TF1100-CH vs. TF1100-EP: What Are the Differences Between Lanry's Handheld and Portable Ultrasonic Flow Meters?
1. Introduction
When choosing a portable ultrasonic flow meter for on‑site measurement, customers often compare the Handheld Ultrasonic Flow Meter and the Portable Ultrasonic Flow Meter.
Both models are designed for non‑invasive flow measurement using clamp‑on ultrasonic transducers. They operate based on the transit‑time difference principle and can measure liquid flow without cutting the pipe or interrupting normal operation.
However, although they share the same basic measurement technology, they differ in instrument design, portability, battery life, display, communication interfaces, and additional functions.
So, which model should you choose?
This article explains the key differences between Lanry's TF1100‑CH and TF1100‑EP and helps you select the right model for your application.
2. What Do TF1100-CH and TF1100-EP Have in Common?
Before discussing their differences, let's look at their common features.
Both TF1100‑CH and TF1100‑EP belong to Lanry's TF1100 transit‑time ultrasonic flow meter series.
Their main common features include:
- Same measurement principle:
Both use transit‑time difference technology. - Non‑invasive installation: Clamp‑on transducers are mounted on the outside of the pipe.
- No pipeline shutdown: No need to cut the pipe or interrupt normal operation for sensor installation.
- Bidirectional measurement: Both support forward and reverse flow measurement.
- Wide velocity range: 0.01–12 m/s.
- Liquid compatibility: Suitable for clean and somewhat dirty liquids within the specified turbidity limits.
- Wide pipe size coverage: Different transducer types are available for different pipe diameters.
- High‑temperature options: Special transducers are available for high‑temperature applications.
Both models are suitable for measuring water, cooling water, industrial liquids, and other compatible liquids in fully filled pipelines.
3. TF1100-CH vs. TF1100-EP: Key Differences
3.1 Instrument Design and Portability
TF1100-CH — Handheld
Compact and lightweight design. The main unit weighs approximately 0.5 kg, making it convenient for technicians to carry and operate by hand.
TF1100-EP — Portable
Larger portable instrument with a more comprehensive control panel and display. It weighs approximately 3 kg and is designed for more extensive field measurement tasks.
The TF1100-CH is designed for users who prioritize lightweight operation and easy transportation.
The TF1100-EP provides a larger instrument platform, making it more suitable when users need additional measurement functions, communication interfaces, and data management options.
3.2 Display and User Interface
The two models also differ in their display configurations.
The TF1100-CH provides a straightforward display for viewing flow rate, velocity, and accumulated flow.
The TF1100-EP features a larger color display, providing a more comprehensive interface for field operation and measurement data viewing.
3.3 Battery Life and Power Supply
Battery performance is another important consideration for field applications.
The TF1100-CH offers up to 14 hours of operation with a fully charged battery, which is sufficient for many routine inspection and maintenance tasks.
The TF1100-EP provides up to 50 hours of battery operation, making it more suitable for longer measurement sessions and fieldwork where charging opportunities may be limited.
3.4 Communication and Data Output
This is one of the most important differences between the two models.
The TF1100-CH focuses on basic field measurement and data recording, while the TF1100-EP offers more communication and output options.
The TF1100-EP is a better choice when users need to connect the flow meter to external devices, collect measurement data, or integrate the instrument into a more comprehensive monitoring system.
The TF1100-CH is more suitable when the main requirement is local flow measurement, basic data recording, and inspection work.
Note: Communication interfaces and functions depend on the selected configuration. Please confirm the required options when ordering.
3.5 Thermal Energy Measurement
Another advantage of the TF1100-EP is its optional thermal energy measurement capability.
With additional temperature sensors, the TF1100-EP can measure flow and temperature difference to calculate thermal energy consumption.
This function is particularly useful for:
Chilled water systems
Heating and cooling networks
Energy consumption monitoring
Heat exchange system testing
The TF1100-CH is mainly designed for flow measurement and does not list thermal energy measurement as a standard product function.
4. TF1100-CH vs. TF1100-EP: Technical Comparison
Specifications are based on Lanry's published product information. Actual performance and available configurations should be confirmed with the corresponding product datasheet.
5. When Should You Choose TF1100-CH or TF1100-EP?
When:
Lightweight and easy operation is important.
You mainly perform routine field inspections.
You need basic flow measurement and data recording.
You frequently move between different measurement locations.
A compact and economical handheld solution is preferred.
When:
Longer battery operation is required.
You need more communication and output options.
More comprehensive data collection is important.
Thermal energy measurement is required.
You perform extended field testing or equipment evaluation.
6. Typical Applications
Both models are suitable for field flow measurement, maintenance, and troubleshooting. However, their different configurations make them suitable for slightly different working scenarios.
| TF1100‑CH | Field inspection, maintenance, and flow verification. |
| TF1100‑EP | Extended field testing, data logging, and energy monitoring. |
7. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Are TF1100-CH and TF1100-EP based on the same measurement principle?
Yes. Both use the ultrasonic transit-time difference principle to measure liquid flow velocity and calculate flow rate.
Q2: Which model is more accurate, TF1100-CH or TF1100-EP?
According to Lanry's published specifications, both have the same stated measurement accuracy. The main differences are their hardware design, battery life, display, and additional functions rather than basic measurement accuracy.
Q3: Can both models measure dirty water?
Both can measure clean and somewhat dirty liquids within the specified turbidity limit of less than 10,000 ppm. However, transit-time ultrasonic flow meters are not intended for liquids with excessive suspended solids or entrained gas. This field can refer to our another product series - https://www.lanry-instruments.com/doppler-ultrasonic-flowmeter/.
Q4: Can these meters measure flow without shutting down the pipeline?
Yes. Both models use external clamp-on transducers, so installation does not require cutting the pipe or interrupting normal operation.
Q5: Can TF1100-EP measure thermal energy?
Yes. The TF1100-EP supports optional thermal energy measurement when configured with the appropriate temperature sensors.
Q6: Which model is better for long-term field measurement?
The TF1100-EP is generally more suitable for extended field measurement because its rechargeable battery can provide up to 50 hours of operation, compared with up to 14 hours for the TF1100-CH.
With 5+ years of experience in industrial instrumentation, I provide practical solutions for flow measurement, installation, commissioning, and troubleshooting based on real‑world project experience. Feel free to contact my WhatsApp.
Post time: Nov-03-2026
