Radar ultrasonic flowmeterAs a new generation of intelligent flow measurement equipment, high-precision and blind spot free monitoring in complex fluid environments has been achieved by integrating millimeter wave radar and ultrasonic technology. Its core advantage lies in breaking through the dependence of traditional equipment on the state of the medium. It can adapt to fully enclosed pipelines (such as industrial conveying pipes and water supply networks), as well as accurately measure non fully open channels (such as urban drainage pipes and rivers), covering the entire flow monitoring from low water level to full pipeline state.
This device adopts dual-mode detection technology of radar and ultrasonic waves. The radar module is based on the Doppler effect and emits 24GHz electromagnetic waves to capture surface flow velocity information of fluids. It is not affected by water turbidity or floating debris interference, and is particularly suitable for particulate media such as sewage and mud; The ultrasonic module achieves high-precision water level monitoring through 1MHz sound waves and calculates fluid volume based on cross-sectional parameters. The two use built-in algorithms to fuse data and automatically switch measurement modes: when the tube is not full, radar non-contact flow measurement is used, and when the tube is full, it switches to ultrasonic contact measurement to eliminate measurement blind spots caused by sudden liquid level changes.
To ensureRadar ultrasonic flowmeterIts long-term stable operation and measurement accuracy require regular maintenance and upkeep. The following are maintenance methods summarized based on relevant technical data:
1、 Regular cleaning
Cleaning the sensor/antenna surface: This is the most critical maintenance step. Regularly (e.g. every 3 months, with specific frequency adjusted according to the on-site environment such as dust, sediment, and oil pollution) inspect and clean the surfaces of sensors or antennas that emit ultrasonic and radar waves.
Cleaning method: Use a soft cloth (such as non-woven fabric) dipped in alcohol or water to gently wipe away dust, scale, oil stains, or any impurities that may adhere. It is strictly prohibited to use metal tools to scrape, in order to avoid damaging sensitive emission surfaces.
Pipeline cleaning: For contact or insertion sensors, it is necessary to regularly check the inner wall of the pipeline for scaling or sediment, and clean it to ensure the normal transmission of signals.
2、 Check installation status
Check fixation and sealing: Regularly check whether the installation bracket and fixing screws of the flowmeter are loose to ensure that the equipment is installed firmly. Check whether the sealing rings at junction boxes, cable interfaces, etc. are aging or damaged, prevent moisture and dust from entering, and ensure the effectiveness of protection levels such as IP68.
Check cables: Check the protective layers of signal cables and power cables for damage, aging, corrosion, or compression. Avoid contact between cables and high temperature, corrosive media, or strong electromagnetic interference sources. It is recommended to install metal sleeves for protection when laying overhead.
3、 Electrical component protection and inspection
Waterproof and moisture-proof: In rainy or humid environments, the transmitter housing and junction box should be checked for signs of water ingress.
Grounding inspection: Ensure that the equipment has good independent grounding, and the grounding resistance should be less than 4 Ω to reduce electromagnetic interference.
Coupling agent inspection (if applicable): For externally clamped ultrasonic sensors, it is necessary to check whether the acoustic coupling agent between the sensor and the pipeline has dried up. Generally, it is necessary to apply or replace specialized silicone grease coupling agents every 6 months to ensure effective transmission of sound waves.
4、 Daily inspection and signal monitoring
Signal quality inspection: Regularly check key parameters such as signal strength and transit time ratio through device display screens or supporting software. Ensure that the signal strength is within the normal range (e.g.>80%) and the transmission ratio is within a reasonable range (e.g. 0.98-1.02).
Data calibration: Compare the instantaneous flow reading of the flowmeter with historical data or other known accurate instruments every month. If the deviation exceeds 3%, the cause should be promptly investigated.
Appearance inspection: During daily inspections, observe whether the equipment body is corroded, damaged, or has accumulated water.
5、 Regular calibration
Real flow calibration: To ensure long-term measurement accuracy (such as ± 0.5%), it is recommended to perform real flow calibration every 12 to 24 months. For situations with high precision requirements, calibration should be conducted once a year.
Comparison and verification: Portable ultrasonic flow meters can be used as standard meters to compare and verify online running radar ultrasonic flow meters, which is a simple and effective calibration method.
6、 Environmental and Seasonal Protection
Winter protection: When the temperature of the pipeline medium is below 0 ℃, in order to prevent icing from affecting the measurement, it is necessary to install a heat tracing strip for insulation of the sensor or pipeline. Note that the heat tracing tape should not directly wrap around the electronic components of the transmitter.
High temperature protection: For high-temperature pipelines, high-temperature resistant coupling agents should be used to ensure that the equipment operates within the specified temperature range.
7、 Troubleshooting and Maintenance Records
Establish a maintenance plan: Develop a detailed maintenance plan and checklist, record the signal strength, transmission ratio, cleanliness, etc. of each inspection, analyze trend changes, and effectively prevent over 90% of failures.
Timely troubleshooting: When faults such as weak signal, flow jump, zero drift, etc. occur, they can be quickly located and solved according to the fault diagnosis table (such as checking coupling agents, eliminating bubbles, checking grounding, detecting cables, etc.).