WATER / WASTEWATER Clamp-on Ultrasonic Flow Meter


Fig 12. Multiple tube replacement variation in calibration at the ultra-low fl ow region Fig 10. 3D printed clamp-on prototype with clamp sensor over silicone tube and separate display


Fig 13. Batch dispensing variation at different dispense volumes and fl ow rates Fig 11. Initial calibration silicone tube 5-400ml/min @ ±2% linearity


In response to a customer’s requirement for fl ow measurement in a disposable medical tube - specifi cally involving smallbore silicone tubing for plasma-type fl uids delivered by peristaltic pumps - Titan developed prototypes to meet their specifi cations. Initial designs based on Titan’s Metrafl ow® fl owmeter were created using their proprietary knowledge and 3D printing capability to offer practical prototypes for the customer to test in-situ. The prototypes were also fi tted with the customer’s tubing to test the feasibility of a clamped unit. Utilising the new ultra-low fl ow calibration rigs enabled quick assessments to be performed on water in Titan’s in-house facilities.


The basic linearity of initial designs proved to be quite acceptable with a typical linearity of ±2% over the fl ow range of 5 to 400ml/min (see Fig 11.). For such a system to operate practically in the fi eld, it must be reliable and repeatable even when tubing is continuously removed and refi tted into the housing. Initial testing gave a variation between multiple tubes of about ±2% and only became more variable at the very low fl ow end as the noise level increased in the ultrasonic fl ow signal (Fig 12.).


Overall, the performance was better than expected and is very promising for the development of a commercial product to augment the current Atrato®


fl owmeter range.


Apart from fl ow monitoring, volume dosing is the other key technical challenge for this type of system. Accurate and reliable dispensing measurement is a key area in the medical fl ow industry and again, initial trials of multiple dose scenarios enabled by the new calibration rig design, could be tested. The graph above (Fig 13.) shows some of the results of dispensing multiple times at different fl ow rates and total volume dispensed. Even at very low dosing of less than 1ml volume, the repeatability is within 5% at all fl ow rates - again a very encouraging result.


Working with OEM partners, Titan is developing this meter design for multiple tube sizes and materials with a focus on the medical and biopharmaceutical markets, where dosing or fl ow monitoring is required.


Conclusions


This complex project demonstrates Titan’s in-house expertise in exploring practical resolutions to overcome limitations in R&D and expand our breakthrough technology.


By developing in-house capability for accurate and versatile meter calibration and testing, Titan can quickly advance the process from prototype to verifi ed product. In-house proprietary software allows for rapid testing of multiple scenarios encountered by our customers, helping ensure processes are optimised.


The calibration rig design principles will enable Titan to develop and build advanced tools tailored to customer-specifi c needs. Future developments include novel fl uid test units and fully temperature- controlled systems, supporting the creation of cutting-edge products for both universal applications and OEM-specifi c solutions in the global market.


Neil Hannay, Senior Development Engineer of Titan Enterprises Limited


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