Ultrasonic Flow Measurement for Liquids
Clamp-on flow measurement for liquids enables non-invasive, precise measurement of volumetric flow rates—without pressure loss and without any intervention in the piping. Thanks to externally mounted clamp-on sensors, installation can be performed during operation without interrupting production or posing a 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—that’s why our clamp-on ultrasonic flow meters 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 meters, stationary flow meters for continuous use—even in hazardous areas—as well as high-performance multichannel systems. All devices feature intuitive menu navigation, quick setup, 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 portfolio. This specialization enables us to offer practical solutions with high measurement accuracy, flexible configuration options, and an excellent price-performance ratio. The result is measurement devices that our customers worldwide rely on every day—easy to install, convenient to operate, and built to last.
How Does Liquid Flow Measurement Work?
The Transit Time Method Explained Simply
Our ultrasonic flow meters use the time-of-flight method to precisely and non-invasively measure 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.
For 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.
Since factors such as flow profile, fluid temperature, or pipe properties 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 Run-Time Difference
The time difference method can be clearly explained using the so-called “rowboat principle.” If a rower travels from point A to point B once with the current and once against it, the time required for the two directions will differ. 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 distance against the current might take 15 minutes.
This principle illustrates why, even with ultrasonic flow meters, signal transit times vary depending on the flow velocity—the only difference is that the measurement here is performed with the highest precision in the nanosecond range.
Acoustic Sensor Positioning Assistant
- A unique product feature of all Katronic flow meters for liquid measurement
- Assistance with the precise positioning of the sensors on the pipe
- Audible 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 entered application parameters (e.g., pipe diameter, wall thickness)
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