Ultrasound for low conductivity applications

Submitted by nestorb on Sun, 2006-09-17 18:43.

With the UFM 3030 ultrasonic flowmeter, Krohne incorporated the ultrasonic measuring principle in a unit suitable for a wide range of applications. The UFM 3030 takes over where electromagnetic flowmeters reach their operating limits.

The unit features innovative electronics, digital signal processing and uses the three-beam principle to ensure stable, reliable measuring results.

A typical application is in the measurement of demineralised water where an ultrasonic flowmeter has to be used in place of an electromagnetic meter because the media has little or no conductivity.

This was the case with a Swiss chemical company batching demineralised water for a variety of processes. Here, a UFM 3030 is used together with a Batching Master 110i unit. The unit closes the control valve as soon as the preset amount has been batched. HART technology is used for programming and communications.

The UFM 3030 offers all the advantages of ultrasonic flowmetering - accurate measurement which is not dependent on conductivity, viscosity, temperature, density or pressure. The sensor is one-piece with smooth inner and outer surfaces and without any moving wear parts. This means that there are no additional pressure losses. No recalibration is necessary and maintenance and service operations are reduced to the minimum.

The UFM 3030 is available for nominal diameters from DN 25 to DN 3000 and flow rates from 1 m3/ h to 40 000 m3/h. The unit is wet calibrated. For nominal diameters over DN 150 the units are calibrated on the world's largest, most accurate production calibration stations. Uncertainty is tested to values below 0.03 per cent of the measuring value. This ensures that each unit supplied meets specification requirement to the full.

Each transducer is tested and checked before delivery with simulated through flows at temperature cycles from -20°C to 60°C and comes supplied with test documentation. Pre-delivery testing ensures top reliability in field conditions. This is a suitable unit for outdoor measuring stations where fault-free operation and accuracy is guaranteed in all weathers.

For more information, visit www.krohne.com