Open channel flow measuring devices

Contents
Open channel flow measuring devices ........................................................................................... 2
1: Ultrasonic flow meter .............................................................................................................. 2
Working principle .................................................................................................................... 2
Advantages .............................................................................................................................. 3
Disadvantages .......................................................................................................................... 3
2: Micro-flow meter .................................................................................................................... 3
Working ................................................................................................................................... 3
Advantages .............................................................................................................................. 4
Disadvantages .......................................................................................................................... 4
3: Flow-CERT ............................................................................................................................. 4
Working ................................................................................................................................... 4
Disadvantages .......................................................................................................................... 5
4: Electromagnetic flow meter .................................................................................................... 5
Working ................................................................................................................................... 5
Advantages .............................................................................................................................. 5
Disadvantages .......................................................................................................................... 5

Figure 1: Working of Ultrasonic flow meter ................................................................................................ 2

Figure 2: Positioning of the sensor ............................................................................................................... 3
Figure 3: Electromagnetic flow meter .......................................................................................................... 6

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 Open channel flow measuring devices

Open channel flow measuring devices

1: Ultrasonic flow meter
Generally, an ultrasonic flow meter is the device that uses ultrasound to measure the velocity of a
liquid flow that helps in determining the volume of liquid flow also. The ultrasonic flow meters
are made using the ultrasonic transducers which are clamped to the external surface of a pipe to
generate the ultrasonic pulses through the pipe. When the liquid flows inside the pipe it creates
the time difference in the pulses and these are examined to calculate the accurate flow velocity of
the liquid.

Working principle

Ultrasonic flowmeters use sound waves to determine the velocity of a fluid flowing in a pipe. At
no flow conditions, the frequencies of an ultrasonic wave transmitted into a pipe and its
reflections from the fluid are the same. Under flowing conditions, the frequency of the reflected
wave is different due to the Doppler effect. When the fluid moves faster, the frequency shift
increases linearly. The transmitter processes signals from the transmitted wave and its reflections
to determine the flow rate.

Transit time ultrasonic flowmeters send and receive ultrasonic waves between transducers in
both the upstream and downstream directions in the pipe. At no flow conditions, it takes the
same time to travel upstream and downstream between the transducers. Under flowing
conditions, the upstream wave will travel slower and take more time than the (faster)
downstream wave. When the fluid moves faster, the difference between the upstream and
downstream times increases. The transmitter processes upstream and downstream times to
determine the flow rate.

Figure 1: Working of Ultrasonic flow meter

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 Open channel flow measuring devices

Advantages

 The electronics in the ultrasonic flow meter includes ultrasonic flowmeter detector which
compensate and adapt to the changes in the profile of the flow, type of the liquid and
material of the pipe.
 A portable ultrasonic flow meter converter can be used as a direct method to determine
the flow rates effectively when compare to the other flow systems.
 Ultrasonic flow meter converter is inexpensive to use and maintain when compared to the
other mechanical flow meters as they are no moving parts in these flow meters.
 Their design is highly sophisticated and they do not obstruct the liquid flow, so they can
be used for sanitary, corrosive and abrasive liquids.

Disadvantages

 The main disadvantage of the ultrasonic flow meter is the cost. The cost of the flow meter
is very high when compared to the other types of the mechanical flow meters.
 The ultrasonic flow meters are sophisticated when compared to the mechanical flow
meters, so it needs experts to repair and maintain the flow meters

2: Micro-flow meter

Working

The Micro-Flow is a non-contacting velocity sensor. The sensor provides reliable flow velocity
measurements using short pulses of micro-waves, which are transmitted by an enclosed antenna.
When reflected off a moving surface, the signal experiences a shift in frequency characteristics.
The reflected signal is captured by the on-board microprocessor via the antenna, and analyzed to
determine the velocity. The Micro-Flow’s compact and versatile design makes it easy to install
and ideal for confined spaces. Overall the device has outstanding stability, accuracy and
repeatability.

Figure 2: Positioning of the sensor

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 Open channel flow measuring devices

Advantages
 Non-contact velocity measurement.
 Retro-fit capability and low-cost installation.
 Monitors flow over natural channels such as streams and rivers.
 ‘See through’ capability for enclosed plastic pipes and concrete (not reinforced) channels.
 Suitable for abrasive and aggressive materials.
 Resilient to liquid vapour, wind or temperature.
 No minimum liquid level required for measurement
 Virtually maintenance free; not affected by sedimentation, so there is no need for regular
cleaning.

Disadvantages

The MicroFlow must be routinely inspected to avoid the build-up of dust layers

The MicroFlow must only be wiped with a damp or antistatic cloth.

The equipment should not be used if there are any cracks/damage to any part of the enclosure

3: Flow-CERT

Working

The FlowCERT open channel flow meter is a brand new concept in ultrasonic flow metering,
incorporating the latest temperature compensation techniques. The FlowCERT is non-contacting
and operates on the principle of timing the echo received from a pulse of sound in air, when used
with the revolutionary new DUET (Double Ultrasonic Echo Transducer) transducer this provides
a highly accurate calculation of flow, from the measured head preceding the primary element.
Pulsar’s DUET is a completely new concept, employing two separate ultrasonic transducers
mounted at different heights above the measured head within the Primary Measurement Device
(PMD).

Both transducers emit sound pulses synchronously and the returning echoes are analysed in the
FlowCERT discriminating between the two signals so the time difference can be calculated
extremely accurately. All other effects, including temperature, are irrelevant and can be
eliminated.

The FlowCERT then uses this knowledge to dynamically calculate the distance to the liquid
surface resulting in accuracy which has never been seen before. The FlowCERT can show level,
space, distance, head or flow on the display. The relays can be programmed to activate alarms,
pump starters, or other control equipment.

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 Open channel flow measuring devices

Disadvantages

The MicroFlow must be routinely inspected to avoid the build-up of dust layers

The MicroFlow must only be wiped with a damp or antistatic cloth.

Only leaded little fuses (0242 series) of 100mA should be used with the Ex mb approved
MicroFlow.

The equipment should not be used if there are any cracks/damage to any part of the enclosure.

4: Electromagnetic flow meter

Working
Magnetic flowmeters use Faraday’s Law of Electromagnetic Induction to determine the flow of
liquid in a pipe. In a magnetic flowmeter, a magnetic field is generated and channeled into the
liquid flowing through the pipe. Following Faraday’s Law, flow of a conductive liquid through
the magnetic field will cause a voltage signal to be sensed by electrodes located on the flow tube
walls. When the fluid moves faster, more voltage is generated. Faraday’s Law states that the
voltage generated is proportional to the movement of the flowing liquid. The electronic
transmitter processes the voltage signal to determine liquid flow.
In contrast with many other flowmeter technologies, magnetic flowmeter technology produces
signals that are linear with flow. As such, the turndown associated with magnetic flowmeters can
approach 20:1 or better without sacrificing accuracy.

Advantages

 The electromagnetic flow meter provides rapid response to flow changes.

 It provides linear wide range.
 Measuring range setting can be optimized.
 It has ability to measure reverse flow.
 No additional pressure drops.
 No obstruction is created to flow.
 It is mainly suitable for hydraulic solid transport.
 It is unaffected by changes in temperature, density, viscosity, concentration and electrical
conductivity.

Disadvantages

 It is not suitable for low velocity.

 It is more expensive.
 It is suitable for fluids having conductivity greater than 20 micro ohm/cm.

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 Open channel flow measuring devices

 Gas inclusion cause errors.

Figure 3: Electromagnetic flow meter

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