Method measures the zero flow offset property of transducers

By streamlining the transducer design and production methods, this has been shown to restrict variation to less than 5% over a wide range of environmental conditions. Put simply, the lower the variation, the more accurate the meter reading.

In industrial and domestic ultrasonic flow measurement applications accuracy in measuring flow rates in dynamic flow conditions is essential. Given that customers are charged on the basis of their meter readings, the reading needs to accurately reflect the quantity of material used, be this gas or water.

Measuring the 'time of flight' between the upstream and downstream transducers and then reversing the process gives two figures which, together, provide a measurement of the flow rate of liquids and gases. However, even where there is no flow in the tube, there is typically a minimal discrepancy between the two. This phenomenon, known as ‘zero flow offset’, is a by-product of the physical constraints of materials and signal processing technologies that may impact on the accuracy of meters. Advancements made by Morgan’s team of sensor specialists have gone a long way towards addressing this.

Oksana Jaroszak, Transducer Development Engineer, Morgan, explained: “Drawing on our knowledge of materials and experience in transducer design, we have specifically developed a portfolio of materials that will enable us to create a transducer with the lowest zero flow offset possible. This development is reflected in our results, which demonstrate clear improvements across a variety of environmental extremes. Overall, this will lead to increased accuracy in ultrasonic water and gas flow sensors.”