Portable Ultrasonic Flow Meter
Portable Ultrasonic Flow Meter
✓ IP68 Transducers · ✓ IP54 Transmitter · ✓ CE Compliant
Pipe Size: DN15 – DN1200 (½″ – 48″)
Flow Range: ±0.01 m/s to ±12 m/s
Battery: 3000 mAh Li-ion, 16h continuous
Data Logger: Built-in 32 GB TF card
Output: 4–20 mA | RS485 Modbus
Installation: Clamp-On — No Pipe Cutting
Lead Time: 7 days · MOQ: 1 Unit
Engineer replies within 24 hours · Free technical consultation
Technical Specifications
Performance
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Measurement Principle | Transit-time difference |
| Flow Velocity Range | ±0.01 m/s to ±12 m/s (±0.03 ft/s to ±40 ft/s) |
| Accuracy | ±1% of measured value |
| Repeatability | 0.2% of measured value |
| Pipe Size Range | DN15–DN1200 (½″–48″) with standard + small transducers |
| Bi-directional Measurement | Yes — forward, reverse, and net flow totalization |
| Applicable Fluid | Single medium liquid (water, oil, chemicals — no solid particles) |
| Pipe Material | Carbon steel, stainless steel, PVC, and other compact material pipes |
Handheld Transmitter
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display | 240×128 backlit LCD |
| Keyboard | Digital keys |
| Analog Output | 4-20mA, max load 750Ω |
| Communication | RS485 Modbus |
| Data Logger | Built-in 32 GB TF card with data analysis software |
| Logging Interval | 1–99,999 seconds (user configurable) |
| Power Supply | Rechargeable lithium battery, 3000 mAh |
| Battery Life | 16 hours continuous operation |
| Operating Temperature | -20°C to +60°C (-4°F to +140°F) |
| Humidity | Up to 99% RH, non-condensing |
| Protection Rating | IP54 (NEMA 13) |
Clamp-On Transducers
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Standard Transducers | DN25–DN1200 (1″–48″) |
| Small-Size Transducers | DN15–DN40 (½″–1½″) — optional add-on |
| Transducer Temperature | TT02: -40°C to +80°C (DN25–DN1200) TT03: -40°C to +130°C (DN25–DN1200) TT02S: 0°C to +65°C (DN15–DN40) TT03S: 0°C to +115°C (DN15–DN40) TT02H: -20°C to +180°C (DN25–DN1200) |
| Protection Rating | IP68 (fully submersible) |
| Construction | Encapsulated design |
| Cable Length | Standard: 5 m (16 ft) |
| Installation | Magnetic guiding rail with scale — quick clamp-on setup |
Optional: Portable Energy Meter Function
This portable ultrasonic flow meter can also function as a portable BTU energy meter by adding the RTD module and PT1000 clamp-on temperature sensors. This enables on-site measurement of heat and cold consumption in:
- Central heating pipelines
- Air-conditioning and refrigeration systems
- District energy networks and HVAC commissioning
Why Choose a Portable Ultrasonic Flow Meter Over Fixed Meters?
A portable ultrasonic flow meter — also called a handheld ultrasonic flow meter or portable clamp on flow meter — is the right tool when you need flow measurement without permanent installation. Three situations make portable meters the clear choice:
- Flow verification and spot-checking — You need to quickly verify the flow rate reading from another meter, check pump output, or validate valve performance. A portable clamp-on flow meter lets you measure instantly without cutting into the pipe. See: How Accurate Are Ultrasonic Flow Meters?
- Multi-point surveys and field audits — Instead of installing fixed meters at every measurement point, one handheld ultrasonic flow meter covers your entire facility. Move it from pipe to pipe — DN15 to DN1200 — with a single set of transducers.
- Temporary monitoring and data logging — Need to monitor liquid flow over hours, days, or weeks? The built-in 32 GB data logger records flow data at intervals from 1 to 99,999 seconds, so you can capture seasonal patterns or verify system changes without a permanent installation.
The key advantage over fixed clamp-on ultrasonic flow meters: portability. One meter, one investment, unlimited measurement points.
Typical Applications
🔧 Flow Verification & Spot-Checking
The Problem: You suspect a fixed flow meter is reading incorrectly, or a pump isn’t delivering the expected flow rate. Shutting down the line to install a reference meter is not an option.
Why Portable Works Best: Clamp the transducers onto the pipe, power on, and get an independent flow rate reading in minutes. Compare it against your installed meter without any process interruption.
Key Advantage: Non-invasive clamp-on installation. No cutting, no welding, no downtime. Just clamp and measure.
