Ultrasonic Flowmeter, What is It?

A standard flowmeter either uses a float or a paddlewheel to measure flow. In order to work, fluid is passed through the flowmeter which either spins the paddlewheel or pushes a float. For installation either you cut into the pipe to attach the flowmeter or you have a branch off to use a floater flowmeter.

Ultrasonic flowmeter is different. This flowmeter will work with any sound conducting liquid. The ultrasonic flow meter is placed near the application and two clamp-on “transducers” are placed on either side of the pipe. To detect flow through a pipe, ultrasonic flowmeters use acoustic waves or vibrations of a frequency. Depending on the design there are two ways of measuring flow, either Doppler or Time-transit.

The Doppler method sends a signal and measures the change in frequency from one sensor to the next then using a mathematical formula converting into a digital flow rate.

With Time-transit the transducers produce sound waves that bounce within the pipe. The ultrasonic flowmeter measures the time it takes for the sound wave to return.

What are the benefits of a ultrasonic flowmeter?

There is No moving parts and less chance of breaking down. No paddle wheels or floats to break and replace. No wetted materials, nothing touches the liquid it’s measuring. Ultra Sonic Flowmeters work with clean and dirty fluids. Since the flowmeter measures with sound frequencies, the liquids can have solids and still keep an accurate measure of flow. The ultasonic flowmeter is best suited for corruptible liquids that eat away plastics. For example sewage, slush and beverages, where the standard flowmeter just can not cut it. It’s the perfect flow meter.