Research and Development in Ultrasonic Flow Measurement

Much of R & D in ultrasonic flow measurement started during 1970-80, though the application of ultrasonic method for flow measurement was known much earlier since 1919. Presently, the technologically advanced ultrasonic meters with multi-channel design and digital signal processing automatically sense the changes in temperature, density and viscosity concurrently with flow measurement and compensate for variations maintaining high accuracy. Both in-line and clamp-on types meters are used to measure liquid, gas, steam and multiphase flows in pipes or tubes having diameter from 0.5 mm to 8000 mm using transit time or Doppler sensing technology. In fact, multi-path flow meters are API approved for Custody Transfer of Liquid Hydrocarbons. The global market for ultrasonic flow meter is reported to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 9.6% over the next five years. The present paper focuses on the current status of research and development in ultrasonic flow meter technology including its advantages, limitations, applications and standardization.