Ultrasonic Flow Measurement for Gases
Ultrasonic flow measurement for gases provides noncontact and reliable volume flow measurements—even at atmospheric pressures or in metal piping. Our clamp-on sensors utilize shear and Lamb waves, enabling precise measurements across an exceptionally wide pressure range—without interrupting the process or requiring any intervention in the pipeline.
Ideal for natural gas, compressed air, industrial gases, or process gases—for maximum transparency, efficiency, and safety in your operations.
New Opportunities for Industrial Gas Applications
Noninvasive flow measurement of gases places significantly higher demands on measurement technology than the measurement of liquids. Gaseous media attenuate ultrasonic signals to a greater extent, which means that conventional measurement methods often function reliably only under specific pressure conditions.
Our advanced ultrasonic technology overcomes these limitations and enables stable and precise clamp-on measurements across an exceptionally wide range of applications—from high-pressure pipelines to applications with low or even atmospheric pressure.
The gas flow meters combine the proven features of the KATflow series—such as robust device architecture, high-quality sensor technology, and ease of use—with advanced ultrasonic hardware that pushes the boundaries of what was previously possible. This allows for the reliable measurement of a wide variety of gases—even in metallic piping and industrial applications that were previously considered particularly challenging.
In addition to advancements in ultrasonic technology, the sensor technology has also been specifically refined. By using a reduced number of sensors, both shear-wave and Lamb-wave measurements can be performed. This significantly expands the range of applications while simultaneously reducing complexity and the risk of incorrect applications. The current generation of devices enables the reliable measurement of a wide variety of gases in pipelines with diameters up to 1,500 mm, at flow velocities ranging from 0.1 to 75 m/s, and with a moisture content of up to 5%.
How Does Gas Flow Measurement Work?
Ultrasonic Flow Measurement Based on the Shear Wave Principle
In shear wave technology, ultrasonic signals travel through the pipe and the gas both in the direction of flow and against it. The flow velocity of the gas is calculated from the difference in the transit times of the signals. Since gas attenuates ultrasound more than liquids, this method is primarily used in gas pipelines operating at higher pressures, where sufficiently strong signals can be transmitted.
Ultrasonic Flow Measurement Based on the Lamb Wave Principle
Lamb wave technology is used for low-pressure applications. In this method, ultrasonic signals are specifically tuned to the resonance frequency of the pipe wall and the pipe material, so that the pipe itself serves as the transmission medium for the ultrasonic waves. This method produces higher received signal amplitudes and compensates for signal attenuation caused by the gas. The larger active transmission area improves signal propagation and allows for more reliable compensation for fluctuations in temperature, pressure, and gas composition. This results in significantly stronger received signals, enabling reliable measurements even at low pressures or under atmospheric conditions.
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