1. Applicable situations of clamp-on ultrasonic flowmeter
- For non-intrusive measurement requirements:
When the medium inside the pipeline is corrosive, toxic, of high purity or has extremely high hygiene requirements and any operations that would damage the integrity of the pipeline such as opening holes are not allowed, the clamp-on ultrasonic flowmeter is a great choice. For example, in the pharmaceutical industry for some pipelines transporting high-purity drugs or in the food and beverage industry for some pipelines of sterile materials that cannot be contaminated.
- For temporary or movable measurement scenarios:
If only short-term measurement of the pipeline flow is needed or temporary flow monitoring among different pipelines is required, the portability advantage of the clamp-on ultrasonic flowmeter becomes prominent. For instance, during the debugging stage of some equipment, when it is necessary to quickly detect the flow rates of different pipelines to evaluate the performance of the system, the clamp-on type can be easily installed and removed at different positions.
- For complex pipeline materials and structures:
For some pipelines made of special materials (such as plastics, fiberglass, etc.) or those with linings inside, the clamp-on ultrasonic flowmeter can avoid the influence on measurement caused by uneven pipeline materials or damaged linings. Meanwhile, for situations where the pipeline cannot be cut off for installation, the clamp-on type is also more suitable. For example, in some old chemical plants where the pipelines have been in operation for a long time and cannot be easily cut off to install other types of flowmeters, the clamp-on ultrasonic flowmeter can be directly installed outside the pipelines for flow measurement.
- For measurement of small-diameter pipelines (generally with a diameter less than DN300):
In small-diameter pipelines, the clamp-on ultrasonic flowmeter can provide relatively accurate flow measurement. Because the flow state of the fluid in small-diameter pipelines is relatively simple, the transmission and reflection of ultrasonic signals in the pipelines are easier to control and calculate, so more accurate flow velocity and flow rate information can be obtained.
2. Situations where the insertion flowmeter is recommended:
- For flow measurement of large-diameter pipelines (with a diameter greater than DN300)
In large-diameter pipelines, the clamp-on ultrasonic flowmeter may have problems such as excessive transmission distance of ultrasonic signals and signal attenuation, which can lead to a decrease in measurement accuracy. However, the insertion flowmeter can directly insert the sensor into the fluid inside the pipeline, getting closer to the actual flow state of the fluid and effectively improving the measurement accuracy. For example, in large water supply systems or oil transportation pipelines where the diameters are large, the insertion flowmeter can better adapt to such measurement environments with large flow rates and large diameters.
- For measurement of fluids containing impurities or with uneven properties:
When the fluid in the pipeline contains solid particles, bubbles or has uneven components, the sensor of the insertion flowmeter directly contacts the fluid and can perceive the actual flow velocity of the fluid more directly. In contrast, the clamp-on ultrasonic flowmeter may be affected by the interference of these impurities or uneven properties on the ultrasonic signals, resulting in measurement errors. For example, in the sludge transportation pipelines of sewage treatment plants or some pipelines of fluids with solid catalysts in chemical processes, the insertion flowmeter can measure the flow more accurately.
- For occasions with high requirements for measurement accuracy:
If there are high requirements for the accuracy of flow measurement, the insertion flowmeter, due to its sensor directly contacting the fluid, can provide more accurate flow velocity measurement and then obtain more precise flow data. For example, in some high-precision chemical batching processes or precise industrial production processes where the fluid flow needs to be accurately controlled, the insertion flowmeter is a better choice.
Post time: Jan-13-2025