🔧 HVAC System Commissioning & Balancing
The Problem: During HVAC commissioning, engineers need to verify chilled water and heating water flow rates at dozens of measurement points to balance the system.
Why Portable Works Best: One portable transit time flow meter replaces dozens of fixed meters during the commissioning phase. Add the optional RTD module to measure thermal energy (BTU) at each point — see: Key Applications of Clamp-On Ultrasonic BTU Meters.
Best For: Building commissioning, chiller plant balancing, district cooling verification.
🔧 Water Utility Field Audits
The Problem: Water utilities need to measure flow at various distribution points to detect leaks, verify billing meters, or assess network performance — without installing permanent metering.
Why Portable Works Best: The portable flow meter for liquids can be deployed at any point in the distribution network. Bi-directional measurement detects reverse flows that indicate potential cross-connections or leaks. The 16-hour battery handles a full day of field work.
🔧 Temporary Flow Monitoring & Data Logging
The Problem: You need flow data over an extended period — days, weeks, or months — to justify a capital project, verify a system modification, or satisfy regulatory requirements.
Why Portable Works Best: Install the clamp-on transducers and leave the meter in place. The built-in data logger (32 GB TF card) captures flow data at your chosen interval. When done, transfer data to the included analysis software for reporting.
Need help selecting the right meter for your application? Contact our engineering team.
How It Works
This portable ultrasonic flow meter uses transit-time difference technology to measure the velocity of liquid flow inside a pipe — without contacting the fluid.
Two clamp-on transducers are mounted on the outside of the pipe:
- Transducer A sends an ultrasonic pulse with the flow direction
- Transducer B sends a pulse against the flow direction
The liquid flow makes the downstream pulse arrive faster than the upstream pulse. The meter measures that transit time difference and calculates the flow velocity. This is the core principle behind all transit-time ultrasonic flow meters — read more: How Does a Transit-Time Ultrasonic Flow Meter Work?
No moving parts. No contact with the liquid. No pressure drop. No wear.
Transducer Mounting Methods
The correct method depends on your pipe size and material:
| Method | How the Signal Travels | Best For | Typical Pipe Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| V-Method | Both transducers on same side; signal bounces off opposite wall | Standard choice for most pipe sizes | DN25–DN500 |
| Z-Method | Transducers on opposite sides; signal crosses directly | Large pipes or thick-walled pipes | DN500+ |
The magnetic guiding rail with built-in scale makes it easy to set the correct transducer spacing for your pipe size — no calculations needed in the field. For a step-by-step guide, see: How to Install a Clamp-On Ultrasonic Flow Meter.
Can We Meet Your Requirements?
| Requirement | Capability | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Pipe Size DN25–DN1200 | Standard transducers | ✅ In stock |
| Pipe Size DN15–DN40 | Optional small-size transducers | ✅ Available |
| Clean water / Cooling water | Standard application | ✅ Standard |
| Oil / Petroleum liquids | Compatible with transit-time method | ✅ Available |
| Chemical liquids | Confirm acoustic compatibility | ⚠️ Requires review |
| Accuracy ±1% | Standard specification | ✅ Standard |
| Bi-directional measurement | Built-in forward/reverse/net totalizers | ✅ Standard |
| Energy metering (BTU) | Optional RTD module + PT1000 | ✅ Available |
| Data logging | 32 GB built-in, configurable interval | ✅ Standard |
| Slurries / High-solids fluids | Not suitable for transit-time | ❌ Not recommended |
| Gas / Steam | Liquid measurement only | ❌ Not suitable |
| Non-full pipe conditions | Requires fully filled pipe | ❌ Not suitable |
Our Capabilities & Boundaries
WHAT WE DO:
- Portable clamp-on liquid flow measurement using transit-time technology
- Non-invasive installation — clamp transducers on the outside of any pipe from DN15 to DN1200
- Built-in data logging with 32 GB storage and included analysis software
- Optional portable energy meter function with PT1000 sensors for heating/cooling BTU measurement
- 4-20mA analog output and RS485 Modbus for temporary SCADA integration
WHAT WE DON’T DO:
- Gas or steam flow → Use our vortex flow meter for steam, or thermal mass flow meter for gas
- Slurries or high-solids fluids → Signal scatter makes transit-time unreliable; use our electromagnetic flow meter instead
- Custody transfer at ±0.2% accuracy → This requires Coriolis technology
- Permanent fixed installation → See our wall-mount clamp-on flow meter for continuous monitoring
Ordering Information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Standard Package | Handheld transmitter + 1 pair clamp-on transducers (DN25–DN1200) + magnetic guiding rail + carrying case |
| Optional Add-On | Small-size transducer pair (DN15–DN40) |
| Optional Add-On | RTD module + PT1000 temperature sensors (energy meter function) |
| MOQ | 1 unit |
| Standard Lead Time | 7 days |
| Rush Order | Available — contact sales for expedited delivery |
| Payment Terms | T/T |
| Warranty | 12 months from shipment date |
| Packaging | Individual carton with foam protection, ISPM 15 compliant for export |
| Included Documentation | Factory calibration certificate, operation manual, data analysis software |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the accuracy of a portable ultrasonic flow meter?
