On-Site Flow Surveys
Chaltron Systems is pleased to offer our on-site flow survey service. Using our industry leading portable non-intrusive clamp-on flow meter from Flexim Instruments we can measure flow in any type of pipe* (copper, plastic, ductile iron, carbon steel, stainless steel, etc) ranging in size from 1/2" to 98" or greater for any type of liquid. The equipment is designed for pipes carrying full flow at any pressure. We apply the transit-time difference correlation method for an accurate measurement.
The transit-time difference method exploits the fact that the transmission speed of an ultrasonic signal depends on the flow velocity of the carrier medium; similar to a swimmer swimming against the current, an ultrasonic signal moves slower against the flow direction of the medium than when in flow direction.
For the measurement, two ultrasonic pulses are 
sent through the medium, one in flow direction, and a second on against it. The transducers are alternatively working as emitter and receiver.
The transit time of the ultrasonic signal propagating in flow direction is shorter than the transit time of the signal propagating against flow direction. The transit-time difference Δt is measured and allows the determination of the average flow velocity on the propagation path of the ultrasonic signals. A profile correction is preformed to obtain the average flow velocity on the cross section of the pipe, which is proportional to the volume flow.
Since ultrasounds propagate in solids, the transducers can be mounted onto the pipe. The measurement is therefore non-invasive, and no cutting of pipes is necessary for the installation of the transducers.
A flow survey will show you the flow patterns in your system; tell you the pump performance, when the pump ran and the range of flows produced by the pump.
A flow survey can determine the flow rate and volume of liquid passing a specific point over time. A flow-time history graph can be created using the built-in data-logger, showing the instantaneous flow rate and total flow rate for any time increment. The equipment will also record the direction of flow in the pipe and give a positive and negative total.
Our equipment is non-intrusive (no damage to the pipe). There is no need to interrupt service, no need to cut or drill into existing pipe and no interference with pressure in the pipe. Out meter has a built in 14 hour battery, or 110 VAC can be provided for longer surveys.
Knowing your actual flow profile can save thousands of dollars in capital cost when designing a new system.
Contact Us to arrange an appointment for a flow survey.
*Disclaimer: We do not make any guarantees to read on any pipe, this technology may not work on older pipes with heavy corrosion or internal build-up or heavy turbulence or heavy solids.
Download our Flow Survey Brochure Here