Best Clamp on Ultrasonic Flowmeters for Non-Invasive Flow Measurement
Clamp on ultrasonic flowmeters offer non-invasive flow measurement by attaching transducers to the pipe exterior. They are ideal for liquids like water, seawater, oil, alcohol, and sewage without interrupting operation. This guide highlights five top options and clarifies who each is best for, with practical considerations to help you compare features, accuracy, and setup needs.
The following quick reference helps you choose among common use cases. The table lists selected products, best-use scenarios, and notable constraints to consider when selecting a clamp-on meter for industrial, commercial, or DIY projects.
| Product | Best For | |
|---|---|---|
| Bonvoisin S1+M2 Clamp | Industrial seawater or chemical pipelines; data logging | DN15-700mm; 2000 data points; needs software for downloads |
| CGOLDENWALL S1+M2 Clamp | Mixed pipe materials; portable field work | Wide DN range; notes about couplant |
| FXEIPOL TUF-2000B | Water supply networks; durable housing | |
| GOYOJO Flow Meter | Residential/commercial water measurement | |
| HYYKJ-US TUF-2000B | Outdoor installs; robust IP67/IP68 |
Bonvoisin Handheld Clamp-On Ultrasonic Flow Meter
This handheld unit uses S1+M2 transducers to measure flow through existing pipes without cutting. It supports DN15-700mm and liquids such as seawater and industrial fluids. Best for field technicians who need quick setup and onboard data logging. The control unit can be configured with pipe details, and real-time readings appear on the device while historical data can be downloaded with software.
Who this is best for: maintenance crews and engineers who require non-destructive measurement, onboard data logging (up to 2000 groups), and straightforward setup on seawater or industrial pipelines. Caution: data download requires contacting the seller for software access; plan for software availability before long-term monitoring.
CGOLDENWALL Handheld Ultrasonic Flowmeter Clamp On
This device features S1+M2 transducers with a digital display showing cumulative and instantaneous flow, velocity, and status. It supports DN15-100mm as S1 and DN50-700mm as M2, offering flexibility for mixed pipe sizes. It includes a built-in data logger (up to 2000 lines) and RS232 data download. Note that couplant is not included and you may substitute butter, dish soap, or petroleum jelly in compliant environments.
Best for: technicians who need a portable, compact meter with clear LCD readouts and simple data download. Better for: small to mid-sized installations where precise, on-site measurements are required. Limitation: the lack of couplant in transit means you must source a suitable alternative before use.
FXEIPOL Ultrasonic Flow Meter With TS-2 & TM-1 Transducers
This model emphasizes high durability with ABS and steel construction, offering a robust option for water flow applications. It claims ±1% accuracy and broad applicability with a wide voltage range (AC 85–264V, DC 8–36V), making it adaptable to varied electrical environments. It is well-suited for municipal water systems and industrial fluids where steady performance is critical.
Choose this if: you require a sturdy, versatile meter capable of operating across diverse power conditions. Caution: ensure compatibility with your specific pipe diameter and confirm sensor placement for accurate readings in your setup.
GOYOJO Ultrasonic Flow Meter With Clamp-On Transducers
This meter offers a versatile combination of TS-2, TM-1 transducers with a TUF-2000B host and provides bidirectional measurement without reconfiguring the device. It suits applications requiring flexible installation methods (wall mounting, insertion, inline). It emphasizes general water measurement and is positioned for installations in residential or light commercial settings, with reliable data logging and display features.
Best for: projects needing flexible installation options and reliable, bidirectional measurement for water use. Better for: environments where multiple installation methods reduce pressure losses. Limitation: ensure the pipe materials and sizes align with the DSN/DN ranges listed for your specific version.
HYYKJ-US Ultrasonic Flow Meter For Outdoor Use
This device emphasizes long-term outdoor installation with IP67/IP68 protection and a bi-directional metering microchip. It supports three measurement methods (wall mounting, insertion, inline), and is designed for water-related industries including irrigation, heating, and water management. It is suitable for harsh environments where durable housing and reliable bi-directional flow are needed.
Best for: outdoor or harsh environment deployments where durability is critical. Better for: projects requiring multiple measurement methods without interrupting flow. Caution: verify that your pipe diameter and installation method match the available options for this model.
Buying Guide
Key considerations help determine which clamp-on ultrasonic flowmeter fits your workflow and budget:
- Pipe size and range: Match DN15-700mm or larger options to your system diameter for accurate readings.
- Transducer configuration: S1 and M2 transducers enable versatile measurements across different pipe sections; verify the required mounting method for your installation (wall, inline, or insertion).
- Measurement type: Bi-directional measurement is valuable for detecting flow reversals in piping networks; confirm the meter supports this feature if applicable.
- Data logging and export: Built-in log capacity (often up to 2000 lines) and RS232/USB data download are important for verification and auditing. Ensure software access is available if needed.
- Power and environment: Check voltage requirements and IP rating (IP67/IP68) for outdoor or dirty environments. Consider whether AC/DC compatibility is needed for your site.
- Couplant requirements: Some units omit couplant; determine suitable substitutes that comply with your process and safety standards.
- Installation impact: Clamp-on meters should not require pipe cutting or service interruption; confirm installation steps align with your operational constraints.
- Data presentation: LCD displays and real-time versus historical data access help operators monitor flow trends without connecting to a PC.
- Durability and material compatibility: ABS housing and corrosion resistance are important for aggressive liquids and outdoor exposure.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a clamp-on ultrasonic flowmeter?
Non-invasive meters attach transducers to the exterior of a pipe to measure flow using ultrasonic waves, avoiding disruption to the pipeline. - Can these meters handle seawater or aggressive liquids?
Many models specify suitability for seawater and industrial fluids; check chemical compatibility and material construction for your liquid. - Do all units log data onboard?
Most options include a built-in data logger (often up to 2000 records) with options to download history via RS232 or software. - Are couplants required?
Some devices do not include couplant; substitutes like dish soap or petroleum jelly are common but verify compatibility with your application. - Which installation method is best?
Three common methods are wall mounting, inline, and insertion. Your choice depends on pipe access, flow conditions, and maintenance needs. - Is bidirectional flow measurement common?
Many clamp-on meters offer bidirectional measurement, which is valuable for systems with backflow or variable supply conditions.