About Sonar Meters

Sonar flow technology provides a non-intrusive and robust way to accurately and repeatedly measure a wide range of singlephase and multiphase flows, including pulp slurry, sewage, and flows with entrained air.

This emerging technology is based on sonar techniques used for decades in submarine tracking and other underwater acoustic applications. CiDRA, which introduced its SONARtrack™ flowmeters in October 2003, developed it for the highly demanding oil and gas production industry.  CiDRA is still the only manufacturer offering sonar flow processing.

Sonar flow processing captures two measurements: 1) volumetric flow rate (phase fraction) monitoring turbulent eddies and 2) compositional (sound speed) detecting the speed at which sound waves propagate through the fluid within the pipe.

Unlike some conventional flowmeter technologies (e.g. differential pressure, turbine) that create pressure drops by introducing obstructions, sonar measurement measures naturally occurring turbulence, eliminating pressure loss and clogging.

Some applications for sonar include:

·         Oil & gas

·         Oil sands processing

·         Mineral processing

·         Chemical

·         Paper & pulp

·         Consumer Products

·         Water and wastewater treatment

·         Power generation

·         Pharmaceutical

·         Food and beverage Industry