Ultrasonic Flowmeters

Ultrasonic Flowmeters

Ultrasonic flowmeters measure flow by transmitting and receiving acoustic signals through a pipe and evaluating how the flowing medium influences those signals. Using ultrasonic waves, volume flow can be measured reliably for a wide variety of liquids and gases, largely independent of electrical conductivity, pressure, temperature, or viscosity. Endress+Hauser positions ultrasonic technology as a versatile option for measurement across broad nominal diameters, including very large lines.

Key benefits include a full-bore measuring path with negligible pressure loss and no moving parts, which supports low maintenance over long operating periods. Inline ultrasonic meters are typically chosen where traceable, guaranteed accuracy is required, while clamp-on devices mount on the outside of the pipe to enable retrofits and temporary measurements without cutting the line.

Applications range from water and wastewater networks to chemical processing, power and energy systems, and oil and gas services. Clamp-on meters are especially useful for troubleshooting, verification campaigns, and commissioning work, and they can support initiatives such as leak detection and network performance monitoring. Where line sizes extend into the very large-diameter range, ultrasonic measurement remains practical and economical compared with many inline alternatives.

Technology selection typically starts with installation form factor: inline for the highest metrological assurance and clamp-on for flexibility and noninvasive deployment. Pipe material, wall thickness, lining condition, and available straight-run influence signal quality; fluid conditions such as entrained gas, heavy solids, or strong swirl can also impact measurement stability. For gas services, path configuration and pressure/temperature instrumentation may be required to achieve the desired performance for standard-volume or mass reporting.

Endress+Hauser’s ultrasonic portfolio includes the Proline Prosonic Flow family, with options spanning gas-focused inline solutions and clamp-on instruments such as Prosonic Flow P 500 and Prosonic Flow W 400. Clamp-on offerings are positioned as reliable, flexible, and maintenance-free noninvasive measurement solutions, even under challenging conditions or limited installation space.

At Eastern Controls, We are proud to be the exclusive authorized sales and service representative for Endress+Hauser.