Ultrasonic Flow Meters

What is an Ultrasonic Flowmeter?

An ultrasonic flow meter is a type of flow meter that can measure velocity of fluids with ultrasound technology (the sound generated above the human hearing range) to work out the volume flow. Using ultrasonic transducers, these flow meters can measure average velocity of along a beam of ultrasound, and then taking averages of the transit time (by measuring differences in pulses of ultrasound  propagating into & against flow direction), or alternatively recording frequency shift using the Doppler effect.

Flow Meter Types and Applications

What are the types of Flow Meter?

The two types of Flow Meter, Transit Time (Time of Flight) and Doppler, are both available in a clamp-on meter style with transducers which are used to detect and then measure flow rates from the outside of the pipework, without any interruption to flow or process.

Ultrasonic clamp on flow meters readings are altered by acoustic properties of fluids and impacted by density, viscosity, temperature and suspended particulates, all dependent on the type of flow meter.

Advantages of Ultrasonic Flow Meters

What are the Advantages of an Ultrasonic Flow Meter?

• They are non-invasive, and therefore can detect in-situ flow rates from outside the pipework, with no interruption to flow or the process.
• These flow meters require little maintenance, as the sensors will not contact with the flow, as they have no moving parts, it means no obstruction and no general wear and tear.
• They vary greatly in purchase price but can often be very inexpensive to use and certainly to maintain, again due to the fact they do not use moving parts, unlike mechanical flow meters.
• The ideal tool for potable water applications, clamp-on ultrasonic flow meters can also be used in wastewater treatment and collection applications.

Applications of an Ultrasonic Flow Meter

What are the Applications of an Ultrasonic Flow Meter?

A typical application for an Ultrasonic Flow Meter is measuring flow of liquid in full pipes, also measurement of liquids such as water, wastewater, acids and solvents, chemicals and hydrocarbons and oils, also to monitor and control  heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. They are perfect for applications where flow disruption is simply not an option.

Is a Flow Sensor the same as a Flow Meter?

The two terms are ofter used interchangeably, however the majority of people would use the term flow meter.

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