Sap Flow Meter
Continuously measure stem sap flux density with a 2-probe heat dissipation sap flow meter.
Adjustable 1–99 min intervals, 2 GB storage, solar power option.
Louise Corscadden, PhD
Director of Science · ConductScience
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Key Specifications
Full details →- Measurement Method
- Heat dissipation probe method (constant heat flow sensor method)
- Measurement Parameter
- Instantaneous liquid flow density
- Number of Probes
- 2
- Probe Length
- 33 mm
- Probe Material
- Stainless steel
- Probe Reusability
- Probes are reusable across deployments
The ConductScience Sap Flow Meter measures instantaneous liquid flow density within plant stems, giving researchers a direct, continuous window into how water moves from roots through the vascular system and out to the atmosphere. At its core, the instrument uses the heat dissipation probe method — a constant-heat-flow approach in which a heated probe and a reference probe are inserted into the stem, and the temperature differential between them is used to calculate sap flux density in real time.
Because measurements are taken continuously and logged on-board, the system is well suited to long-term field deployments where capturing diurnal and seasonal water-use patterns is essential. Scientists studying plant–atmosphere water exchange, forest ecosystem responses to drought, or individual tree transpiration dynamics can leave the meter in place and retrieve time-series data at their own intervals.
The meter comes with two reusable stainless steel probes and a drilling tool, and its constant temperature heating gives stable data. Sampling intervals are adjustable from 1 to 99 minutes and an end time can be set, letting researchers balance temporal resolution against storage and battery life for their specific protocol.
Because stem diameter, species anatomy, and study objectives all influence how this system should be configured, the Sap Flow Meter is available through a guided quote process. Contact ConductScience to discuss your target species, deployment duration, and any power requirements — including optional solar power supply — so the right configuration is prepared for your field season.
Measurement Method
- Heat dissipation probe method (constant heat flow sensor method)
Measurement Parameter
- Instantaneous liquid flow density
Number of Probes
- 2
Probe Length
- 33 mm
Probe Material
- Stainless steel
Probe Reusability
- Probes are reusable across deployments
Accessories
- Drilling tool
Sampling Time Interval
- Adjustable, 1–99 minutes
Logging End Time
- Settable
Display Resolution
- 320 × 160 LCD
Storage Capacity
- 2 GB on a standard SD card; data can be exported for analysis
Power Supply
- 8.4 V rechargeable lithium battery; solar power or AC/DC dual-purpose versions can be customized
What measurement principle does this sap flow meter use?
The instrument uses the heat dissipation probe method, also referred to as the constant heat flow sensor method. A heated probe inserted into the stem exchanges heat with the surrounding sapwood; the rate of heat dissipation, captured relative to a paired reference probe, is used to calculate instantaneous liquid flow density in the stem.
How many probes are included, and can they be reused across multiple trees or seasons?
The system includes two probes — a measurement probe and a reference probe — both 33 mm in length and made of stainless steel, plus a drilling tool. Both probes are designed to be removable and reusable, making them practical for researchers who need to rotate equipment across multiple study plots or return to the same trees across successive field seasons.
How often does the meter record data, and how much data can it store?
The sampling time interval is user-adjustable between 1 and 99 minutes, so you can tune recording frequency to match your study's temporal resolution needs. Storage capacity is 2 GB on a standard SD card, and the data can be exported for analysis. The end time of a logging run can also be set.
What power source does the meter use, and is solar power an option for remote deployments?
The standard power supply is an 8.4 V rechargeable lithium battery. For remote or long-term field sites where recharging is impractical, a solar power supply option is available, and AC/DC dual-purpose versions can also be customized — this can be discussed and specified during the quote configuration process.
Is this system suitable for studying a wide range of tree species and forest types?
Yes. Because the heat dissipation method is applied at the individual stem level, the meter can be deployed across diverse tree species and forest ecosystems. Researchers use it to investigate the water exchange relationship between trees and the atmosphere, monitor how forest ecosystems respond to environmental changes over time, and measure transpiration at the plant scale. Probe fit and installation depth may need to be matched to stem diameter and wood anatomy, which is part of the configuration discussion when you request a quote.
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