Currently, the ultrasonic clamp-on flow meter market is valued at USD 942.2 million and estimates a projected CAGR of 7.8% by surpassing USD 1,986.4 million by 2032.
With technological improvements, ultrasonic clamp-on flow meters have become a hit in the market, specifically because of their fundamental feature of measuring the flow without disturbing the flow stream.
Additionally, the rising emphasis on energy and water conservation has led to an increased demand for ultrasonic clamp-on flow meters. Owing to their adaptability, significance, accuracy, and non-intrusiveness, their market is expected to rise steadily.
Let’s understand how and why!
What is an Ultrasonic Inline Flow Meter?
The flow rate of liquids within the pipe is measured with the help of an ultrasonic inline flow meter. It is called an ultrasonic inline flow meter because of the ultrasonic technology employed inside to accurately regulate the velocity of the liquid passing through the pipe.
Directly installed into the pipeline, an ultrasonic inline flow meter allows continuous and non-intrusive measurement of the flow that is highly reliable and suitable for a wide range of applications like industrial processes, water treatment, HVAC systems and more.
How to Install an Ultrasonic Clamp-On Flow Meter?
Here’s how you can install an ultrasonic flow meter in a few simple steps:
- Select where you want to mount the flow meter on the pipe.
- Clean any dirt or debris on the pipe as it affects the performance.
- With proper alignment and spacing, mount the ultrasonic flow meter outside the pipe. For instance, in a water treatment plant, the flow meter is installed on the main water supply line.
- Now, connect the transducers to the flow meter’s electronic module as per the manufacturer’s guidelines.
- Perform tests to verify performance and functionality.
- Seal the gaps to prevent moisture and protect the flow meter from environmental factors.
- Regularly monitor and maintain the flow meter for consistent accuracy and reliability.
Ultrasonic Flow Meter Technology
Ultrasonic flow meters work by sending ultrasonic pulses throughout the fluid along with measuring the time these pulses take to travel upstream and downstream. For instance, an ultrasonic flow meter is installed in a water pipe in a residential building to measure the flow rate passing through it.
The ultrasonic flow meter will emit ultrasonic pulses from one side of the pipe to another and detect the pulses on the opposite sides. So, by measuring the time taken by the pulses to move downstream and upstream, the ultrasonic flow meter calculates the water flow velocity.
Recommended Read: Ultrasonic Flow Meter - Types, Applications, Working & More
How Calibration is Done in Ultrasonic Flow Meters Using Different Methods
The selection of calibration method depends on factors like available resources, accuracy measurements and the specific application of the flow meter. Let’s find out how calibration is done using different approaches.
Ultrasonic Flow Meter Calibration Tips
The calibration of an ultrasonic flow meter is important for regulatory compliance, ensuring reliable measurements, data integrity, and optimized performance. Below are the key points to keep in mind while calibrating an ultrasonic flow meter:
- Adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines. For instance, if you’re buying from Kritsnam you’ll be provided with the instructions and calibration processes to make the process easier.
- Plan calibration sessions with NABL-accredited laboratories like Kritsnam for accurate and traceable results.
- Consistent environmental conditions must be maintained to mirror operational conditions during the calibration process.
- Make sure that you calibrate across the entire flow range to maintain accuracy within all flow rates.
- Proper transducer alignment is important for reliable measurements.
- Keep detailed records of results for future reference.
- To ensure accuracy at the lowest flow rates, opt for zero flow calibration.
Once the calibration process is over, verify the results to secure compliance with accuracy specifications.
Recommended Read: Elevate Precision: NABL Accreditation for Flow Meters
What is an Ultrasonic Clamp-on Flow Meter?
Simply put, an ultrasonic clamp-on flow meter is a device or an instrument that measures how quickly the liquid flows through the pipe with the help of sound waves (ultrasound) to identify the speed of the liquid. The special part of this meter is that it is attached to the outside of the pipe using a clamp to maintain the flow inside the pipe.
Ultrasonic Clamp-on Flow Meter Technology
Without physically touching the fluid, ultrasonic clamp-on flow meters utilize the sound waves to measure the liquid flow velocity. Let’s take an example of a water distribution system. Here the meter can be clamped outside to measure rate without any interruptions in the water flow.
