Spirax Sarco’s latest offering from its portfolio of flowmeters is the UTM20 ultrasonic transit time flowmeter. The new UTM20 not only provides instantaneous measurement of temperature and fluid velocity, but it also clamps onto the outside of pipes, meaning there is no contact with process liquids. This reduces installation time and cost and enables continued operation during installation.

The UTM20 is available in two versions:

• A volumetric flow meter (for water, sewage and chemicals).
• A heating/cooling energy flow meter (used in conjunction with dual clamp-on RTDs) for temperature measurement (for hydronic processes and HVAC applications).

Source: Spirax Sarco

The principle of transit time flow meters is based on measuring the time difference between the travel time of an ultrasound wave going with the fluid flow and that going against the fluid flow. The time difference is then used to calculate the velocity of the fluid traveling in the closed-pipe system. The heating/cooling energy flowmeter measures the rate and quantity of heat delivered or removed from equipment such as heat exchangers. By measuring the volumetric flow rate of the heat exchanger liquid, the inlet pipe temperature and the outlet pipe temperature, the energy usage can be calculated.

The UTM20 provides instantaneous feedback on energy usage (BTU) and flowrate, allowing customers to easily track and report on these parameters. The UTM20 also allows users to select up to eight parameters to log and save for up to 32 days with its 8 GB data logging capability.

The UTM20 features a large, easy-to-read graphical display and sturdy, aluminum enclosure for a long service life in harsh environments. It comes with easy rail transducers that are easily adjustable and optimized on the pipeline to give the best possible signal. The UTM20 has a large, bi-directional flow measuring range, Modbus communications, and comes with the option of configuration and troubleshooting over USB using SoloCUE software.

The UTM20 is a useful measuring and diagnostics tool that can be easily used across a range of applications including food, beverage, oil, gas, healthcare, water and wastewater. It can be used for benchmarking purposes and to assess the success of various process initiatives such as energy reduction or increased productivity.