Comparison between Clamp-On Transit-Time Ultrasonic Flowmeter and Ultrasonic Water Meter
- Measurement Principle
- Clamp-On Transit-Time Ultrasonic Flowmeter: This type of flowmeter measures the flow rate by detecting the time difference between ultrasonic waves traveling upstream and downstream in the fluid. Ultrasonic transducers are clamped externally on the pipe wall. When the fluid flows, the propagation time of ultrasonic waves in the upstream and downstream directions is different. According to the formula derived from this time difference, the flow velocity and then the flow rate of the fluid can be calculated.
- Ultrasonic Water Meter: It also utilizes the time – difference principle of ultrasonic waves in water. However, it is specifically designed for measuring the flow of water in water supply systems. The ultrasonic transducers are usually integrated into the water meter structure, and the water meter is installed directly in the water pipeline. It measures the time difference of ultrasonic waves in the flowing water to determine the water flow rate.
- Measurement Accuracy
- External – Clamp Time – Difference Ultrasonic Flowmeter: In general, its accuracy is affected by factors such as the thickness and material of the pipe wall, the condition of the pipe inner wall, and the presence of air bubbles or suspended solids in the fluid. In ideal conditions, the accuracy can reach ±0.5% – ±1%. But in practical applications, especially in complex industrial environments, the accuracy may deviate.
- Ultrasonic Water Meter: The accuracy of ultrasonic water meters is also in the range of ±0.5% – ±1% under normal circumstances. However, they are more optimized for measuring clean water in domestic and some commercial water supply systems. When the water contains a certain amount of impurities, the accuracy may be affected, but usually less than that of external – clamp ultrasonic flowmeters in industrial fluid measurement scenarios.
- Application Scenarios
- External – Clamp Time – Difference Ultrasonic Flowmeter: It is widely used in industrial fluid measurement, such as in chemical plants, power plants, and oil – and – gas pipelines. It can measure various fluids including corrosive liquids, high – temperature fluids, and fluids with a certain amount of suspended solids. For example, in a chemical plant where the pipeline transports corrosive chemical solutions, the external – clamp ultrasonic flowmeter can be installed without directly contacting the fluid, which is very convenient.
- Ultrasonic Water Meter: It is mainly used in water supply systems for residential buildings, commercial buildings, and some water treatment plants. It is designed to accurately measure the flow of clean water used for daily life and basic water treatment processes.
- Installation and Maintenance
- Clamp-On Transit-Time Ultrasonic Flowmeter: The installation is relatively simple. It only needs to be clamped on the outer wall of the existing pipeline, without the need to cut the pipeline or stop the fluid flow during installation. This reduces installation time and cost. However, regular calibration is required to ensure accuracy, and the maintenance may be more complex as it needs to consider factors related to the external environment of the pipeline.
- Ultrasonic Water Meter: Installation usually requires shutting down the water supply briefly to install the water meter in the pipeline. But once installed, the maintenance is relatively simple in a clean water environment. In cases where the water contains impurities, the ultrasonic transducers may need to be cleaned periodically to maintain accuracy.
Post time: Mar-10-2025