The meter will calculate the flow velocity with the help of ultrasonic pulses moving upstream and downstream. Thus, it can be concluded that ultrasonic clamp-on flow meters work in a non-intrusive way which makes them suitable for a wide range of applications and industries.
Benefits of Using Clamp-on Flow Meters
Selecting a flow meter to add to an existing plumbing network is daunting. A lot of factors like accurate flow measurement, balance, replacement, and other risks add to the flow meter installation process. With increased focus on water reduction programs, many companies are opting for ultrasonic clamp-on flow meters. The advantages of ultrasonic clamp-on technology are listed below:
- Ultrasonic clamp-on flow meters can be installed outside the pipe which prevents any disruption in the operations, and minimizes the downtime and maintenance costs.
- They can be used on various pipe materials and sizes, making them suitable for diverse applications. For example, in a manufacturing facility, they measure the flow rate of pipes in different materials like PVC, HDPE, steel, etc.
- There’s minimal wear or tear in these types of flow meters as these flow meters have no contact with the fluid.
- These are non-intrusive in nature and that’s how they offer high reliability and accuracy in flow measurement. These flow meters provide precise flow rate data without affecting the system integrity or water quality.
- The best part is you can easily reposition these flow meters to different positions. For instance, in an irrigation system, you can relocate them to different sections of the pipe.
Applications of Clamp-on Flow Meters
Without the need for pipe modification, ultrasonic clamp-on flow meters can be used across a variety of applications. For instance, in wastewater management systems, these flow meters are used for monitoring sewage flow rates in the sewer lines to facilitate efficient treatment processes.
While in the HVAC systems, they’re used to measure the flow of heating fluid or chilled water for optimizing energy consumption. Whereas in industrial processes like chemical manufacturing, they’re used to provide accurate flow measurements for monitoring and process control.
On the whole, in various water distribution networks, these flow meters track water usage and detect leaks in the pipeline for efficient water management.
Best Practices for Clamp-on Flow Metering
Users can optimize the reliability and performance of clamp-on flow meters by adhering to the best practices given below:
- Choose the right ultrasonic clamp-on flow meter. It is a blend of non-invasive installation, accuracy, reliability, versatility and low maintenance requirements which makes it a compelling choice for a wide range of flow measurement applications across various industries.
- Opt for suitable pipe material which is conducive to ultrasonic wave transmission. It might be metal or plastic.
- Remove any rust, debris or corrosion on the pipe surface as there’s a high chance that the dirt particles might interfere with the process.
- In turbulent flow conditions, monitor the flow profile and pipe conditions for accurate measurement.
- Regular checks and comparisons must be conducted to validate the accuracy and verify results from the ultrasonic clamp-on flow meter.
Ultrasonic Clamp-on VS Inline Flow Meters
Ultrasonic meters (UT) measure both liquids and gasses with accuracy, no pressure drop, no drift, no obstruction to the flow and there are no moving parts that require maintenance. Even in extreme operating temperatures, these meters handle a wide range of fluids.
An incredibly awesome advantage it holds over the flow of technologies is that it can be done outside the pipe. The non-intrusiveness of the UT meters makes them reliable and accurate for a wide range of fluids and gases. Moreover, they have a long service life with no corrosion or abrasion from the fluid. In short, ultrasonic flow meters work according to the ‘differential transit time’ method.
On the other hand, inline flow meters provide direct contact with the fluid being measured leading to higher credibility and accuracy where precise measurement is critical. Inline flow meters are more suitable for high-pressure or high-temperature environments. Plus, they offer a wide range of options and techniques to suit your preferences like Coriolis meters, electromagnetic, turbine, etc to allow greater flexibility and versatility.
On the whole, ultrasonic clamp-on flow meters provide ease of retrofitting and non-invasive installation, while inline flow meters excel in accuracy and suitability for industrial applications where direct fluid contact and accurate measurement is important.
Dhaara - A Smart Choice For A Wise Water Revolution
Water intelligence has taken the front seat in reshaping water for a secure future with water budgeting applications for businesses to eliminate water risks and digitally manage their water footprint. However, selecting the right clamp-on flow meter depends on the type of application you’re using it for.
With Dhaara Smart from Kritsnam in the market, most companies are opting for these inline USFM meters because of the quick and non-intrusive installation process, reduced maintenance, versatility and high accuracy.
