SB 6530.

Ultrasonic-Flow Meter (USM)

For Measuring Non-Combustible Industrial Gases
Using Signal-Propagation Time Measurements

American Meter Ultrasonic-Flow Meter (USM)

Operating Principle
Ultrasound is the term for those acoustic oscillations which cannot be heard by humans because the frequencies are higher than 20 kHz and, thus, beyond the audible range of the human ear. The principle of measurement of Elster/AMCOs Ultrasonic-Flow Meters (USM) is based on the measurement of the signal propagation times. An ultrasound measurement path consists of two ultrasonic transducers, A and B, mounted on opposite sides of the meter tube (see diagram). The transducers A can be operated both as senders L and receivers vm and therefore allow to reverse B the direction of irradiation.
AB BA

Overview
Elster/AMCOs Ultrasonic-Flow Meters (USM) are suitable for the measurement of nitrogen, compressed air, or other non-combustible industrial gases. Due to a specific two-channel arrangement of the measuring paths, the meter is insensitive to a preflow. The measuring unit allows to record the operating volume Vb (ft3 or m3) as well as the operating flow Qb (ft3/h or m3/h). Pressing a key on the display can indicate both parameters alternately. The 4-20 mA interface supplies a signal that is proportional to the flow and can be transmitted to a connected control and regulation unit. A pulse output connector is also available, sending 1 pulse/10 ft3 to auxiliary equipment in remote locations. Both the 4-20 mA signal and pulse output connection are standard equipment on the USM. Since there are no moving or other parts of the USM in the measuring pipe which would hinder the flow, the pressure drop is extremely low. In addition, the USM has a long service life and no maintenance requirements.

The time required by the ultrasound for passing the distance L between the two transducers is known as the propagation time of sound. In the event that this time is measured in the direction of the gas flow (tAB) or in the opposite direction (tBA), the result will be shorter or longer because of the drag effect caused by the gas flow. By subtracting the reciprocal values of the propagation time and taking into account the angle of irradiation and the length L, it is possible to calculate the average speed Vm of the gas flow. Hence, the propagation time is an indicator of the flow rate. This procedure is called the direct-transit, time-difference method.

Installation
Due to the compact intermediate-flange installation design, the Ultrasonic-Flow Meter is easy to install in the pipe and saves space. To ensure optimal flow conditions, we recommend an upstream and downstream run of 1-1/2 pipe diameters. In the case of dry gases, the meter can be installed in any position. An UltrasonicFlow Meter, which is to be used for the measurement of polluted gases or those tending to condense at the point of measurement, must be installed vertically. Any additional measures are not required. An installation kit consisting of threaded spindles, centering sleeves, nuts and connection pieces is provided with each USM.

Major Features
T1 T3

2", 3", 4" and 6" ANSI 150 sizes available MAOP = 175 psig Flow ranges up to 56,000 scfh High rangeability Flow-volume meter for compressed air, nitrogen and other non-combustible industrial gases Quick response time to changing loads 4-20 mA interface for connection of control and regulation units Pulse-output connection (1 pulse/10 ft3) No maintenance required Virtually zero-pressure drop Two-channel measurement

T2

T4

American Meter Ultrasonic-Flow Meter (USM)

Technical Specifications
Model 2" CA 3" CA 4" CA 6" CA ANSI Class 150 150 150 150 Operating Pressure 7" w.c. 175 psig 7" w.c. 175 psig 7" w.c. 175 psig 7" w.c. 175 psig Qmax (scfh) 5,650 12,500 23,000 56,000 Qmax (scfm)* 94 208 383 933 Rangeability (2%) 1:63 1:139 1:131 1:112

* Capacities indicated are at 7" w.c. (0.25 psig) metering pressure.

Applications

Suitable for non-intrusive measurement of (non-combustible) industrial gases such as nitrogen, air, argon, etc. Please consult your American Meter representative for other gases. -4 to +158 F (ambient temperature) +14 to +140 F (flowing temperature) ASME Pressure Vessel (Sect. VII, Div. 1 and 2) ANSI B16.6 flanges AGA 9 definition of terms and test procedures Body extruded aluminum Electronics Cover die-cast aluminum Endplates stamped tin Connectors steel LED display of totalized volume (ft3 or m3) and flow rate (ft3/h or m3/h) Badge: MAOP, size, Qmin, Qmax, and serial number 20/sec 24 VDC Current = 4-20 mA; Load = 0-750 Pulse output = 1 pulse/10 ft3 (open collector)

Temperature Rating Codes and Standards Materials

Display/Badge Sampling Rate Auxiliary Power Output Signals

Dimensions
Model 2" CA 3" CA 4" CA 6" CA A 6.06 6.06 6.16 8.19 B 8.90 8.90 10.16 12.21 C 19.92 4.72 5.91 8.86

A B
DN

A Complete Family of Gas Measurement, Pressure Regulation, and Testing Systems

Turbine Gas Meters High-performance meters provide accurate measurement of high-volume gas flow. Turbines are available from 3" to 12" line sizes and line pressures up to 1440 psig. See bulletin SB 4510 for more information.

Rotary Gas Meters RPM Series Rotary Meters are designed for commercial and industrial loads to provide accurate flow measurement and outstanding performance in the most adverse conditions. See bulletin SB 5500 for more information.

Pressure Regulators Inlet- and outlet-pressure regulators with a wide range of capacities. These regulators have optional overpressure and underpressure shutoff and full-capacity internal relief. See bulletin SB 8540 for more information.

Pilot-Loaded Regulators 1800 PFM industrial regulators are designed for applications requiring medium to high capacity, extremely precise outlet-pressure control, and fast response to changing loads. See bulletin SB 8551 for more information.

American Meter Company is committed to a program of continuous quality enhancement. All equipment designed and manufactured by American Meter Company benefits from the companys quality assurance standards, which are approved to ISO 9001 or ISO 9002. American Meter Company has a program of continuous product development and improvement; and, therefore, the information in this bulletin is subject to change or modification without notice.

AMERICAN METER 300 Welsh Road Building One Horsham, PA 19044-2234 U.S.A. Phone: 215/830-1800 Fax: 215/830-1890 Website: americanmeter.com
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