What Is An Ultrasonic Flowmeter?

Ultrasonic flowmeter is an instrument that uses the principle of ultrasonic waves to measure fluid flow. It mainly detects the flow rate of the fluid in the pipeline by emitting and receiving ultrasonic signals, thereby calculating the flow rate. It is a non-contact flow measurement instrument. It can be used to measure various fluids, such as water, steam, air, and chemical solutions. Depending on factors such as different fluid types, pipeline materials, and measurement accuracy, the installation and use of ultrasonic flowmeters will also be different.

How do ultrasonic flowmeters work?

The working principle of ultrasonic flowmeters is based on the Doppler effect, which is the change of sound wave frequency for moving objects. When tiny particles or bubbles in a liquid fluid move along the direction of flow, they cause changes in the frequency of the ultrasonic signal. The ultrasonic waves carry information about the fluid's velocity as they propagate through the flowing fluid. Therefore, the flow rate of the fluid can be detected by the received ultrasonic wave, and then converted into flow rate.

According to the principle of signal detection, ultrasonic flowmeters can be divided into propagation velocity difference method (direct time difference method, time difference method, phase difference method and frequency difference method), beam deviation method, Doppler method, cross-correlation method, spatial filter method and noise method.

What are the advantages of ultrasonic flowmeters?

1. Non-invasive measurement: Ultrasonic flowmeters can be directly fixed on the outside of the pipeline for measurement without modifying or blocking the pipeline.

2. Wide range: DN15~DN6000. Ultrasonic flowmeters are suitable for various fluids, including liquids and gases, and are widely used in various industrial fields.

3. High-precision measurement: Ultrasonic flowmeters have high-precision measurement capabilities and can provide accurate and reliable flow data.

4. Long-term stability: Ultrasonic flowmeters use stable ultrasonic sensors and precision electronic components, with greater anti-interference capabilities and long-term stability.

5. Remote monitoring: It can be connected to a computer or monitoring system to achieve remote flow rate monitoring.

What are the types of ultrasonic flowmeter?

The types of ultrasonic flowmeters mainly include pipe segment type, clamp type, insertion type, handheld portable, explosion-proof type, etc.

• The pipe section ultrasonic flowmeter directly connects the pipe section sensor to the measured pipeline through a flange. This type of sensor solves the problem of decreased measurement accuracy that may be caused by external clamp-on and plug-in sensors during installation, and has the characteristics of high accuracy, good stability, detachability, and maintenance-free.

• The clamp-on ultrasonic flowmeter consists of a main unit and a clamp-on sensor. The measurement can be completed by simply sticking the clamp-on sensor on the surface of the pipe. This type of flowmeter is easy to install and does not require pipe breaking for installation. It is suitable for sites where pipe breaking is difficult on site, and achieves non-destructive installation. Clamp-on ultrasonic flowmeters are divided into S-type, M-type, L-type, etc.

• The insertion ultrasonic flowmeter consists of a converter and a pair of insertion sensors, which have the characteristics of non-stop installation, maintenance-free, independent of pipe diameter, and no pressure loss. This type of flowmeter sensor has a simple structure, no throttling fluid, no clogging, and can display instantaneous flow, instantaneous flow velocity, positive and negative net cumulative volume, etc.

• The handheld portable ultrasonic flowmeter is small in size, light in weight, and has a built-in rechargeable lithium battery, which is suitable for mobile measurement and can be connected to a magnetic sensor. ‌This type of flow meter is simple and easy to install. ‌It is suitable for measuring sound-conducting media in pipes of various sizes. ‌There is no need to damage the pipes and ‌stop production.

• Explosion-proof ultrasonic flowmeter is specially used for measuring liquid flow in explosive environment. The converter is explosion-proof and the sensor is intrinsically safe.‌‌

Ultrasonic flowmeters are widely used in many fields, including water treatment, oil and gas industry, chemical industry, food and beverage production, and environmental monitoring. They provide an efficient and accurate method for real-time flow rate measurement, helping to improve production efficiency and monitor system performance.