Clamp-on ultrasonic flow meters measure fluid flow by installing probes on the outer wall of pipelines. As the medium for transmitting ultrasonic waves from the probes to the pipelines, the performance of coupling agents directly affects the measurement accuracy and stability.
When selecting coupling agents, attention should be paid to characteristics such as acoustic impedance matching, viscosity and fluidity, and chemical stability. An ideal coupling agent should have an acoustic impedance similar to that of the probe and pipeline materials to minimize ultrasonic reflection loss. Appropriate viscosity ensures effective coupling, avoiding issues like leakage due to excessive thinness or difficult application due to excessive thickness. Additionally, it must exhibit excellent chemical stability, not reacting with pipeline materials, thus ensuring long-term reliability. Among common coupling agents, Vaseline is cost-effective but prone to drying, making it suitable for short-term measurements; silicone oil features good chemical stability and slow drying, ideal for long-term monitoring; the new water-based gel coupling agents are environmentally friendly, non-toxic, and offer excellent coupling performance, widely applied in the industrial field.
When using coupling agents, first clean the outer wall of the pipeline, removing impurities such as oil stains and rust to ensure a smooth and clean surface. During application, evenly apply an appropriate amount of coupling agent to the contact area between the probe and the pipeline, avoiding air bubbles. After installing the probe, press it properly to ensure a tight fit. Regularly inspect the condition of the coupling agent, and replenish or replace it in a timely manner to prevent measurement errors caused by drying and degradation.
Post time: May-26-2025