Innovative flow meter uses SAW waves

The inline flow measurement device operates using the patented SAW method (Surface Acoustic Waves), thus utilizing surface waves for measurement. The main advantage of this method is that it involves no installations or constrictions, and therefore no dead zones in the measuring tube. (Source: Bürkert Fluid Control Systems)

In the pharmaceutical industry, SAW flow meters have already proven themselves in many, very different applications, e.g., in measuring the flow of expensive pure water. (Source: Bürkert Fluid Control Systems)

In the pharmaceutical industry, SAW flow meters have already proven themselves in many very different applications, e.g., in measuring the flow of expensive pure water. (Source: Bürkert Fluid Control Systems)

In the food, beverage, delicacy, pharmaceutical, or cosmetics industries, flow measurement devices are in demand that not only operate with high precision but also meet demanding standards and legal requirements regarding hygiene and cleaning. With FLOWave Type 8098, Bürkert (see company box) offers a practical solution for this purpose (Image 1).

The flow measurement device operates based on the patented SAW method (Surface Acoustic Waves), utilizing surface waves for measurement (see technical box). The advantage of this method is primarily that it involves no fittings or constrictions, and therefore no dead zones in the measuring tube. Additionally, the measurement occurs without any contact between sensor elements and the medium, preventing fluid effects on the sensor and contamination of the medium by these components. This is hygienic and simplifies cleaning (Hygienic Design). Since the measuring tube does not differ flow-technically from any other straight pipe section of the system, there is no pressure drop. Its compact size and light weight also enable straightforward installation.

Unlike other measurement methods, FLOWave is suitable for media without electrical conductivity, consumes significantly less energy than, for example, Coriolis flow meters, and can be installed in any orientation. The measurement works equally well with static liquids, fast flows, or flow changes. Furthermore, no maintenance is required, which can significantly reduce operating costs.

Accurate and future-proof

The compact, entirely stainless steel flow measurement device measures volumetric flow with an accuracy of 0.4% of the measured value. Temperature is simultaneously measured with an accuracy of ≤ 1 °C. Depending on the nominal size, the maximum pressure is up to 40 bar. The temperature range is designed to accommodate both CIP and SIP cleaning procedures. The device is available in pipe sizes DN15, DN25, DN40, and DN50 with pipes and clamp connections according to ASME, ISO, and SMS standards and can be used with or without a display. The FLOWave transmitter is based on the EDIP (Efficient Device Integration Platform) electronics platform, enabling networking with other Bürkert devices into an intelligent system. This not only greatly facilitates integration into existing applications but also simplifies handling of the devices. In addition to measuring volumetric flow and temperature, FLOWave will be expanded in the next step to include additional parameters such as density factor (for liquid detection) and acoustic transmission factor (for bubble detection). Currently, validations are underway for edible oils, yogurt, baby food, adhesives, paints, and motor oils. FLOWave then ranks among the few devices capable of covering this broad range of applications. In water-like media such as acids, alkalis, condensates, and especially in non-conductive water, FLOWave is already very successfully in use.

Proven in the pharmaceutical industry

In the pharmaceutical industry, SAW flow meters have already proven themselves in many different applications, such as measuring the flow of expensive pure water (Image 2), mixing intravenous infusions, numerous dosing and monitoring tasks with various fluids needed for production, as well as critical CIP and SIP processes that require flow and temperature monitoring.