinders to Prevent Freezing
         in Streamgaging Wells

The Corps of Engineers has called our attention to the dangers that exist
for introducing undesirable substances into a stream system by the use of
oil or other hazardous substances in cylinders to prevent freezing of the
float in a streamgaging stilling well.  They further stated, "Since the
Congress has declared that it is the policy of the United States that there
should be no discharge of oil or other hazardous substance into or upon the
navigable waters of the United States, adjoining shorelines, or into or upon
the waters of the contiguous zone (Section 311(b) (1) of Public Law 92-500),
it seems inappropriate to use diesel fuel in the floatwells of gaging
stations.  Your consideraton of alternative streamgaging mechanisms and
methods is stronged urged."

As soon as possible, each WRD office is to assess for each gaging station
the danger that oil or other harmful substances may enter the stream system.
For those sites where the danger is real, an alternate to the oil cylinder
method of preventing freezing of the float shculd be used.

Some alternatives to oil cylinders for prevention of float freezing are:
(1) insulation and frost barriers, (2) heaters, (3) bubbling of nitrogen
under the float, and (4) use of bubble gages.  Reports of any other
successful alternatives should be sent to the Chief, Surface Water Branch.

                                 Thomas J. Buchanan
                                 Assistant Chief Hydrologist
                                   for Operations


WRD Distribution: A, B, S, FO, PO

Key Words:  Oil cylinders, Freezing, Stilling Wells, Oil