Introducing the UltraFlo™ Series: Clamp-On Ultrasonic Flow Measurement
UltraFlo™ UFT3 & UFS3
Measure liquid flow without cutting into the pipe.
Installing a flow meter doesn't always have to mean cutting into an existing process line.
The FLO-CORP UltraFlo™ Series uses clamp-on ultrasonic technology to measure liquid flow from outside the pipe. External transducers transmit ultrasonic signals through the pipe wall, allowing flow to be measured without placing sensor components directly in the process stream.
The result is a non-invasive approach to flow measurement that can simplify installation, eliminate additional pressure drop, and reduce maintenance requirements.
What Is a Clamp-On Ultrasonic Flow Meter?
Unlike an inline flow meter, a clamp-on ultrasonic flow meter does not require a measuring element to be installed inside the pipeline.
Instead, ultrasonic transducers are mounted to the outside of the pipe. This allows the meter to measure the movement of liquid through the existing pipe wall while maintaining the integrity of the piping system.
For existing processes and retrofit applications, this can eliminate many of the steps associated with installing a traditional inline meter, including cutting the pipe, installing new fittings or flanges, leak testing, and restarting the process.
The benefits of clamp-on measurement include:
No pipe cutting required
No wetted sensor components
Virtually no additional pressure drop
No moving parts in the process stream
Reduced installation requirements
Minimal maintenance
Well suited for retrofit applications
How Does Transit-Time Ultrasonic Measurement Work?
The UltraFlo™ Series uses ultrasonic transit-time technology.
Two ultrasonic transducers are mounted externally to the pipe and transmit signals through the process liquid. One signal travels with the direction of flow while another travels against it.
Because the liquid is moving, the signal traveling downstream reaches the opposite transducer slightly faster than the signal traveling upstream.
The meter measures this difference in transit time and combines it with the programmed pipe and application parameters to calculate liquid velocity and flow rate.
Transit-time ultrasonic technology measures flow by comparing the travel time of ultrasonic signals moving with and against the direction of flow.
Meet the UltraFlo™ Series
The UltraFlo™ Series includes two configurations designed for different piping and installation requirements.
UltraFlo™ UFT3
Fixed or Portable Clamp-On Ultrasonic Flow Meter
The UFT3 provides a versatile solution for ultrasonic flow measurement across a broad range of pipe sizes.
Available in both fixed and portable configurations, the UFT3 can be used for permanent process monitoring as well as temporary measurement, troubleshooting, system verification, and retrofit applications.
UltraFlo™ UFS3
Small-Pipe Clamp-On Ultrasonic Flow Meter
The UFS3 is designed specifically for permanent flow measurement on smaller piping systems.
Its compact clamp-on configuration provides a non-invasive measurement solution for applications where pipe size, available space, or existing piping may make installation of a conventional inline flow meter more difficult.
Where Can Clamp-On Ultrasonic Flow Meters Be Used?
Clamp-on ultrasonic technology can be applied across a wide range of industrial and commercial liquid-flow applications when piping and process conditions are suitable.
Typical UltraFlo™ applications include:
Process water
Cooling water
HVAC and chilled-water systems
Chemical processing
Industrial manufacturing
Water and wastewater
Energy and facility monitoring
UltraFlo™ can also be used with many commonly encountered metal and rigid plastic piping materials, including carbon steel, stainless steel, copper, PVC, and CPVC, depending on the application.
Choosing Between the UFT3 and UFS3
Choosing the right UltraFlo™ configuration depends on more than the liquid being measured.
Factors such as pipe size, pipe material, wall thickness, process liquid, temperature, expected flow range, available straight-pipe run, required outputs, installation environment, and power requirements should all be considered when selecting a meter.
The UFT3 is designed for broader pipe-size and installation requirements and offers both fixed and portable configurations, while the UFS3 provides a compact solution specifically for small-pipe applications.
Measure Flow Without Cutting the Pipe
Whether you're adding flow measurement to an existing process or designing a new installation, clamp-on ultrasonic technology provides another option for obtaining flow data without placing a measuring element directly into the process stream.
The FLO-CORP UltraFlo™ Series combines that non-invasive approach with configurations designed for both broad industrial applications and smaller piping systems.
Not sure which UltraFlo™ model fits your application?
