Function and system design

Time-of-flight method
The sensor of the Prosonic M transmits ultrasonic pulses in the direction of the
product surface. There, they are reflected back and received by the sensor.
The Prosonic M measures the time t between pulse transmission and reception.
The instrument uses the time t (and the velocity of sound c) to calculate the
distance D between the sensor membrane and the product surface:
D = c t/2
As the device knows the empty distance E from a user entry, it can calculate the
level as follows:
L=E-D
An integrated temperature sensor compensates for changes in the velocity of
sound caused by temperature changes.
Interference echo suppression
The interference echo suppression feature on the Prosonic M ensures that
interference echos (e.g. from edges, welded joints and installations) are not
interpreted as a level echo.
Calibration
Enter the empty distance E and the span F to calibrate the device.
Blocking distance
Span F may not extend into the blocking distance BD. Level echos from the
blocking distance cannot be evaluated due to the transient characteristics of the
sensor.

Enter "Flow to Level" linearization curve ("Q/h curve") manually via the on-site
display.
Input
Measured variable The distance D between the sensor membrane and the
product surface is measured (page 2).

Using the linearisation function, the device uses D to calculate:

Level L in any units
Volume V in any units
flow Q across measuring weirs or open channels in any units
Measuring range The measuring range is limited by the range of a sensor. The
sensor range is, in turn, dependent on the operating conditions. To estimate the
actual range, proceed as follows (see also the calculation example in the
diagram):
1. Determine which of the influences shown in the following table are
appropriate for your process.
2. Add the corresponding attenuation values.
3. From the total attenuation, use the diagram to calculate the range.

Open channels for flow measurement with ultrasonics

Applications
Khafagi-Venturi flumes are used for measuring the outflow of open channels
such as the inflow and outflow of industrial and communal wastewater. KhafagiVenturi flumes are best installed when directly fitted into a new channel under
construction. It is a fully calibrated unit which guarantees maximum accuracy.
Khafagi-Venturi semicoques can also mounted in channels at low cost at a later
date.
The Measuring System
Construction
The Khafagi-Venturi are used in an open channel and provide a direct
relationship between flowrate (l/s...m/h) and the upper water level. The
flowrate can thus be determined from the height of the water directly upstream
of the Khafagi-Venturi constriction.
The level of the headwater is measured by a non-contact, and thus
maintenance-free, ultrasonic level measuring system, e.g. Prosonic. An
integrated flow computer then converts the measured value into a flowrate at
the outflow.
The amount of water flowing is totalised and shown by an internal counter (see
Fig.).
Additional features:
Creep suppression
Sampling as a function of either quantity or time

The linearization curve of all common standard channels and weirs are already
programmed in and can be called up. Special constructions can be individually
programmed as required
For flow measurement
All common Q/h characteristic curves for measuring flow rates with flumes and weirs
are stored in the Prosonic. Other Q/h curves can be entered (up to maximum of 32
points). Three different programmable counting pulses for totalizing can be sent to the
relay outputs for controlling external counters. The transmitter itself has a resettable
software counter; a non-resettable totalizer is available as an option.

Supplementary
Documentation

Ultrasonic sensor Prosonic FDU 80

Technical Information TI 189F/00/e
Ultrasonic sensor Prosonic FDU 861
Technical Information TI 190F/00/e
Prosonic FDU 80/FMU 861
Operating manual BA 100F/00/e
Measurement without constrictions Canalflo KDR 100/KDS 100/RDS 100
Technical Information TI 042/11/e
Endress+Hauser
Prosonic documentation (BA 100/00/e).