Ultrasonic Flow Measurement for Liquids
Clamp-on flow measurement for liquids enables non-invasive, precise measurement of volumetric flow rates – without any loss of pressure and without the need to cut into the pipework. Thanks to externally mounted clamp-on sensors, installation can be carried out whilst the system is in operation, without any production downtime or risk of contamination.
Whether it’s water, coolants, chemicals or process fluids, our measurement solutions deliver accurate results and support safe, efficient plant operation.
Flexible Measurement Technology for Every Application
Every measurement task has different requirements – which is why our clamp-on ultrasonic flowmeters are consistently designed for flexibility, reliability and ease of use. Whether for mobile service calls, temporary check measurements or continuous process monitoring: thanks to modular device designs and versatile configuration options, our measuring instruments can be optimally adapted to a wide variety of applications.
Our product range includes compact handheld measuring devices, stationary flowmeters for continuous use – even in potentially explosive atmospheres – as well as high-performance multi-channel systems. All devices feature intuitive menu navigation, quick commissioning and a common set of functions. With a measurable flow velocity range of 0.01 to 25 m/s and a reproducibility of 0.15%, they deliver reliably precise results even for demanding measurement tasks. High-quality materials and robust construction ensure a long service life and reliable performance in everyday industrial use.
As a specialist in clamp-on ultrasonic flow measurement, Katronic deliberately focuses on a clearly structured product range. This specialisation enables us to offer practical solutions with high measurement accuracy, flexible configuration options and excellent value for money. The result is measuring instruments that our customers worldwide rely on every day – easy to install, convenient to use and built to last.
How Does Liquid Flow Measurement Work?
The Transit-Time Principle Explained Simply
Our ultrasonic flowmeters operate on the basis of the transit-time principle to provide precise, non-invasive measurement of flow rates in fully filled pipes. This physical principle is based on the fact that sound waves travel faster in the direction of flow than against it.
To carry out the measurement, two ultrasonic sensors are mounted on the outside of the pipe. They alternately transmit and receive signals that travel through the pipe and the fluid in both directions. The difference in the transit times of the two signals is directly proportional to the flow velocity. Combined with the known pipe parameters, this is used to calculate the volumetric flow rate.
As factors such as the flow profile, fluid temperature or pipe characteristics can influence the measurement, the high-quality electronics in KATflow devices automatically compensate for such effects. This ensures that the measurement results remain reliable and reproducible even under difficult conditions.
The Rowing Boat Analogy for the Runtime Difference
The time difference method can be clearly explained using the so-called ‘rowing boat principle’. If a rower travels from point A to point B once with the current and once against it, the journey takes a different amount of time in each direction. The faster the current, the greater the time difference. For example, if it takes eight minutes to travel the same distance with the current, the same journey against the current may take 15 minutes.
This principle illustrates why, in ultrasonic flowmeters too, the signal transit times vary depending on the flow velocity – the only difference being that, in this case, the measurement is carried out with the utmost precision in the nanosecond range.
Acoustic Sensor Positioning Assistant
- A unique product feature of all Katronic flowmeters for liquid measurement
- Assistance with the precise positioning of the sensors on the pipe
- Acoustic signals and visual aids ensure quick and safe installation
- Signal indicators confirm correct sensor placement
- Clear graphical representation of signal strength and signal-to-noise ratio
- Insights into the accuracy of the application parameters entered (e.g. pipe diameter, wall thickness)
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