Unlocking Network Insight Without Disruption
As the water industry immerses itself in the challenges of AMP8, the pressure to deliver smarter, more resilient networks continues to build. With the lessons of AMP7 in mind – particularly around leakage reduction, network resilience, and customer impact – water utilities are prioritising scalable solutions that can be deployed rapidly, cost-effectively, and without interrupting service.
One technology rising to the forefront of this transformation is clamp-on ultrasonic flow measurement. Unlike traditional inline metering, clamp-on systems provide a non-intrusive way to gain real-time visibility into the flow of water across critical infrastructure, including large diameter trunk mains, aqueducts, and reservoir connections.
Why Clamp-On Ultrasonic Flow Meters?
Clamp-on ultrasonic flow meters measure flow from outside the pipe using transit-time technology. Transducers are mounted directly onto the pipe wall – no shutdowns, and no civil works required. This makes them an ideal solution for the challenges of AMP8 compliance:
- Non-intrusive installation: Install during live operation with no disruption to supply
- Cost efficiency: Avoid expensive bypass lines, large isolation valves, or chamber construction
- Rapid deployment: Ideal for fast rollout of metering across legacy or hard-to-access assets
- Wide applicability: Suitable for pipe diameters from small bore to over 60 inches
- Zero maintenance: No moving parts, no contact with water, and IP68 options for submerged applications
Meeting AMP8 Objectives with Greater Agility
The shift toward smarter, digitally integrated water networks will define AMP8. Reliable high-quality data is essential for:
- Leakage detection and pressure management
- Accurate water balance reporting
- Regulatory compliance and performance benchmarking
- Early warning systems for asset failures
Clamp-on ultrasonic meters enable utilities to gather the real-time flow data needed to support these outcomes – without the capital expense or complexity associated with traditional metering approaches.
In large-diameter trunk mains, where inline metering can be impractical or cost-prohibitive, clamp-on technology provides a clear path forward. Meters can be installed on steel, ductile iron, plastic, or concrete pipes, and modern 4 and 8-path configurations offer high accuracy even under complex flow conditions.
Proven in Practice, Ready for Scale
Across the UK, water companies have already deployed clamp-on ultrasonic meters, demonstrating both reliability and long-term performance. These systems are in active use on strategic aqueducts, treatment works, and reservoir pipelines where service disruption is not an option.
Verification and health-check tools allow operators to monitor meter performance over time – without needing to access the interior of the pipe or isolate the system.
Positioning for a Smarter, More Resilient Future
As water companies prepare their investment and delivery plans for AMP8, clamp-on ultrasonic flow meters should be considered a cornerstone technology. They align with the industry’s need for:
- Smarter asset management
- Reduced operational risk
- Flexible, low-carbon infrastructure upgrades
- Fast-tracked leakage and performance improvements
Whether for permanent network monitoring or temporary metering during commissioning, bypass, or diagnostics, clamp-on solutions offer versatility that supports both short and long-term goals.
The opportunity to improve network intelligence – without disruption – is already here.
To find out more about the real-world benefits of clamp-on ultrasonic flow measurement in the water industry, for permanent mains-powered installation, or battery-powered rental meters available from 1 week to long-term, contact Tim Warnett or Simon Millington – Flexim | Emerson GB | flexim-uk@emerson.com | +44 (0)1606 781 420
