Articles

The Benefits and Shortcomings of Ultrasonic liquid flow meter

by Will S. Flow Meter and Switches

Flow meters provide a very important service in monitoring and controlling the pressure and rate of flow of liquids and gases. Device selection is based on the state of the liquid, presence of particles and viscosity. Ultrasonic liquid flow meter is based on newer technology than mechanical and pressure-based devices.

Works on a range of fluids

Ultrasonic meters are desired for certain applications. They can also work on different types of fluids. As long as the speed of sound passing through a liquid is known, particle size is bigger than 100um and less than 10 percent in concentration and particle concentration is more than 100ppm, the device can work on fluids like sea water, waste water, pure water, oils and chemicals. These factors apply to Doppler meters. Transit-time meters work on fluids with cleaner flow or those having minor particles. A lesser used device is based on cross-correlation which works best on turbulent gas flow or suspension flow.

Cost-effective and low maintenance

Ultrasonic meters are regularly used to measure blood flow rate and pressure in asthma victims. This ability to calculate the flow rate of such a wide range of fluids is what gives them an edge over mechanical and pressure-based devices. The absence of movable parts also adds to the advantage as ease of use and lower maintenance is achieved. And as expensive as ultrasonic meters can be, usage in the long run turns out to be more cost-effective than other devices.

Portable

Portability is achieved with ultrasonic devices which is a clear benefit in applications where bulky and heavy systems cannot be used. Wall-mounted devices are better for continuous monitoring and control but there are a few handheld models that can deliver the same results if the environment is ideal.

No corrosion

Unlike other types of meters, ultrasonic varieties don't have to be inserted into pipes. Since they don't use pistons and other movable parts - only wavelengths - a simple clamp on the exterior of pipes is enough to get an accurate reading. This means that the devices don't corrode which saves a lot on replacement cost.

Shortcomings

The few drawbacks of ultrasonic meters are not enough to entirely base a choice on. Cost, though higher than other conventional meters, is balanced by the low maintenance and fewer repair needs. The more important factor is the inability to use them to measure primary sludge and other liquids with dense and numerous particles. However, this inability holds true for other types of meters where some are meant for use in clear waters, others for liquids with high or low viscosity etc.

Before settling on a model, factor in important points such as fullness of the pipe, liquid temperature, ppm, portability, output signal type, safety requirements and budget. If such details seem overwhelming, vendors can be called for help. They usually have an experienced team of professionals ready to install and calibrate meters. In fact, some vendors advise using their own professionals as models can vary and may lack or have certain features.

Ultrasonic liquid flow meter is not a new concept but their rise in popularity goes back only a few years. Today, they're favored for many applications where reliability, accuracy and portability are all-important. And, despite the few shortcomings they have, continuous tweaks to the technology have put them on the list of regularly used flow meters.

If you are looking for the finest ultrasonic liquid flow meter then proteusind.com is the right place to be. Visit their website for additional details on flow measurement and instrumentation.

 


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About Will S. Freshman   Flow Meter and Switches

7 connections, 0 recommendations, 38 honor points.
Joined APSense since, March 28th, 2018, From Mountain View, United States.

Created on Dec 3rd 2019 06:24. Viewed 337 times.

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