Portable Clamp-On Ultrasonic Flow Meters
Measure liquid flow in seconds with SmartMeasurement’s easy-to-use, portable clamp-on ultrasonic flow meters—no pipe cutting, no downtime.
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Our Non-Intrusive Ultrasonic Flow Meters
ALSONIC DSPPL (up to 30% particles/bubbles)
- Size Range: ¾”-236" (20-6000 mm) line sizes
- Temperature Range: -22~+248 °F ( -30 ~ +120˚C)
- Accuracy: ±0.5 ~1% of reading
- Applications: Portable diagnostic tool for clean and dirty liquids; up to 30% total suspended solids
- Starting At: $8300
ALSONIC PL (1-2% particles/bubbles)
- Size Range: 1"-48" (25-1200 mm) line sizes
- Temperature Range: -22~+230 °F ( -30 ~ +110˚C)
- Accuracy: 1-2% of reading
- Applications: Water, HVAC, MRO
- Starting At: $1950
ALSONIC DDPL (2-40% particles/bubbles)
- Size Range: (Std) ½" - 240" (15-6000 mm) line sizes
- Temperature Range: -22~+302 °F ( -30 ~ +150˚C)
- Accuracy: 2 - 5% of reading
- Applications: Wastewater, drilling mud, any portable application with high solids count
- Starting At: $3,000
ALSONIC MINI (very clean)
- Size Range: ⅜”-1½” (10-40 mm) line sizes
- Temperature Range: 15~+300 °F ( -10 ~ +10˚C)
- Accuracy: 2% of range
- Applications: Chemical Injection, batching & dosing, Agriculture
- Starting At: $700
ALSONIC MN2 (ALsonic-MINI 2)
- Size Range: (Std) 3/8"~1 ½ " (DN10~DN40), (Opt) 1/4" (DN8)
- Temperature Range: (Std) -10°C~65°C (Non-frozen), (Opt) -10°C~105°C (Non-frozen)
- Accuracy: (Std) 3%FS, (Opt) 1.5%FS
- Applications: Food & Beverage, Automotive, Chemical processing, and dosing/mixing applications
- Starting At: $900
Need help choosing the right portable clamp-on meter?
Our engineers can match you with the best model based on your specs and budget.
What Is a Portable Clamp-On Ultrasonic Flow Meter?
A portable clamp-on ultrasonic flow meter is a non-intrusive unit that provides accurate flow measurement of a liquid through the pipe wall without cutting the pipe or shutting down the flow. Designed for mobility, this clamp-on solution is ideal for temporary diagnostics and spot-checking in water systems and industrial applications. Simply clamp directly to the outside of the pipe, and flow measurement readings are available in seconds.
Key Features and Technology
Advanced features engineered for portability, precision, and fast, non-intrusive flow measurement in any environment.
Transit-Time or Doppler Measurement
Ensures accurate flow readings for both clean and dirty liquids.
Battery-Operated
Rechargeable battery offers true portability for remote or on-the-go measurements.
Comprehensive Data Logging
Internal memory stores flow data for easy export, tracking, and analysis.
Built-In Display
Real-time flow data shown on a clear, integrated LCD interface.
Easy Setup & Installation
Clamp transducers to the pipe and start measuring—no tools or downtime required.
Set-Up Installation & Maintenance
Deploying a portable clamp-on ultrasonic flow meter in the field is easier than you might think. Whether you’re checking a water line or troubleshooting a system, these meters are built for fast, hassle-free use—no cutting pipes or halting operations. Just clamp it on, power it up, and start getting the flow data you need in minutes.
Step-By-Step Install
Installing a portable clamp-on ultrasonic flow meter is quick and straightforward. Just turn it on, apply some coupling gel or acoustic pads underneath the transducers, clamp them to the outside of the pipe, connect the transducers, select your pipe and fluid settings, and you are ready to start measuring. No pipe cutting, flow interruption, or complex tools are required.
Clamp Alignment
Correct clamp alignment is necessary for accurate flow measurements. The setup program will guide you on all installation parameters including Transducers positioning, distance between them, signal strength etc.
Calibration Basics
Since transducers have a wide range of pipe diameters portable clamp-on meters are pre-calibrated, for velocity to ensure consistent accuracy across applications. The setup and monitoring software involves selecting the correct pipe material, wall thickness, and fluid type from the meter’s settings.
Real-World Applications of Portable Ultrasonic Flow Meters
SmartMeasurement’s clamp-on ultrasonic flow meters are the go-to solution for accurate flow measurement across a wide range of liquid applications without interrupting operations. Designed for versatility and precision, these meters easily mount to the exterior of pipes and allow for reliable velocity and flow monitoring without the need for cutting or process shutdowns. Key industries and uses include:
Water and Wastewater Management
Measure liquid flows in treatment plants, distribution networks, and irrigation systems with minimal maintenance.
HVAC Systems
Monitor chilled water, condenser water, and thermal energy systems efficiently with clamp-on transmitters and sensors.
Oil and Gas Industry
Track the flow of petroleum liquids, and refined products without invasive pipe modifications.
Chemical Processing Plants
Control flow rates of aggressive or corrosive liquids where non-intrusive measurement ensures longer equipment life.
Energy and Power Generation
Optimize boiler feedwater systems, cooling circuits, and fuel delivery lines with precise, non-intrusive flow data.
With wide pipe size ranges and compatibility across different liquid and gas types, SmartMeasurement’s clamp-on ultrasonic meters are the preferred choice for flow measurement.
Need a permanent setup? Explore our wall-mounted clamp-on flow meters »
SmartMeasurement Clamp-On Ultrasonic Flow Meters FAQ
Got questions about clamp-on ultrasonic flow meters? Here are some of the most common ones our engineers get — click to view the answers.
What is a clamp-on an ultrasonic flow meter?
A clamp-on ultrasonic flow meter is a non-invasive device that measures the flow of liquids by using ultrasonic signals transmitted through the wall of a pipe. Instead of being installed inside the flow stream, clamp-on sensors attach externally to the pipe, making installation quick and disruption-free. These meters are ideal for applications requiring minimal downtime, such as water treatment, HVAC, chemical processing, and energy systems.
How accurate is the clamp-on ultrasonic flow meter?
Clamp-on ultrasonic flow meters can achieve accuracy levels of ±1% to ±2% of reading under ideal conditions. Factors like proper sensor placement, pipe material, and flow profile influence measurement accuracy. For clean, full-pipe flow applications, especially with stable flow rates, clamp-on meters deliver precise and repeatable data—comparable to some in-line systems but with none of the installation complexity.
What is the difference between clamp-on and in-line ultrasonic flow meters?
The key difference is how the meter interacts with the pipe. Clamp-on ultrasonic flow meters mount externally and send signals through the pipe wall, while in-line ultrasonic meters are installed directly into the pipe and contact the fluid. Clamp-on meters offer easier installation, no system shutdowns, and reduced maintenance. In-line meters may offer slightly higher accuracy in challenging flow conditions but require pipe cutting and longer installation time.
What are the limitations of clamp-on ultrasonic flow meters?
Clamp-on meters are highly versatile, but they do have some limitations. Accuracy can decrease with highly aerated or slurry-filled fluids, or with poorly aligned sensors. They also depend on good acoustic coupling with the pipe surface, so heavily corroded or layered pipe materials may affect signal strength. However, these limitations are usually mitigated with proper model selection, installation, and calibration.