Clamp-On Ultrasonic Flow Meters

Clamp-on ultrasonic flow meters work by transmitting ultrasonic pulses through the pipe wall and liquid. The meter measures the difference in transit time between pulses sent in the direction of flow and against it. This time differential correlates directly to the liquid's flow velocity, which is then used to calculate volumetric flow rate.

Most clamp-on ultrasonic flow meters are compatible with a wide range of pipe materials including carbon steel, stainless steel, PVC, and cast iron, and with clean liquids such as water, oil, chemicals, and fuels. They are less effective on highly aerated, slurry-heavy, or opaque liquids where ultrasonic signal transmission is significantly attenuated.

Clamp-on ultrasonic flow meters require no pipe cutting, welding, or process shutdown, drastically reducing installation time and cost. They introduce no pressure drop, have no wetted parts that can corrode or foul, and can be repositioned or redeployed easily. This makes them ideal for retrofit installations, temporary measurement, and processes where contamination must be avoided.

Yes, clamp-on ultrasonic flow meters are widely used in oil and gas applications including pipeline monitoring, custody transfer verification, and refinery process measurement. Their non-invasive design minimizes safety risks in hazardous environments, and many models are rated for use with hydrocarbons. ESG supplies flow meters sourced from industry-leading manufacturers for these demanding applications.

Clamp-on ultrasonic flow meters typically achieve accuracy levels of ±1% to ±2% of reading under good installation conditions, including adequate straight pipe runs upstream and downstream of the transducers. Accuracy can be affected by pipe wall condition, fluid properties, and transducer placement. Portable models may offer slightly lower accuracy compared to permanently installed systems.

Key selection factors include pipe diameter and material, fluid type and temperature, required accuracy, flow range, and whether you need a portable or permanent installation. It is also important to verify transducer compatibility with your pipe wall thickness. ESG's technical team can review your application parameters and recommend the most suitable flow meter from our product range.