
Ultrasonic sensor monitors liquid flow rate
Leaks in pipes or sanitary fittings cause not only water wastage, but also material damage. Leak sensors installed on the floor are usually used to warn if water or moisture escapes. However, they cannot report if the leakage occurs in non-visible places, such as damaged water pipes. This is where Audiowell’s ultrasonic sensors come in.
The Audiowell ultrasonic flow measurement module uses ultrasound to measure liquid flow and digitally outputs the flow rate in real time. It consists of a lead-free measuring tube and a pair of connected ultrasonic sensors operating in master-slave mode. The circuit integrated in the sensor can calculate the instantaneous flow and the accumulated water consumption according to the time-of-flight method and thus monitor the condition of the liquid and pipe. It provides higher accuracy than conventional flowmeters. The flow data is available for further processing via a serial communication interface.
Due to the wide dynamic range, any drop from 1 to 6 litres per hour can be detected regardless of where the leak occurs. The flow rates are calculated by the integrated circuit, which provides the data in a digital format. This flow data is used, for example, in smart home systems, where leak warnings can be sent to the occupant via a mobile app when he or she is absent. If an optional electronic valve is available, it is even possible to switch off the water supply as a precautionary measure.
Further information: www.unitronic.de
