Ultrasonic Flow Meters

Ultrasonic flow meters measure the volumetric flow rate of liquids using high-frequency sound waves and are available in two main configurations. Clamp-on ultrasonic meters mount transducers on the outside of a pipe, sending and receiving signals through the pipe wall; this makes them non-intrusive, easy to install, and ideal for temporary or retrofit applications where the pipe cannot be cut. Inline ultrasonic meters, by contrast, are installed directly into the pipeline and generally provide higher accuracy for long-term or critical measurements. These devices operate either by comparing the travel time of ultrasonic pulses moving with and against the flow (transit-time design) or by measuring the frequency shift of signals reflected by particles or bubbles in the liquid (Doppler design). With no moving parts and no pressure drop, ultrasonic meters are low-maintenance and versatile, though their accuracy depends on fluid properties, pipe conditions, and proper installation.