Ultrasonic clamp-on BTU meter

An ultrasonic clamp-on BTU meter is a device used to measure thermal energy in a fluid system. Here are its main features and applications:

Features

• Non-invasive installation：Ultrasonic clamp-on BTU meters do not require cutting or penetration of the pipe. They can be easily clamped onto the outside of the pipe, which minimizes installation time and cost, and also avoids potential leaks or damage to the pipeline system.
• High accuracy：These meters typically offer high measurement accuracy, usually within ±1% of the reading or better. They use ultrasonic transit-time or cross-correlation techniques to accurately measure the flow rate of the fluid, and when combined with accurate temperature sensors, can provide precise BTU measurements1.
• Wide range of pipe sizes and materials：They can be used with a variety of pipe sizes, ranging from small diameters to large industrial pipes, and are compatible with different pipe materials such as carbon steel, stainless steel, copper, PVC, etc.
• Bi-directional flow measurement：Capable of measuring flow in both directions, which is useful in applications where the fluid flow may reverse, such as in heating and cooling systems or in some process loops.
• Low maintenance：Since there are no moving parts in contact with the fluid, there is less wear and tear, resulting in lower maintenance requirements and longer service life12.
• Multiple output options：Usually equipped with a variety of output signals, such as 4-20 mA, pulse output, relay output, etc., can be easily integrated with other equipment such as control systems, data acquisition systems, billing systems, etc., to achieve remote monitoring and automatic control.
• Data logging and communication capabilities：Many models come with built-in data loggers that can record flow rate, temperature, and energy consumption data over time. They also support communication protocols such as Modbus, RS485, etc., enabling easy transfer of data to a central monitoring station or for further analysis.

Applications

• HVAC Systems：Used to measure the heating or cooling energy consumption in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. This helps in monitoring and optimizing the energy usage of buildings, as well as for billing purposes in commercial and multi-unit residential buildings2.
• District Heating and Cooling：In district energy systems where heat or cold is distributed to multiple buildings or sites, ultrasonic clamp-on BTU meters can be installed at the inlet or outlet of each building to measure the amount of energy consumed, allowing for accurate billing and energy management2.
• Industrial Processes：Applied in various industrial processes where the measurement of thermal energy is required, such as in chemical plants, refineries, food and beverage processing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, etc. It helps in monitoring the energy consumption of different processes, optimizing energy usage, and ensuring process efficiency.
• Energy Management and Conservation：By accurately measuring the BTU consumption of different systems and processes, facility managers and energy consultants can identify areas of high energy usage and implement energy conservation measures. This can lead to significant cost savings and improved energy efficiency in both commercial and industrial settings.
• Water and Wastewater Treatment：Used to measure the energy consumption associated with heating or cooling water in treatment processes, as well as for monitoring the flow and energy usage of chemicals or other fluids added during the treatment process.