Vetrix US Series – Ultrasonic Flow Meter

Vetrix US Series – Ultrasonic Flow Meter is designed for situations where it’s impractical or undesirable to cut into the process measurement line to install an in-line flowmeter. This type of clamp-on ultrasonic flow meter operates by measuring the transit time of ultrasonic signals. By determining the time it takes for signals to travel a known distance with and against the flow stream, it calculates the velocity of the fluid being measured. These flow meters can be installed without disrupting the process or cutting into the pipeline, making them suitable for applications where traditional in-line flowmeters haven’t been installed, especially in cases involving large pipe sizes and exotic materials.

Dpstar is recognized as a leader in flow meter solutions in Malaysia. With decades of experience since the 1990s, we are known for our exceptional customer service and deep industry knowledge. An ultrasonic flow meter is a device used to measure liquid velocity using ultrasound to analyze the volume of liquid flow. This type of meter is particularly advantageous in applications where chemical compatibility, minimal maintenance, and low-pressure drop are essential. Ultrasonic waves enable the reliable measurement of flow volumes for a wide range of gases and liquids, independent of factors like electrical conductivity, pressure, temperature, or viscosity. Clamp-on ultrasonic sensors are affixed to the outer wall of the pipe, allowing for temporary measurements or retrofitting as needed

Working Principle

Vetrix US Series – Ultrasonic Flow Meter utilizes the propagation time of the ultrasonic signal in the fluid. A pair of transducers is installed on the outer surface of the pipe, as shown in figure 1. Each transducer works alternatively as both transmitter and receiver of ultrasonic signals. When the ultrasonic signal is transmitted toward the upstream side against the flow direction, more propagation time is required (T1). Next, when it is transmitted toward the downstream side with the flow direction, the propagation time is less (T2). The signal will be delayed and speeded up accordingly by the moving fluid. The different between T1 and T2 is proportional to the flow velocity, and the volumetric flow rate can be computed by multiplying the cross-sectional area with the flow velocity. Simplify by the equation Q = VA, where; Q = Volumetric Flow Rate, V= Flow Velocity, A= Cross-sectional Area.

Figure 1: Ultrasonic Flowmeter Installation (Z-Method)

How it works

Vetrix US Series Ultrasonic Flow Meter utilizes sound waves to measure the speed of a fluid within a pipe. When there is no flow, both the transmitted ultrasonic wave and its reflections share identical frequencies. However, when the fluid is in motion, the frequency of the reflected wave changes due to the Doppler effect. This frequency shift increases linearly with the fluid’s velocity. The flow meter’s transmitter analyzes the signals from the transmitted wave and its reflections to calculate the flow rate.

Transit time ultrasonic flow meters operate by sending and receiving ultrasonic waves between transducers positioned upstream and downstream in the pipe. In situations where there is no flow, the travel time for the waves in both directions remains equal. Under flowing conditions, the upstream wave travels slower, requiring more time compared to the faster downstream wave. As the fluid velocity increases, this time difference between upstream and downstream measurements also increases. The flow meter’s transmitter processes these time measurements to determine the flow rate. Transit time ultrasonic flow meters account for approximately 12% of all flow meters sold.

Benefits of Our Ultrasonic Technology

• Cover wide range of pipe size from DN15 to DN6000 with 3 pairs of sensors
• Ultrasonic flowmeters can measure the flow of conductive or non-conductive liquid.
• Minimum pipework disturbance (No cutting or welding required).
• Ultrasonic flowmeter has no moving part; therefore, maintenance cost is very low.

Advantages of Ultrasonic Flowmeter

• Ultrasonic flowmeters can measure the flow of conductive or non-conductive liquid.
• For the measurement of low flow rates, the ultrasonic flowmeter is a better option compared to any other types of flowmeters.
• Minimum pipework disturbance (No cutting or welding required).
• Ultrasonic flowmeter has no moving part; therefore, maintenance cost is very low.

Applications

Nowadays, the ultrasonic flowmeter is used in many different industries. Our main customer markets are the food, beverage, pharmaceutical, analytics and chemical markets. In addition, these meters are used in wastewater and dirty liquid applications and used wherever chemical compatibility, less maintenance, and low-pressure drop are required.