Support Center: Guides & FAQs

In this particluar case a flow meter is used to determine the flow and the total consumption of compressed air. The flow Almost all modern flow sensors require a so-called fully developed flow profile for accurate measurement. This profile is disturbed by obstacles and the direction changes in the pipeline and must be “straightened” over longer straight runs. That`s why particular inlet and outlet sections are defined and specified in multiples of the pipe diameter.

To maintain a compressed air flow meter, you should follow these steps:

• Regularly check the calibration of the flow meter. It’s recommended to calibrate the meter at least once a year or as often as specified by the manufacturer or regulatory requirements.
• Keep the flow meter clean. Dirt, dust, and debris can accumulate on the flow meter over time, affecting its performance. Clean the meter regularly with a soft brush or compressed air.
• Check the installation of the flow meter. Make sure that the meter is installed correctly and that all connections are tight.
• Check the process conditions. Make sure that the process conditions, such as temperature and pressure, are within the range that the meter is designed to handle.
• Check the flow rate. Make sure that the flow rate through the meter is within the range that the meter is designed to handle.
• Check the control unit and software. Make sure that the control unit and software are working properly, and that the settings are correct.
• Keep the meter lubricated. Some flow meters require lubrication to function properly. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure that the meter is properly lubricated.
• Replace the sensor and other wearable parts as needed. The sensor and other wearable parts of the flow meter may need to be replaced over time. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions for recommended replacement intervals.
• Keep the flow meter protected. Flow meters are often exposed to harsh environments, so it is important to protect them from extreme temperatures, vibration, and other environmental factors.

It’s important to consult the manufacturer’s instruction manual for specific maintenance procedures and recommendations. It’s also recommended to contact the manufacturer or a qualified service technician if you are unsure about how to maintain your flow meter.

To clean a thermal mass flow meter, always handle the sensor with care to avoid damage.

First power off and disconnect the meter. Inspect the sensor area for contamination. Remove loose debris with clean, dry compressed air, using only gentle pressure. Never touch the sensor element or use abrasive tools.

If needed, use mild cleaning solutions approved by the manufacturer and keep them away from the sensor element. Allow all parts to dry completely before powering the device again.

After cleaning, perform a calibration check to ensure accurate operation. Regular inspections, cleaning, and calibration help maintain long term performance and prevent buildup.

If unsure about any step, follow the manufacturer’s instructions or consult a qualified technician.

• The transducers are mounted at the wrong spacing or on an unsuitable pipe surface.
• Pipe parameters such as material, wall thickness, diameter, or liner are entered incorrectly.
• The pipe is not completely filled.
• Air bubbles, solids, heavy turbulence, or deposits interfere with the ultrasonic signal.
• Coupling quality between transducer and pipe is poor.
• The pipe surface is contaminated with paint, rust, scale, or other deposits that block acoustic contact.

• Mount transducers on the side of the pipe – avoid mounting on top of the pipe, as gravity can create air gaps between the transducer and the pipe surface, blocking acoustic transmission.
• Prepare a smooth, clean pipe surface – remove all paint, rust, scale, and other deposits from the mounting area; the surface must be smooth and in direct contact with the transducer for proper coupling.
• Apply adequate coupling gel – use enough high-quality coupling gel to ensure complete acoustic contact between the transducer and pipe; poor coupling is a common cause of signal loss and instability.
• Verify transducer spacing and orientation – confirm correct transducer spacing and mounting angle according to the installation guide; incorrect spacing will degrade signal strength.

• Recheck all entered pipe data – verify the pipe material, wall thickness, diameter, liner type, and selected mounting method match the actual installation.
• Ensure the pipe is completely full – the pipe must be full at the measuring location; partially filled pipes cause unstable or missing signals.
• Avoid unsuitable measuring locations – do not install meters in pump discharge zones or highly disturbed sections; move to a hydraulically calmer section if turbulence is excessive.
• Inspect the process – check for entrained air, suspended solids, internal scaling, lining effects, or other flow disturbances that interfere with ultrasonic transmission.
• Test signal quality – review the signal strength indicator on the meter; a weak or fluctuating signal confirms an installation or process issue.