Description
Measure a signed drain-to-return marker time offset.
Hydroponic records distinguish reservoir volumes, catch rates, media volume, nominal pump displacement and chemical reference labels. A top-up share can use final rather than initial volume, while a pH difference is not a chemical-dose calculation. Supplied parameters do not establish water quality, crop suitability or hydraulic performance.
Measure a signed drain-to-return marker time offset.
When to use this tool
Use Drain Return Time Offset when you already have drainMarkerSeconds, returnMarkerSeconds and need to measure a signed drain-to-return marker time offset.
How to use the tool and how it works
- Enter drainMarkerSeconds, returnMarkerSeconds. Use the units and conventions below.
- Run the tool. Correct any format, range, or cross-field input error before interpreting the output.
- Read signedGap. Use the output convention below.
Return returnMarkerSeconds-drainMarkerSeconds.1
| Input field | Meaning and units | Accepted input |
|---|---|---|
| drainMarkerSeconds | Drain Marker Seconds | Required. Finite number. |
| returnMarkerSeconds | Return Marker Seconds | Required. Finite number. |
| Output field | Interpretation | Returned shape |
|---|---|---|
| signedGap | Signed Gap | Required. Finite number. |
{
"input": {
"drainMarkerSeconds": 12,
"returnMarkerSeconds": 17
},
"output": {
"signedGap": 5
}
}Limitations and assumptions
- Negative gaps are retained; no flow path, residence time, event detection or hydraulic response 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 calibrated water and flow observations, actual reservoir geometry and the complete intended chemical or hydraulic model. Preserve concentration, temperature-reference and time bases; local offsets and volume shares do not choose nutrient, pH or irrigation adjustments.
References
Similar or alternative tools
- Hydroponic Channel Slope Drop
Calculate a channel's signed vertical drop from run and supplied slope fraction.
- Hydroponic EC Temperature Reference
Preserve explicit conductivity unit and reference-temperature text.