Description
Encode an inflow/outflow volume balance under a chosen sign convention.
Water balances depend on the chosen inflow/outflow sign, system boundary and time support. Volume and discharge are different quantities, and a reported sample may represent a point, interval or aggregate. Preserving a source label or signed difference does not establish the full physical balance.
Encode an inflow/outflow volume balance under a chosen sign convention.
When to use this tool
Use Water Balance Inflow Outflow Sign Pair when you already have inflowVolume, outflowVolume, inflowPositive and need to encode an inflow/outflow volume balance under a chosen sign convention.
How to use the tool and how it works
- Enter inflowVolume, outflowVolume, inflowPositive. Use the units and conventions below.
- Run the tool. Correct any format, range, or cross-field input error before interpreting the output.
- Read signedNetVolume. Use the output convention below.
Require both volumes>=0; return inflow-outflow when inflowPositive, otherwise outflow-inflow.1
| Input field | Meaning and units | Accepted input |
|---|---|---|
| inflowVolume | Inflow Volume | Required. Finite number; minimum 0. |
| outflowVolume | Outflow Volume | Required. Finite number; minimum 0. |
| inflowPositive | True returns inflow-outflow; false returns outflow-inflow. | Required. Boolean. |
| Output field | Interpretation | Returned shape |
|---|---|---|
| signedNetVolume | Signed Net Volume | Required. Finite number. |
{
"input": {
"inflowVolume": 120,
"outflowVolume": 80,
"inflowPositive": true
},
"output": {
"signedNetVolume": 40
}
}Limitations and assumptions
- Matching volume/time boundaries are assumed; no discharge, storage, omitted water terms or physical system is inferred.
- Inputs must satisfy both the field types and the cross-field conditions above. Invalid input causes an error; a successful false flag or documented placeholder is a different result.
- Numeric calculations use binary floating point unless exact decimal-integer arithmetic is explicitly stated. No hidden measurement tolerance or decimal rounding is added; nonfinite or out-of-contract results are rejected. Numeric signed-zero results are exported as zero.
Alternative or Complementary methods
Use the complete boundary, flow/storage observations and sampling-time definition for a water balance. Reconcile all relevant terms and units before interpreting one supplied sign convention or time-support label.
References
Similar or alternative tools
- Snow Pack Melt Volume Balance
Calculate a signed snowpack water-volume balance.
- Discharge Sample Time Support Label
Qualify an explicit discharge sample time-support label.