The unique advantage of ultrasonic flowmeters is that the sensor does not come into contact with the liquid being measured; users simply strap the sensor onto the outside of the pipe. This simplifies installation as there is no interruption to plant operation since isolation and bypassing are not required. As the meter does not come into contact with the liquid, there is no wear or corrosion and virtually no maintenance is required.
The basic principle of ultrasonic flowmetering
Ultrasonic flowmeters are suitable for virtually all liquids, from ultra pure water to oil, water, effluent and slurries. They are suitable for lines made of all types of metal, plastic and concrete from 13 mm to 6000 mm in diameter.
Accuracies are very dependent on application and are typically +1% of rate from 2 to 32 mps and +0,2 mps at lower velocities. However, if the flow meters are calibrated to the application or a spool piece, accuracies of +0,3% of rate are possible. This turn-down ratio of over 100:1 makes these meters suitable for application from high velocity to leak detection.
Portable units are widely used for verifying the performance of installed flowmeters, for flow surveys across a system or spot checks. Fixed meters are available for permanent installation with pulse or analog outputs. Complete flow measurement systems including recording or telemetry can also be provided.
While it is fairly easy to manufacture an ultrasonic flowmeter, it takes years of research, development and experience to build software that reliably converts sensor output into accurate flow readings. The Fuji time-of-flight meter continuously calculates the Reynolds Number for best accuracy at all flow velocities. The meter also calculates sound velocity and automatically compensates for variations in temperature and pressure. These meters also have a unique ABM feature for reliably measuring clear liquids and liquids containing air bubbles up to 12% by volume.
The Greyline doppler meters are ideal for measuring liquids with bubbles and particles through to heavy effluents.
Low installation and maintenance costs often make ultrasonic flowmeters financially more attractive than other flowmetering technologies. You only require access to a straight length of pipe which should not have excessive built-up or scaling on the inside.
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