Ultrasonic sensors are among the most popular and easiest ways to take flow rate measurements in a flume or weir box. They utilize sonic waves to measure surface height of a flow without ever having to even touch the water directly. To set them up, however, you’ll need special brackets to keep them in place. Learn what to look for in ultrasonic mounting brackets, and discover the most important features to have.
Adjustability
Any good ultrasonic mounting bracket will offer convenient adjustability. Whether your flow conditions have changed or something knocked the bracket out of position, having one that’s easily adjustable can save a lot of hassle when you need to adapt to changing circumstances. The best adapters will be adjustable on the X, Y, and Z-axis for maximum efficiency.
When looking at adjustability, it’s also important to note that the best brackets tend to be modular units. That means certain parts can easily be swapped out for new parts all in the field without having to uninstall the entire bracket to make the repair. The amount you’d save on labor alone is substantial enough to opt for high quality brackets because you will inevitably need maintenance eventually.
Durability
While a mounting bracket doesn’t get as much wear and tear as the walls of your flume or weir box would, it’s still important to opt for one that’s durable. Durability plays an important role in mounting brackets, as they will get hit with materials from the flow as well as the surrounding elements in many cases, and they need to be properly protected.
Opting for a bracket made from corrosion-resistant materials is essential if you want to maximize its life span as much as possible. Even applications that deal with clean or treated water will still be corrosive over time simply due to the sheer force of the flow itself, though it will take significantly longer to corrode compared to a flow with corrosive chemicals within.
Mountability
No mounting bracket would even be worth the title if it couldn’t easily be mounted. You’ll want a bracket that is not only easy to mount, but mounts in a way that integrates it fully within the flume or weir box itself. Of course, the bracket also needs to be able to be mounted in the proper position, but that’s quite a challenge for some designs.
If you don’t have a flat section of your flume to mount your bracket to, you’ll need extra features like a ratcheting base assembly. Alternatively, you may need an additional vertical arm to put the ultrasonic sensor securely in the right place in channels that are wider than usual. Remember, fixed brackets are easy to mount but difficult to alter. Adjustable brackets can be slightly more difficult to mount in some cases, but it’s far easier to make alterations.
Ultrasonic Mounting Brackets from Tracom
Now that you know what to look for in ultrasonic mounting brackets, it’s time to get some of your own. At Tracom, our team is happy to work with you to find the perfect solution tailored to your unique weir or flume setup. Contact us today to learn more!
