Topics:

Introduction
Types and theory.
Components and accessories
Applications (types of fluids)(level and in pipes)
Advantages and disadvantages
Specifications
Installation Recommendation (source of error) (calibration)
Effect of electromagnetic field on the accuracy.
Manufacturers
Recommendations for ultrasonic flow meter selection
Ultrasonic is a sound with a frequency greater than the max. limit of human hearing. Ultrasonic
Flowmeter is a volume flowmeter that measures a velocity of a fluid with an
ultrasonic to calculate volumetric flow. It measures both head or level in open channels and
flow in pipes.
Types:
Based-on principle:
1- Transit-time Technology:
It uses two transducers transmit pulses travels diagonally through a pipe in opposite directions.
Downstream pulse– with the flow – and upstream pulse – against the flow – the flowmeter
measures the transit time for both pulses to travel from one sensor to the other, from the
difference between the two-transit time it computes the average velocity of the fluid.
At no flow condition, it takes the same time to travel upstream and downstream between the
two transducers.
At flowing condition, the upstream wave will travel slower than the downstream wave. And
when the flow travels faster, the time difference between upstream and downstream increases.

Distance(L)
Transit Time (T) =
Velocity
V = Flow velocity
L = Length of wave path
C= Velocity of sound of the medium
L
TA-B =
C AB  V Cos θ
L
T B-A = C BA  V Cos θ

L T  TA  B
V= * B A
2 * Cos θ TB A * TA  B
Flow rate (Q) = A * V
π D3 T  TA  B
Q= * B A
4 * sin( 2 ) TB A * TA  B
2- Ultrasonic Doppler Technology

Here it relys on the principle of doppler effect which state that “waves emitted from a source
moving toward an observer are squeezed; i.e. the wave's wavelength is decreased and frequency is
increased. Conversely, waves emitted from a source moving away from an observer are stretched;
i.e. the wave's wavelength is increased and frequency is decreased.”

Which means that the frequencies of waves which received by the observer are dependent upon
the motion of the source and observer in relation to each other .

Doppler ultrasonic flow meter ueses transducer to emit ultrasonic beam into the flow (the flow must
contain solid particles or air bubbles to reflect the ultrasonic beam), the motion of this particles
change the frequency of the wave which received by the receiver.

The flow meter measure the change in frequency, which is proportional to the flow rate.
Based-on portability:
1- Portable or Handheld
From its name it’s a portable flow meter which can move with it easily, work by battery and no need
for power supply after charging it.
It is usually equipped with built in data logger and then can export the data to PC.
2- Fixed
It is fixed in one place, need power supply to work, and the output can be in many ways analog 4-20
mA, serial port, etc.
Based-on transducer installation:
1- Clamp-on
It’s mounted out side of a pipe, no need to cut the pipe or to drill holes , and there is no direct contact
thus no pollution to the liquid, no pressure drop, etc.

2- Wetted
It’s installed by drilling and tapping the pipe at the point of measurement.

Based-on transducer scheme

1- Single Path
Which uses one pair of transducers to form one ultrasonic path to intercept the flow in a pipe

2- Multi Path
Which uses one pair of transducers to form multi ultrasonic path to intercept the flow in a pipe. It’s
more accurate and more expensive. Mainly used in custody transfer.
Components and accessories:
Ultrasonic flow meter comes as a kit which includes:
1- Display module
2- Transducers
3- Mounting clamps or straps
4- Charger
5- Transducers cables
6- Thickness gauge (optional)
7- Computer connection cables
Applications:
1- Transfer of Flammable Liquid from a Barge to a Storage Tank to monitor the product flow.
2- custody transfer (CT) measurements
3- Where it isn’t recommend to be contact parts with the fluid.
4- Appliable for various kinds of liquid, even if the chemical liquid, oil etc.
5- Where the pipe can’t be cut to install a flow meter.
6- the transit time type can be used only in conditions of clean fluids, with barely any gas bubbles or
suspended solids less than 1-2 %. To increase the accuracy with non clean fluids manufacturers tend
to use low frequency pulses.
7- The doppler type are only used with fluid has a high concentration of solids and bubbles in the
flow stream.
8- When system shutdown isn’t feasible.
9- Survey work
Advantages and Disadvantages:
Advantages:
1- Non-invasive and easy to install technology
2- No process contamination.
3- Applicable to corrosive fluids.
4- Low maintenance as no moving parts.
5- Zero pressure drop.
6- Applicable to small and large pipes.
7- Portable, battery powered units available for remote or field applications.
8- Insensitive to changes in temperature, viscosity, density or pressure.
9- Multiple flow unit for selection.
Disadvantages:
1- the cost is very high compared to other types of flow meter.
2- Needs expert when repairing.
3- Dirt and fluid impact performance and measurement accuracy so care must be taken in
purchasing.
4- Pipe walls thickness can interfere with ultrasonic signals for clamp-on meter.
5- Measuring accuracy easy influenced by the installation and environment.
6- Only can measure the fluid with temperature range -30℃ ~160℃.
7- Unsuitable for heavily contaminated liquids.
8- Easy Portable Flow Measurement
9- Can’t measure cement/concrete pipe or pipe with such material lining.
10 - If pipe is seriously rusted, especially inner wall rusting, clamp on meter may not work well.

Specifications:
Each device has specifications to look for it. In ultrasonic flow meters the following must be
checked;
1- Fluid type
2- Flow Range
3- Accuracy
4- Pressure rating.
5- Temperature range
6- Output
7- Housing or enclosure.
8- Connections with the pc.