The development of the ultrasonic flowmeter sensors for mass flow rate measurement: A comprehensive review

• Published in: Flow measurement and instrumentation 2024-07, Vol.97, p.102614, Article 102614
• Main Authors: Afandi, Akhmad, Khasani, Deendarlianto, Catrawedarma, I.G.N.B., Wijayanta, Setya
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Liquid film thickness; Mass flow rate; Two-phase flow; Ultrasonic flow meter
• ISSN: 0955-5986; 1873-6998
• DOI: 10.1016/j.flowmeasinst.2024.102614

A two-phase flow measuring device whose measurement system does not disturb the flow pattern, real-time measurement, and non-destructive measurement or non-intrusive model is a typical tool for an ideal situation. One measuring instrument that meets these criteria is an ultrasonic flow meter. Ultrasonic sensors can measure the velocity of fluid flow in pipelines. It has the advantage of high accuracy and reproducibility and does not make direct physical contact with the fluid in the pipe. Low fabrication costs and fast response make ultrasonic flowmeters widely used for two-phase flow measurements in both horizontal and vertical orientations. The void fraction or liquid holdup and velocity are the two most essential parameters for flow monitoring. The Time of Flight (ToF) method is mainly used for measurements in several ultrasonic flowmeter methods. In the present manuscript, the introductory section of this review explains the advantages of using the Time of Flight (ToF) method and its basic principles. This review also discusses research on measuring velocity and flow rate, differences in intrusive and non-intrusive measurement methods, parameters that affect ultrasonic measurements, and finally, measuring film thickness using non-intrusive methods. •The mass flow rate of two-phase flow is measured using a non-intrusive ultrasonic flowmeter.•The velocity of each phase and the void fraction or the liquid hold-up are two important parameters to be determined for two-phase flow mass flow rate measurement.•The Time of Flight (ToF) method and its basic principles, advantages are discussed in detail.•The comparison of flow patterns characterization using echo amplitude ratio method and other existing methods such as PDF (Probability Distribution Function), PSD (Power Spectral Density) and DWT (Discrete Wavelet Transform) is proposed.