Clamp-on Ultrasonic Flowmeter
1. Working Principle
The clamp-on ultrasonic flowmeter adopts the ultrasonic transit-time method. In accordance with the ultrasonic measurement principle, a pair of ultrasonic transducers alternately transmit and receive ultrasonic signals in downstream and upstream directions. The ultrasonic wave travels faster in the downstream medium with a shorter propagation time compared with that in the upstream direction. The average flow velocity of the liquid is calculated based on the time difference (Δt) obtained from the propagation path. The volumetric flow rate is further determined by combining the flow velocity with the cross-sectional area of the pipeline.
2. Advantages of Ultrasonic Flow Measurement Principle
Ultrasonic flowmeters deliver multiple prominent advantages: accurate flow readings can be obtained within minutes with simple operation. There is no need to suspend the production process or cut off the measured pipeline. The meter can be simply mounted on the outer wall of the pipeline, causing no pressure loss while greatly saving installation time and costs.
2.1 Advantages of Clamp-on Handheld Ultrasonic Flowmeter
Can be installed on operating systems without interrupting the technological process
Simple installation and cost-effective deployment
Lightweight and ergonomic design for easy portability
Ideal for on-site maintenance and system debugging
Capable of verifying the measurement accuracy of fixed-point flowmeters
2.2 General Advantages Compared with Other Flowmeters
Measurement is independent of medium properties, including conductivity, density, temperature and viscosity
No moving parts inside the meter
No measuring components need to be installed inside the pipeline
No obstruction on the cross-section of the measuring pipeline
Zero pressure loss during operation
Almost maintenance-free
2.3 Unique Measurement Advantages of Clamp-on Type
Non-contact measurement with the measured medium
Not affected by liquid properties such as pressure, temperature, conductivity and viscosity
Free from working condition restrictions and no intervention in the process flow
No pressure loss, no leakage risk and no additional cleaning cost during measurement
Maintains accurate measurement even when pipeline blockage exists
High sensitivity with ultra-low measurable flow velocity (minimum measurable velocity: 0.2 m/s)
2.4 Low Operating Cost
Flexible to move and reinstall to different measuring points
Extremely low installation and maintenance costs
Transducers require almost no maintenance or cleaning
Therefore, the clamp-on handheld ultrasonic flowmeter features extremely high cost performance.
3. Application Industries & Measurable Media
It is widely applicable for liquid flow measurement in pipelines and HVAC systems, and can monitor pumps, industrial systems, boilers, pipeline leakage, filters, fire protection and hydraulic devices.
As an accurate non-wetted ultrasonic flow measuring device, it is essential for various industries, including water conservancy engineering, construction, energy management, chemical industry, pharmaceutical industry, food processing and petrochemical industry.
4. Technical Parameters
Item | Technical Specification |
Measuring Principle | Ultrasonic transit-time difference principle; dual CPU parallel operation, 4-byte floating-point calculation; measuring cycle: 500ms, 2 times per second |
Signal Input | 5-channel current signal input, accuracy: 0.1% (for temperature, pressure, liquid level and other analog signals) |
Current Output | 4~20mA or 0~20mA; impedance: 0~1KΩ, floating type; accuracy: 0.1% |
Frequency Output | Optional range: 12～9999Hz, OCT output |
Pulse Output | Forward, reverse, net flow and heat accumulation pulse; relay & OCT output |
Alarm Signal | Relay & OCT output, supporting nearly 20 signal source options |
Communication Interface | Full-function RS232 serial interface; optional RS485 or CAN bus |
Extended Functions | Daily / monthly / yearly flow accumulation; power-off time & flow data recording; fault self-diagnosis; remote network operation mode |
Cable Length | SYY75 shielded cable; single cable extendable up to 500m |
Applicable Pipe Material | Steel, stainless steel, cast iron, cement pipe, PVC, aluminum, copper and other dense-texture pipes (lined pipes acceptable) |
Straight Pipe Requirement | Upstream ≥10D, downstream ≥5D, distance from pump outlet ≥30D (D = pipe diameter) |
Measurable Medium | Uniform sound-conductive liquids: water, seawater, edible oil, crude oil, acid-base liquid, beer, etc. |
Medium Temperature | -30℃ ～ 150℃ |
Nominal Diameter Range | DN15 ～ DN6000 |
Flow Velocity Range | 0 ～ ±32m/s |
Measurement Accuracy | Better than ±1% (high-precision grade in domestic ultrasonic flowmeter industry) |
Power Supply | AC220V / DC8-36V / AC7-30V |
Power Consumption | Less than 2W |
