2mhz Transducer Developed To Ensure Better Accuracy In Changing Temperatures

Phil Black - PII Editor 22/04/2016

88 1 minute read

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Morgan Advanced Materials, a world leader in the field of sensor and measurement technology, has launched a 2MHz ultrasonic transducer which gives minimal and predictable changes in zero flow offset due to varying temperature cycles, ensuring optimal measurement accuracy over time.

In the context of industrial and domestic water applications, it is vital to ensure that meter readings accurately reflect the quantity of water used. While Morgan recently developed a method to measure the zero flow offset for a broad range of transducers, the challenge it faced was to account for changes in water temperature which can have an impact on zero flow offset. Previously, this was difficult to achieve, leading to unpredictable results and difficulties in calibration, with the net effect being reduced accuracy.

Morgan has now successfully developed a transducer with stable zero flow offset changes according to temperature cycles, resulting in greater overall accuracy. Operating within a range of 2ºC (36ºF) and 65 ºC (149ºF), zero flow offset is up to 40 picoseconds (ps) at low temperatures, while at higher temperatures it is up to 60ps. With this knowledge, transducers can be calibrated in line with these trends.

Morgan’s proprietary range of transducers is comprised of materials which remain stable at different temperatures, ensuring that results are not comprised by external conditions which may undermine the quality of the measurement. Using a 2MHz sound wave can help maintain accuracy by keeping a high signal to noise ratio, as the possibility for sound waves to be reflected around the pipe is reduced.

Oksana Jaroszak, Development Engineer at Morgan, commented: “We have applied our unrivalled expertise to deliver greater measurement accuracy in transducers used in water supply, both domestic and industrial. Ensuring more precise measurements enables our customers to ensure the way they calculate payments for users accurately reflects water usage, minimising, where possible, the risk of inaccurate charging.”