Ultrasonic sensor technology - Two measuring techniques, one device – SONOFLOW CO.56

SONOTEC: Some challenging applications in human medicine require the combination of flow sensors and air bubble detectors when controlling fluid supply. The German ultrasonic specialist SONOTEC has developed a sensor that unifies both functions. 

The SONOFLOW CO.56 clamp-on sensor for fast bidirectional flow measurement of liquids detects air bubbles simultaneously. Both measuring techniques operate without any contact to the medium – so the sensor is particularly well suited for hygienic use in medical technology. SONOTEC guarantees the detection of air bubbles larger than 1/3 of the internal tube diameter. It had been shown in practice that the sensors even detect bubbles with a volume of less than 2 µl. Hence, the SONOFLOW CO.56 can be used for precise flow measurement as well as for bubble classification.

Easy handling

Developed according to latest medical device standards, the SONOFLOW CO.56 meets strict hygienic regulations. Especially for the medical technology industry, SONOTEC offers the sensor in three typical sizes and measurement ranges: for heart-lung machines, cardiac ablations and infusions. The handling of the sensor is remarkably easy: the tube is simply clamped into the sensor – no coupling medium is required. The installation of the sensor is not influenced by its position. Hence, the sensor can be mounted freely on the tube.

Reliable and fast

The SONOFLOW CO.56 adapts easily to dynamically varying acoustic conditions and thus guarantees high measurement stability when faced with changing environmental conditions. The measurement cycle is 400 µs, while the response time is typically 2 ms. Therefore, the new hybrid sensor detects air bubbles in liquid filled tubes and measurement chambers just as quickly and reliably as the clamp-on sensors of the SONOCHECK-series ABD05, ABD06 and ABD07. Consequently, the sensor enables both – fluid monitoring and wet-dry detection.

Certified products

Just like other products of SONOTEC, the SONOFLOW CO.56 was developed according to the medical device standard EN 60601 3rd edition. SONOTEC itself is certified according to ISO 13485. Thereby, the compliance of all applicable standards is guaranteed.

SONOTEC

Founded in 1991, nowadays SONOTEC GmbH is a leading specialist in ultrasonic measurement technology solutions. With more than 100 employees, the technology company based in Halle (Saale) in the heart of Germany develops and manufactures customer-specific ultrasonic transducers and sensors as well as testing equipment and measuring technology solutions for a wide variety of industries. These range from medical technology and the chemical and pharmaceutical industries to engineering and plant construction and non-destructive testing.