CROSSFLOW™ Ultrasonic Clamp-on Flow Meter
Full service high accuracy flow measurement without cutting any pipes. From installation of hardware, electronic data acquisition, system commissioning, data collection and analysis, to the final measurement report, AMAG has you covered.
The CROSSFLOW™ Ultrasonic Clamp-on Flow Meter measures any liquid’s volumetric flow rate with uncertainty as low as ±0.3%.
How it works
AMAG’s unique CROSSFLOW™ Ultrasonic Clamp-on non-intrusive flow meters operate via cross correlation, by transmitting ultrasonic signals through the piping and fluid perpendicularly to the pipe wall, at two nearby cross sections. The ultrasonic signals are modulated by the turbulent eddies in the flowing fluid in the pipe. The received signals are then cross correlated to produce a time signature corresponding to the travel time of the turbulent structures in the flow. Since the spacing between the upstream and downstream ultrasonic paths is known, the velocity of the flow can be calculated.
CROSSFLOW™ then uses additional information contained within the demodulated ultrasonic signals to assess and correct the measured flow velocity for variations caused by different upstream piping geometries and flow disturbances which may affect the flow profile. The proprietary signal processing algorithms used to do this have been developed and honed over decades of research, laboratory testing and plant flow measurements to provide accurate and repeatable results to within ±0.3%. These high accuracy results improve instrumentation accuracy and reduce uncertainty.
Cross correlation does not rely on the speed of sound, is not effected by temperature changes, or by harsh environments. We exclusively use cross correlation for all measurements, opposed to the transit time principle.
AMAG’s unique CROSSFLOW™ Ultrasonic Clamp-on non-intrusive flow meters operate via cross correlation, by transmitting ultrasonic signals through the piping and fluid perpendicularly to the pipe wall, at two nearby cross sections. The ultrasonic signals are modulated by the turbulent eddies in the flowing fluid in the pipe. The received signals are then cross correlated to produce a time signature corresponding to the travel time of the turbulent structures in the flow. Since the spacing between the upstream and downstream ultrasonic paths is known, the velocity of the flow can be calculated.
CROSSFLOW™ then uses additional information contained within the demodulated ultrasonic signals to assess and correct the measured flow velocity for variations caused by different upstream piping geometries and flow disturbances which may affect the flow profile. The proprietary signal processing algorithms used to do this have been developed and honed over decades of research, laboratory testing and plant flow measurements to provide accurate and repeatable results to within ±0.3%. These high accuracy results improve instrumentation accuracy and reduce uncertainty.
Cross correlation does not rely on the speed of sound, is not effected by temperature changes, or by harsh environments. We exclusively use cross correlation for all measurements, opposed to the transit time principle.
Features & Benefits
Accurate
Measures any liquid’s volumetric flow rate to as low as ±0.3% uncertainty
Easy deployment
Non-intrusive clamp-on design installs easily on existing pipe, no cutting or costly engineering modifications needed, providing a corrosion and leak free experience
Wide range of liquids
Reliably measures any liquid, including slurries, liquids with gaseous entrainments, refined hydrocarbons, demineralized water, chemicals, freshwater, saltwater, and accurate for light or heavy water applications
High temperature range
Operating temperature capabilities from 0°C to 650°C (32°F to 1202°F) with no effect of temperature variation on meter accuracy
Comprehensive
Measures and calculates the velocity, volumetric flow rates, mass flow rates, totalized flow and trend data
Multiple Applications
Our experience and the flexibility of the technology allows us to address multiple applications from the common to the novel
Flexible
Suitable for a wide range of pipe sizes and materials, regardless of pipe liner, wall thickness, internal pressure, or temperature
Continual measurements
Continual flow measurement even with changing fluid properties (temperature and pressure), with no need for manual intervention and no effect on measurement accuracy
Robust
Robust mounting system guarantees durable ultrasonic contact pressure on vibrating pipes, even after or during a seismic event
Minimal maintenance
Minimal maintenance required, providing long-term drift-free operation
Calibrated
Measurements are done with equipment calibrated in-house using NIST traceable equipment, and delivered with a certificate of calibration
Traceable
AMAG’s proprietary signal processing algorithm allows traceable application of laboratory calibration to plant conditions
High reliability
Rugged industrial design provides maximum reliability in high temperature and high radiation areas
Easy repairs
Modular system design allows components to be easily isolated and repaired if ever needed
Multiple configurations
The unit can be operated in multiple configurations with electronics locally with the point of measurement, or in a remote location that provides easier access
Remote set-up
Optional software layer allows for communication with process computers as well as remote set-up and maintenance activities
Onsite installation
Onsite installation of mounting frames and ultrasonic transducers available while plant is on power
Training
Client training available
ASME PTC 19.1
Uncertainty analysis in accordance with ASME PTC 19.1
Customizable
Custom solutions available