The Supersonic Ultrasonic Flow Meter

The world of the ultrasonic flow meter is something that should be examined by anyone interested in the flow of liquids or gasses through a system. The importance of flow meters is to regulate the flow and monitor it so that systems operators can be aware of the usage of energy and flow through the system. This is important because it factors into an assortment of qualifications including cost effectiveness and overall flow and energy usage. Without a flow meter, the guesswork on the terms of flow through the system would be impossible. Thankfully, the ultrasonic flow meter can do the job for the serviceperson and take the guesswork out of working systems.

The ultrasonic flow meter is a volume flow measurement tool. Also known as the non-intrusive Doppler flow meter, the ultrasonic is ideal for wastewater applications which involve any dirty liquids which are water based or conductive to flow energy. These meters will not work with distilled or filtered water. They are, however, ideal for a large series of applications that involve low pressure drop, low maintenance, and chemical compatibility. This allows for a great deal of deviance in the overall operating scheme of the flow meter and makes for a broad purpose for the system.

Working With The Flow Meter

The basic principles of operation of the ultrasonic flow meter are quite simple. It is designed with the purpose of the consumer in mind, making it a simple-to-operate piece of equipment with readable layout and display. The basics employ an operation involving the frequency shift, also known as the Doppler Effect, of an ultrasonic signal when the signal is reflected by suspended particles in a liquid. These suspended particles can also be gas bubbles. This metering technique then uses the Doppler Effect to effectively use a sound wave and change frequencies, thus moving the particles within the water and monitoring the flow using the ultrasonic frequency.

If you are not sure whether or not your purpose requires an ultrasonic flow meter, you should consider a few things. First, whether or not you require an analog output is important. Second, determine what the minimum and maximum flow rate output is for the system so that you can ensure that your flow meter can handle such an output. Third, ask yourself whether or not the pipe in the system you intend to measure is always full. Fourth, find out the size of the pipe so that you can select the proper sized meter.