Flow Measurement & Control


Ultrasonic flowmeters: ideal for retro-fitting to existing pipes

April 2008 Flow Measurement & Control

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
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.



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Never waste a drop
Flow Measurement & Control
Manufacturers of pumps, valves and related equipment have an important role to play when systems for water are being designed or upgraded and should be included at every stage of a project to ensure that the work is carried out within the equipment’s capabilities.

Read more...
Ultrasonic flow meters
ifm - South Africa Flow Measurement & Control
The ultrasonic flow meter of the SU series from ifm - South Africa monitors liquid media such as water, glycol solutions or industrial oils. It detects the three process categories volumetric flow quantity, consumed quantity and medium temperature.

Read more...
How utilities identify water losses in Northern Europe
Flow Measurement & Control
Norwegian leak detection specialist, Ovarro outlines how municipalities are responding to hidden water loss using acoustic monitoring and analysis tools that provide early indications of developing leaks.

Read more...
Senix sensors provide flood warnings
Instrotech Flow Measurement & Control
To create the world’s most sophisticated flood monitoring and forecasting system, the US State of Iowa’s Flood Centre (IFC) uses more than 200 Senix ToughSonic 30 and ToughSonic 50 ultrasonic sensors to measure water levels in streams across the state.

Read more...
Mastering inline LNG flow monitoring
Flow Measurement & Control
[Sponsored] As global demand for cleaner, more flexible energy sources continues to rise, liquefied natural gas (LNG) stands at the forefront of the energy transition. Engineered for excellence in cryogenic environments, the Anton Paar L-Cor 8000 flowmeter redefines inline LNG flow monitoring.

Read more...
Magnetic-inductive flowmeter with effective compact electronics and IO-link
Instrotech Flow Measurement & Control
KOBOLD has combined two of its proven components, the successful type MIK magnetic-inductive flow meter and the popular U-PACE compact electronics, creating an exciting new compact flow instrument at the best price.

Read more...
Dosing chlorine gas safely and sustainably
Flow Measurement & Control
Chlorine gas is central to a range of industrial processes but is highly dangerous. The solution is the deployment of a system solution for chlorination from Lutz-Jesco.

Read more...
Oil monitoring solution drives performance gains for paper mill
SKF South Africa Flow Measurement & Control
By integrating real-time monitoring with precise flow control, SKF’s Flowline oil monitor meters have significantly improved the flow rate control and performance of oil circulation lubrication systems installed on a paper mill.

Read more...
Flow measurement in mobile applications
ifm - South Africa Flow Measurement & Control
The SU Puresonic Mobile ultrasonic sensor from ifm is characterised by its displayless design and high temperature resistance. It is ideal for mobile applications and processes with permanent media temperatures of up to 120°C.

Read more...
Optimising water quality in a building cooling system
ifm - South Africa Flow Measurement & Control
A leading company in industrial water management has installed water treatment systems that not only optimise water quality but also help customers to improve their processes, thanks to the new insights and actions that can be generated based on the process data collected.

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved