Unique Benefits of Ultrasonic Flowmeters - GPI QStar Meters

Six Unique Benefits of QStar Ultrasonic Flowmeters

1. Ease of use: Quick-start Menu / Online Help / Online diagnostics.
2. All-Inclusive-Concept: Flowmeter / Heat Meter / Datalogger.
3. AND-Technology: Anti-Noise-Deflector: The materials used in all ultrasonic transducers emit an ultrasonic signal reflection that creates "Noise." To reduce Noise, QStar’s Anti-Noise-Deflector Technology provides an acoustic mirror in which the transducer reflects noise signals, so they do not disrupt the regular ultrasonic signal. The angle of reflection determines if the signal is (a regular ultrasonic signal or noise). The noise signal is not the same angle as the regular signal, and therefore reflected in the acoustic mirror. The reflected signals are absorbed into the transducer.
4. AFC-Technology: Automatic Fluid Control: Refraction bends with velocity and an acoustic signal will change its angle.  Sonic velocity is used to calculate the refraction angle of the signal path in the fluid in order to determine the correct position of the receiving transducers. If the sonic velocity of the fluid changes (changes in temperature or in composition of the fluid) the position of the transducer is no longer correct and causes a loss in accuracy.  QStar’s Automatic Fluid Control Technology measures the sonic velocity of the fluid. Comparing this to the "original sonic velocity", it continuously calculates for any "miss-positioning" of the transducers.  As such, AFC compensates for changes and provides good meter accuracy.  
5. On-Line-Diagnostics including oscilloscope mode: QStar offers diagnostic screens for the analysis of data which helps experienced users to handle challenging applications and enable the user to verify the quality and correctness of the ultrasonic measurement. In the diagnostic data venue the sonic velocity of the fluid is displayed. By comparing this data with literature data found in the QStar Owner's Manual, the user can qualify his measurement. The Signal Quality and the S/N-ratio are displayed to enable the user to ensure proper operation of the flowmeter. The Oscilloscope mode provides a visual check of the quality of the signal and to identify interfering or disturbing noise signals or ringing. Experienced users can delete such disturbing signals by using the oscilloscope mode.
6. Coded Bursts / Cross correlation signal detection: Signal noise comes from various sources; frequency converters for pumps, pipe noise, signal scattering from particulate or gas bubbles, etc. QStar’s Cross Correlation Signal Detection uses state-of-the-art signal coding and detection algorithm to identify the valid signal sent from the flowmeter and effectively filters out unwanted noise.

Click here to view the QStar Ultrasonic Flowmeter product specifications

Introducing the QStar Ultrasonic Flowmeters

GPI releases two, new ultrasonic flowmeters, both fixed and portable models, use transit time technology. These clamp-on flowmeters include a large, backlit LCD. The robust flowmeters provide accurate and drift-free measurement. Both models include integrated heat quantity measurement capabilities. Choose from three sets of transducers covering pipe sizes from ½ to 240 inches. QStar Flowmeters include several unique features, like online diagnostics, noise filters and a parameters calculator.

Typical applications include Water/Waste Water Management, Facility Management, Power Plants, Chemical, Food, Beverage and HVAC Industries.

GPI QStar Flowmeters include transmitter, transducer, mounting belts/chains, coupling grease, complete Operating Instructions and GPI Technical Support.

For more information, contact:
Mark Bieberle, Marketing Manager – Industrial Products
Phone: 888-996-3837

Or visit the Qstar Ultrasonic Flowmeter Online Catalog

Flowmeter Basics:Accuracy, K-Factor and Installation - Part 2 of 2

In part one of the Flowmeter Basics Blog Series we discussed the turbine and oval gear flowmeter types and some of their pros and cons. In part two we will focus defining accuracy, K-Factor and give a few installation guidelines for turbine flowmeters.

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Flowmeter Basics:Flowmeter Types - Part 1 of 2

It is difficult to find a segment of our lives that hasn’t been touched by liquid flow measurement. Applications for flowmeters abound from pharmaceuticals to food processing to irrigation. In this post we will explain the basics of flow measurement. We’ll include some of the advantages and limitations of various technologies. Additionally, we will examine the effects of certain fluid properties on a variety of meters.

Flowmeter Choice

Choosing the best flowmeter for your application depends on a number of factors. Range of flowrate required, pipe size, material compatibility and information format. In almost every case, multiple meter technologies can accurately measure the fluid. To determine the best measurement device that satisfies all of the user’s requirements you need to know the following:

• Technology choices available
• Cost and performance of each type
• Foot print and maintenance requirements of different meters
• Strenghts and weaknesses of each type of meter

Flow Basics

It is important to first understand some basic factors about how liquid flows through a closed pipe. In general, each application will have a set of associated properties consisting of velocity, temperature, viscosity, density, turbulence and flow profile. Each of these variables plays a part in determining which technologies best suit the application and the ability to provide the customer with the required information.

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Victor Lukic named GPI President

Great Plains Industries, Inc., a global leader in Fluid Transfer Pumps and Meters, today announced it has named Victor Lukic as company president, succeeding Grant Nutter who died earlier this year. Lukic took over in November and is based at the company’s headquarters in Wichita.

"We are very fortunate to have Vic join the GPI team." Vic fully embraces the GPI philosophy of providing great customer service while producing high quality products. He also recognizes the important role played by the GPI employees who have built the company as a world leader. "

Lukic has broad management experience in a variety of industries and has held leadership positions in companies such as Grundfos North America, Kitchen Craft and Kohler Cabinetry. He holds a BBA degree in Business Administration and a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering.

GPI designs, manufactures and markets quality products for the worldwide Fuel Transfer and Liquid Flowmeter markets.