Noninvasive flowmeters for basic applications

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The unique FlowDC firmware function makes it possible to reduce the required inlet and outlet runs for ultrasonic flowmeters from the usual minimum of 15 x DN to only 2 x DN. FlowDC ensures a consistent, specified measuring performance. The clamp-on sensors can be installed in the immediate vicinity of pipe bends, pipe extensions or pipe reductions. This offers maximum flexibility in the planning of process plants.

Due to the noninvasive installation from the outside, clamp-on sensors are suitable for pipes made of metal, plastic, GRP or even composite materials. The measuring technology can be deployed for a wide variety of liquids – regardless of pressure, density, conductivity or viscosity. To ensure optimal signal quality for all these conditions as well as the wide range of potential pipe diameters, liquids and tube materials, ultrasonic sensors are available with different frequencies.

Heartbeat Technology for diagnostics, verification and monitoring provides comprehensive sensor and process data to increase plant availability. This allows conclusions to be drawn about any changes in the process and what corrective measures need to be initiated. This leads to reduced verification effort as well as optimization of processes and planning of maintenance activities. For example, Heartbeat Monitoring detects build-up, entrained gas and solids in the liquids.

©Endress+Hauser

In order to check the proper installation quality after mounting, our clamp-on measuring system provides the option to retrieve the device status. For the purpose of optimizing the mounting position, signal strength, signal-to-noise ratio and sound velocity are displayed. Derived from these values, the installation status is shown as

• “Good“ (no optimization necessary)

• “Acceptable“ (measuring performance sufficient, optimize if possible)

• “Poor“ (optimization necessary)

Due to its flexibility, and the features introduced above, the clamp-on portfolio serves you in a wide variety of measuring applications in various industries. There are many benefits, especially for processes that cannot be interrupted. Examples include monitoring of cooling, drinking and process water, detection of leaks or replacement measurement for defective flowmeters. In hydro power plants, the clamp-on technology is used for penstocks with large nominal diameters.

In order to be able to measure and optimize the efficiency of the turbines in hydro power plants, an accurate balance of the flow in the penstocks is required. The challenges: nominal diameters of up to DN 4000 (160"), flow rates of 80 m³/s and higher as well as the need for noninvasive measurement. As a cost-effective and maintenance-free measuring system for large nominal diameters and flow ranges, the clamp-on portfolio with FlowDC is ideally suited for this purpose.