


In real industrial environments, flow measurement often faces practical constraints:
Pipelines cannot be shut down or cut
Temporary measurements for commissioning, troubleshooting, or energy audits
Wide pipe diameter ranges across different locations
Requirement for fast deployment and immediate results
Portable ultrasonic flow meters are specifically designed for non-permanent, on-site measurement tasks where flexibility and speed are critical.
Flow Meter Description
Solving Field Uncertainty, Not Just Measuring Flow
Unlike fixed mechanical or differential pressure flow meters, portable ultrasonic flow meters are designed for maximum field adaptability rather than permanent installation.
Non-intrusive measurement – clamp-on installation without cutting, welding, or process interruption
Rapid deployment – sensors can be mounted and commissioned within minutes
One instrument, multiple pipelines – ideal for inspection, verification, troubleshooting, and comparative testing
Immediate data availability – supports real-time diagnostics, performance evaluation, and decision-making
For engineers, a portable ultrasonic flow meter serves as a mobile diagnostic and verification tool, enabling confident on-site measurement under changing field conditions.


Portable Ultrasonic Flowmeter Working Principle
Portable ultrasonic flow meters use the Transit-Time (Time-of-Flight) method:
Ultrasonic signals are transmitted with and against the flow direction
Flow velocity causes a difference in upstream and downstream travel time
The time difference is converted into average flow velocity
Volume flow rate is calculated based on pipe diameter parameters
✔ No contact with the medium
✔ Independent of pressure
✔ No moving or wearing parts
Portable Ultrasonic Flow Meter Mechanical Design & Reliability
Portability does not mean reduced robustness. The structural design focuses on on-site reliability:
Main unit: High-contrast backlit LCD for outdoor and low-light environments
Sensors: Clamp-on or insertion types for different pipe sizes and materials
Cabling & interfaces: Industrial-grade, resistant to bending and electromagnetic interference
Internal structure: No mechanical wear components, ensuring long-term stability
Ideal for repeated inspections, multi-point testing, and cross-project use.


Portable Ultrasonic Flowmeter Typical Applications
Industrial cooling water and circulation systems
HVAC system commissioning and energy evaluation
Temporary flow verification and comparative testing
Flow assessment prior to pipeline retrofitting
Energy audits and efficiency improvement projects
Flow Meter Parameter
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Flow velocity range | ±0.03 ft/s to ±40 ft/s (±0.01 m/s to ±12 m/s) |
| Measurement accuracy | ±1% of measured value |
| Pipe size | Clamp-on installation: 1″ to 48″ (25 mm to 1200 mm) |
| Measured medium | Single-phase liquid |
| Pipe material compatibility | Carbon steel, stainless steel, PVC, and other dense solid pipes |
| Analog output | 4–20 mA, max load 750 Ω |
| Communication protocol | RS485 / Modbus |
| Data storage | 16 GB SD card (optional) |
| Logging interval | 1 to 99,999 seconds (configurable) |
| Display & operation | 240 × 128 backlit LCD with digital keypad |
| Power supply | Rechargeable lithium battery, 3000 mAh |
| Battery operating time | Approx. 16 hours of continuous operation |
| Operating temperature – transmitter | −40 °C to +60 °C |
| Operating temperature – transducer | −40 °C to +80 °C (standard), up to +120 °C (optional) |
| Ambient humidity | Up to 99% RH, non-condensing |
| Protection rating | Transmitter: NEMA 13 / IP54Sensor: IP68 |
| Transducer cable length | Standard 5 m (16 ft); longer lengths available on request |
Flow Meter OEM/ODM
Instrava delivers more than instruments — we focus on application success:
Sensor selection based on pipe diameter and material
Measurement guidance for low-flow or aging pipelines
OEM and project-based customization support
Long-term technical service and collaboration
Instrava is a partner focused on providing equipment, solutions, and services for industrial measurement and control instruments used in safety-critical and process control applications.
We help customers improve efficiency through trust, communication, and collaboration.

Related Product Recommendations
Yes, under stable flow conditions and with sufficient straight pipe length, low flow measurement is achievable.
Small, evenly distributed bubbles have limited impact, while excessive aeration or two-phase flow may reduce signal stability.
Yes. Clamp-on ultrasonic technology is particularly advantageous for large pipelines due to low installation cost and minimal disruption.
No. The same instrument can be used with different pipe materials by adjusting sensor parameters.
The device supports continuous operation, although it is primarily designed for portable and temporary measurement tasks.
Yes. When combined with temperature sensors, it can calculate thermal energy for heating and cooling applications.
By choosing Instrava, you gain a partner with a deep understanding of industrial applications and the expertise to meet today’s operational challenges.
Our role extends beyond products—we support your success through dependable solutions and long-term commitment.
Innovation at Instrava is guided by real industrial requirements. We continuously refine our technologies to address evolving operational challenges, ensuring practical and reliable performance in demanding environments.
We provide engineering-level customization to match specific process conditions. From measurement range and materials to output signals and installation options, our solutions are configured to fit real applications.
Quality and reliability are fundamental to every Instrava product. Manufactured under strict quality control and thoroughly tested, our instruments deliver accurate, stable, and long-term performance.
Instrava combines global engineering expertise with responsive local support, ensuring our partners benefit from internationally aligned technology and timely regional service.
Our broad portfolio of measurement and control instruments enables us to address a wide range of industrial needs, providing integrated solutions from a single, reliable source.
We work closely with our partners from technical consultation to after-sales support. Our focus is on delivering solutions that create lasting value and support long-term operational success.