Ultrasonic Flowmeter
Ultrasonic flowmeter is a type of flowmeter that measures the velocity of a fluid with ultrasound to calculate volume flow. Using ultrasonic transducers, the flow meter can measure the average velocity along the path of an emitted beam of ultrasound, by averaging the difference in measured transit time between the pulses of ultrasound propagating into and against the direction of the flow or by measuring the frequency shift from the Doppler effect. Ultrasonic flowmeters are affected by the acoustic properties of the fluid and can be impacted by temperature, density, viscosity and suspended particulates depending on the exact flowmeter.
It has the following distinguishing advantages:
- Flow measurements in large pipes can be done
- Flow of both gases and liquids can be measured.
- Ultrasonic flowmeters can measure the flow of nonconductive flows
- For the measurement of low flow rates, the ultrasonic flowmeter is a better option compared to the Vortex flowmeter.
- It's no moving parts, need not worry about its wear and tear issues
Working Principle
The ultrasonic flowmeter construction can be done by using upstream and downstream transducers, sensor pipe and reflector. The working principle of ultrasonic flow meter is, it uses sound waves to resolve the velocity of a liquid within a pipe. There are two conditions in the pipe like no flow and flowing. In the first condition, the frequencies of ultrasonic waves are transmitted into a pipe & its indications from the fluid are similar. In the second condition, the reflected wave’s frequency is dissimilar because of the Doppler Effect.
Key Feature
- Low maintenance: Since ultrasonic flowmeters don’t involve moving parts, they last a long time with very little maintenance. They also have low power consumption, so they often last for several years before the batteries need to be replaced.
- Digital and analog options: Ultrasonic flowmeters come in a wide range of outputs, and advanced technology has allowed for the creation of ultrasonic transducers with digital readouts and network connection capabilities. This means that transducers can communicate measurements in real time to a central monitoring system.
- High accuracy: As long as the meter is properly mounted and installed, these meters are highly accurate. However, inline and insertion flowmeters are generally more accurate than clamp-on ultrasonic flowmeters.
- No moving parts: Traditional mechanical flowmeters measure pressure through the use of moving parts, which serve as mechanical sensors. Unfortunately, these parts pose several problems. They often obstruct flow and cause pressure loss. The moving parts also degrade over time, providing less accurate results and requiring repair and replacement. Since there are no moving parts in ultrasonic flowmeters, you don’t have to worry about them degrading or creating a blockage.
Application Range
- Water and wastewater industry
- Metal extraction, production and processing
- Paper and cellulose
- Cement and minerals
- Plant and mechanical engineering
- Oil and gas