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Can clamp-on ultrasonic flowmeters measure steam?

Clamp-on ultrasonic flow meters are widely used to measure gas and liquid. But what about steam? 

Steam is a complex medium to measure. Traditional inline steam flow meters, such as swirl or vortex flow meters, require opening of a pipe and interrupt process conditions. Technical advances in clamp-on ultrasonic flow measurement have recently allowed non-invasive measurement of steam flow in a pipe. These non-invasive ultrasonic flow meters can measure steam to provide velocity, mass and volumetric data.  

FLEXIM launched the world's first clamp-on ultrasonic flow meter for steam measurement with FLUXUS ST. Flexim developed a new range of clamp-on ultrasonic flow meters to measure steam flow which includes portable and permanent options. 

The Flexim technology uses the Transit-Time principle to measure steam flow where ultrasonic transducers are installed on the outside of a pipe. By sending sound signals alternating with and against the flow, a transit time difference can be measured. 

The newly developed clamp-on steam flow meters have damping material which allows measurement of high temperatures. The transducers are installed on the surface of the pipe using permanent coupling pads, instead of coupling paste that can wear away.

Through our longstanding partnership with Flexim, JWF offer the range of clamp-on ultrasonic flow meters for steam measurement with fixed and portable options available. The portable steam flow meter allows you to carry out measurements in multiple pipe locations throughout your site.

  • Minimum Pressure - 3 bar abs. 
  • Operating Temperature - 100°c...180°c 
  • Flow Velocities - 0.01m/s...60m/s (depending on pipe diameter and transducer) 
  • Accuracy - 1...3% of reading +-0.005m/s, (depending on application)
  • Pipe Diameter - 23mm...1000mm 

JWF performed the first non-invasive steam flow survey in the UK. Our service engineers are specially trained on Flexim technologies and can carry out steam measurement services at your site. We will provide you with a detailed flow survey report.

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