Our portable ultrasonic flow meter delivers ±1% accuracy of measured value with 0.2% repeatability. This level of accuracy is suitable for flow verification, system balancing, and temporary monitoring. For a deeper understanding of accuracy factors, see: How Accurate Are Ultrasonic Flow Meters?
How long does the battery last on a portable flow meter?
The built-in rechargeable lithium battery (3000 mAh) provides 16 hours of continuous operation on a single charge — enough for a full day of field work. For extended data logging deployments, you can connect an external power source.
Can this portable flow meter measure flow in both directions?
Yes. The meter provides bi-directional flow measurement across the full velocity range of ±0.01 m/s to ±12 m/s. Built-in totalizers track positive flow, negative flow, and net flow — useful for detecting reverse flows in distribution networks or verifying HVAC loop direction.
What pipe materials and sizes are compatible?
The clamp-on transducers work on carbon steel, stainless steel, PVC, copper, and other compact material pipes from DN15 to DN1200. Standard transducers cover DN25–DN1200; optional small-size transducers extend coverage down to DN15. The key requirement is that the pipe wall must be made of a material that transmits ultrasonic signals. Read more: Pipe Requirements for Ultrasonic Flow Meter Installation.
Can I use this as a portable energy meter or BTU meter?
Yes. By adding the optional RTD module and PT1000 clamp-on temperature sensors, this portable ultrasonic flow meter becomes a portable energy meter capable of measuring heat and cold consumption in heating and cooling pipelines. This is especially useful during HVAC commissioning when you need to verify thermal energy delivery at multiple points. Learn more: How Do Clamp-On Ultrasonic Flow Meters Measure Energy?
What is the difference between a portable and fixed ultrasonic flow meter?
Portable ultrasonic flow meters are battery-powered handheld units designed to move from site to site for temporary measurement, spot-checking, and data logging. Fixed (wall-mounted) meters are permanently installed for continuous, long-term flow monitoring with hardwired power and output connections. Both use the same transit-time measurement principle and clamp-on transducers. If you need permanent monitoring, see our wall-mount clamp-on ultrasonic flow meter. For a full comparison of meter types, read: Inline vs Clamp-On Ultrasonic Flow Meters.
How do I install clamp-on transducers on a pipe?
Installation takes minutes: (1) Enter pipe parameters (diameter, wall thickness, material) into the transmitter. (2) The meter calculates the optimal transducer spacing. (3) Apply coupling gel to the transducer faces. (4) Use the magnetic guiding rail with built-in scale to set the correct spacing and clamp the transducers to the pipe. No special tools, no pipe cutting, no process shutdown. For detailed instructions, see: How to Install a Clamp-On Ultrasonic Flow Meter: Step-by-Step Guide.
Get Your Custom Quote in 24 Hours
At Soaring Instrument, we manufacture portable, clamp-on, and insertion ultrasonic flow meters in-house. We’ll recommend the right configuration for your application — not just the product we happen to sell.
Tell us your pipe size, medium type, and what you need to measure. Our engineering team responds with a technical recommendation and pricing within 24 hours.
- 📧 [email protected]
- 📞 0086-13585991410
- 🌐 Contact Us Online
What Happens After You Submit?
- Step 1: Engineer reviews your requirements and replies within 24 hours
- Step 2: Free 30-minute technical consultation (no obligation)
- Step 3: Detailed proposal with pricing in 3 business days
Related Resources
- What Makes Handheld Ultrasonic Flow Meters Essential for Field Measurements
- The Complete Guide of Ultrasonic Flow Meter
- How Does a Transit-Time Ultrasonic Flow Meter Work?
- How to Install a Clamp-On Ultrasonic Flow Meter: Step-by-Step Guide
- How Accurate Are Ultrasonic Flow Meters?
- How Much Does an Ultrasonic Flow Meter Cost?
- What Fluids Can Ultrasonic Flow Meters Measure?
- Clamp-On Ultrasonic Flow Meter Troubleshooting Checklist
- How to Troubleshoot Ultrasonic Flow Meter Signal Loss?
- What’s the Best Way to Maintain Your Ultrasonic Flow Meter?