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AW-Lake Introduces New Clamp-On Ultrasonic FlowMeters

September 01, 2020 by Ben Stepanian

Fixed measurement devices are no longer designed to interrupt the flow in a fluidic system. AW-Lake introduces a portable ultrasonic flow meter for industrial applications.

This device uses transducers that clamp onto the outside of pipes. The transducers provide two functions, to transmit or receive ultrasonic waves in several configurations. This device is suitable for wet environments and can operate in a wide range of temperatures.  

 
AW-Lake Ultrasonic clamp-on flowmeter. Image courtesy of AW-Lake

 

Multiple Flow Meter Measurement Options

This device measures flow in pipe sizes ranging in ½" up to 48" with data logs of up to 26 million points. These measurements can read in five languages, including English, French, and Spanish. The analog output voltage the flow meter produces can range from 0-5V and an analog output amperage from 4-20mA.

The device is sealed in a water and dust-tight NEMA4X (IP66) polycarbonate enclosure that is explosion-proof and meets CE, UL/EN 61010-1 standards.

This device includes a backlit LCD and an optional Modbus RTU or HART communications system to connect with other interfaces remotely. The transducers this device utilizes are clamp-on SE16B and SE16A BNC connectors that have an IP65 rating. 

 

Tech Specs

This flow meter has a ±1.0% error of accuracy that ranges from 1.5 to 40 ft/sec ( 0.5 to 12 m/sec). The readings will display an error of ±0.015 ft/sec (±0.0046 m/sec) when reading flow rates under 1.5 ft/sec. The device's precision ranges from ±0.25% and can measure flow rates from ±0.07-40 ft/sec (±0.02-12 m/sec). 

The ideal operating temperature range of the ultrasonic flow meter differs between the device itself and its transducers. The transducers operate in a temperature range of -40°F to 300°F (-40 to 150°C) while the electronics in the enclosure operate in temperatures that range from -5°F to 140°F (-20 to 60°C). 

This device can read data points through any metal or plastic sonic conducting pipes. This device includes two relays and a programmable flow or flow proportion pulse alarm.

A 100-240VAC is required to operate this tool but can come in a 9-32VDC configuration. The operating frequencies include 2.56 MHz and 1.28 MHz. Lastly, this device has pending hazardous area certifications such as class 1 division 2 groups A, B, C, D. 

 

Utilizing Transducers

This ultrasonic flow meter utilizes its transducers to measure the time difference of signal propagation and signal receiving. The transmission of these signals is sent in the direction of flow and then back downstream by alternating the transducers' functions. 

Like fiber optic cables transmit information, the ultrasonic waves propagating throughout the piping are reflected on the inner diameter. This device automatically calculates the timing between transmittance and receptiveness of the waves and gives the operator an average of these to provide flow rate. 

 

Different transducer mount configurations. Image courtesy of AW-Lake

 

Measuring the flow rate in this type of configuration allows the device to obtain the most accurate reading. The transducers have three mounting types to get a reading. These positions include V/mount, Z-mount, and W-mount.

Due to this flow meter's layout and functions, it is meant for use in industrial environments. 


What do you think about these new flowmeters?