The Ultrasonic Flow Sensor more flexible than ever

(See ifm at FoodManufacturing.Live, 14 October 2026, on stand 10)

The launch introduces automatic pipe wall thickness detection - a capability that distinguishes the SU Clamp-On from comparable compact clamp-on sensors currently available on the market.

Accurate ultrasonic measurement depends on knowing a pipe's true inner diameter, yet industrial pipes carry wall thickness tolerances of up to +/-10%. The SU Clamp-On addresses this with a third ZT transducer that measures the actual wall thickness during commissioning. By combining this reading with the outer diameter, the sensor determines the true inner diameter and calculates the correct acoustic path automatically. This eliminates errors arising from manual data entry and outdated pipe documentation. Where automatic detection is not possible - such as on very thin stainless-steel tubes - the setup wizard prompts the user to enter the value manually.

This function represents a clear differentiator when compared to competing compact clamp-on sensors in the marketplace. None of the major suppliers of this technology offer integrated wall thickness measurement, leaving users to rely on assumed dimensions or manually entered figures for real-world pipes.

Installation is equally straightforward, taking between two and five minutes. The "Click & Fix" snap-in mechanism, pre-fixed transducers, and a solid EPDM coupling pad eliminate the need for transducer alignment and liquid coupling gel. Users prepare the pipe surface, position the sensor with the upper clamp, close the snap-in mechanism, and tighten two screws to 1.5 Nm using the included Allen key. No specialist tools or pipe cutting are required.

The SU Clamp-On covers nominal sizes DN40 and DN50, with a stainless-steel housing (316L) and an IP69 protection rating for demanding environments. It provides analogue, switching, pulse, and IO-Link connectivity, and holds CE and cULus certifications at launch. Typical applications include cooling water loops, HVAC and building services, hygienic food and beverage utilities, and ultra-pure water (UPW) treatment systems - making the series well suited to retrofit projects in live plants.