© PCE Instruments
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Eng
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The following should be considered when looking for a good measuring position:
(1) Install the sensors on a preferably long, straight pipe which is completely filled with the liquid
and does not contain any air bubbles.
(2) Make sure that the liquid and thus the pipe is not too hot for the sensors. The temperature
should be as similar to the room temperature as possible.
(3) Consider fouling of the pipes. If possible, choose a clean or new pipe for measurement. You
can also clean the pipe. If this is not possible, consider the thickness of the fouling as part of
the liner.
(4) Some pipes have a synthetic liner. There can be a boundary layer between the outer pipe
and the liner. This boundary layer can divert or weaken the ultrasonic waves, which will
make a measurement very difficult. If possible, these types of pipes should be avoided. If this
is not possible, sensors can also be built into the pipe.
Sensor installation
The PCE-TDS 100H/HS has piezoelectric sensors which can transmit and also receive ultrasonic
waves. The time the ultrasonic waves take to pass through the pipe walls and the liquid allows
conclusions about the flow velocity. As the transit time of the ultrasonic pulses is very short, the
sensors should be installed as precisely as possible to ensure highest system accuracy.
Take the following steps to install the sensors:
(1) Some pipes have a plastic liner. There can be a boundary layer between the outer diameter
of the pipe and the inner liner. This boundary layer can divert or weaken the ultrasonic
waves. In this case, an accurate measurement will be very difficult. If possible, these types of
pipes should be avoided.
(2) Find an ideal position in the piping system, i. e. a straight section with new and clean pipes,
if possible.
(3) It is very important that the pipes are clean. Grind or polish the locations where you would
like to place the sensors.
(4) If a pollution cannot be removed, its thickness should be considered as part of the liner of
the pipe.
(5) There must not be an air gap between the sensors and the surface of the pipe. Attach the
sensors using sufficient contact gel.
(6) Moreover, you should make sure there is no dust or sand between the pipe and the sensor.
To avoid air bubbles from causing measurement errors, place the sensors on the pipe
laterally.
