(1) External clamping type
The external clamp-on ultrasonic flowmeter is a type of ultrasonic flowmeter that has been produced for a long time, is familiar to users and widely used. When installing the converter, there is no need to cut off the pipeline flow; it can be used immediately after being attached. It fully demonstrates the characteristics of simple installation and convenient use of ultrasonic flowmeters.
(2) Pipe section type
Due to reasons such as loose material, poor sound conduction, severe rust, and gaps between the lining and the inner space of some pipes, the ultrasonic signal attenuation is severe, making it impossible to measure normally with an external clamp-on ultrasonic flowmeter. Therefore, the pipe section ultrasonic flowmeter was developed.
The pipe section ultrasonic flowmeter integrates the sensor and the measuring tube into one, solving a measurement problem of the external clamp-on flowmeter. Moreover, its measurement accuracy is higher than that of other ultrasonic flowmeters. However, it also sacrifices the advantage of the external clamp-on ultrasonic flowmeter that it can be installed without interrupting the flow, requiring the pipe to be cut to install the sensor.
(3) Insert type
The insertable ultrasonic flowmeter lies between the above two. It can be installed without interrupting the flow. Use a special tool to drill a hole in the pipe with water, insert the sensor into the pipe, and complete the installation. Since the sensor is located inside the pipeline, the transmission and reception of its signal only pass through the medium being measured and not through the pipe wall or lining. Therefore, its measurement is not restricted by the pipe material or lining material.
