Nivus is expanding its range of clamp-on sensors to include another variant that works on the basis of the ultrasonic transit time difference. Due to the measuring frequency of 500 kHz, these sensors are suitable for large pipe diameters or for pipe wall materials such as asbestos cement, GRP or a multi-layer structure. The new sensors also excel in pipes with wall thicknesses of up to 30 mm. Compared to the 1 MHz version also offered, the new version can detect higher flow velocities even better. Another advantage is the increased acoustic penetrability through the fluid. The signal is not so strongly attenuated, e.g. in the case of solids, gas bubbles or deposits on the inner wall of the pipe.
The clamp-on sensors are mounted on the pipe from the outside and measure without contact. This eliminates the need for drilling or similar mechanical stresses on the pipe. An interruption of the process for installation or maintenance is therefore also not necessary. In addition, this technology allows compliance with the highest hygiene standards due to the lack of contact with the measured medium. The high degree of protection of the sensors according to IP68 enables their use even under the harshest conditions. For example, the sensors can be permanently buried in the ground with the help of suitable devices. Special polymer pads ensure a permanently reliable acoustic coupling between the sensor and the pipe.
For the use of the sensors, the measurement technology manufacturer offers permanent transmitters for classic installation in control cabinets or indoors. NIVUS GmbH also provides robust and battery-operated transmitters for temporary or permanent use in harsh environmental conditions. In combination with the NIVUS solar solution, it enables permanent measuring operation even at measurement places where there is no power supply. All systems allow for data access via an online measurement data portal.
Typical applications for the new clamp-on sensors are: drinking water pipelines with large nominal diameters or special pipe wall materials, corroded and incrusted pipelines, monitoring of water inflows, monitoring of pressure pipelines, recording of turbine efficiency or recording of cooling process water demand, as well as recirculation pipelines with a high solids content.