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