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Clamp-on type flow sensor for liquids

Measure liquid flow without contact using the PFUW clamp-on ultrasonic sensor

Discover PFUW, the clamp-on ultrasonic flow sensor for liquids. Measure flow without contact, avoid leaks and pressure loss, and monitor water, oil, chemicals and more with one device.

Measure liquid flow accurately without compromising your process

In modern manufacturing, controlling liquid flow is essential to ensure product quality, process stability and operational efficiency. However, traditional in-line flow sensors often create limitations that impact performance, maintenance and flexibility.
When sensors are in contact with fluid, they can introduce risks, increase costs and reduce reliability, especially when working with different or aggressive liquids.

Common challenges engineers face:

  • Risk of leakage, clogging or contamination due to invasive sensors
  • Limited compatibility: different sensors required for water, oil or chemical liquids
  • Pressure loss affecting process efficiency
  • Complex installation requiring pipe modification and machine downtime
  • Inability to measure low flow rates accurately.

These limitations make it harder to optimise processes and adapt production systems.

PFUW series – Clamp-on ultrasonic flow sensor, non-invasive monitoring

The PFUW series is a clamp-on ultrasonic flow sensor designed to measure the flow rate of liquids from outside the pipe, without coming into contact with the fluid. 
This approach transforms how flow monitoring is implemented making it simpler, safer and more versatile.

Key benefits:

  • Measure liquid flow without contact
    Non-invasive ultrasonic technology measures from outside the pipe, eliminating pressure loss, leakage, clogging and contamination, with no pipe modification required
  • Use one sensor for multiple liquids
    Monitor water, oil, chemical liquids, antifreeze, beverages and hot fluids up to 90°C, increasing flexibility across different machines and processes
  • Install easily on existing piping
    The clamp-on mounting only requires two screws, enabling fast retrofit, reduced downtime and simpler installation than traditional clamp-on flow sensors
  • Monitor accurately from low flow rates
    Reliable measurement starting from 0 l/min, ideal for cooling circuits, process fluids and industrial utility lines
  • Access real-time data and simplify integration
    Integrated display and IO-Link communication provide real-time flow monitoring, easy configuration and faster diagnostics
  • User-friendly display
    A 128x128 dot-matrix LCD with dual-screen view displays multiple parameters at once for more information at a glance, while 90° rotation ensures clear visibility and easy visual checks from any installation angle.
PFUW Series

PFUW Series

Measure more, intrude less

Discover the full technical specifications of PFUW

See how clamp-on ultrasonic flow measurement works

Unlike conventional sensors, PFUW uses ultrasonic wave transit time technology to calculate flow rate through the pipe wall.

This enables reliable measurement without interrupting the process or altering the piping.

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How non-invasive flow monitoring improves your industrial applications

Cooling systems in processing machines

Beverage flow control in filling machines

Cooling of welding equipment

Cooling systems

Get your own application

Everything you need to know about non-invasive liquid flow measurement

What are the applicable fluids for the PFUW series?

The PFUW series is suitable for general liquids, as it can measure water, oil, chemicals and other types. However, if air bubbles or foreign substances are present in the liquid, measurement can become unstable. It cannot be used with air or gas. 

What is the best way to measure liquid flow without cutting the pipe?

The most efficient solution is using a clamp-on ultrasonic flow sensor, which is installed outside the pipe and measures flow using ultrasonic waves. This allows for flow monitoring without pipe modification, avoiding production downtime, leakage risks and complex mechanical work.

How can liquid flow be monitored without contaminating the fluid?

Non-invasive flow sensors measure flow externally, meaning there is no contact with the liquid. This is especially important in applications involving chemicals, beverages or high-purity fluids, where contamination must be avoided to ensure product quality and process safety.

Why is non-invasive flow measurement important in industrial processes?

Non-invasive measurement helps improve process reliability and efficiency because it:

  • Eliminates pressure loss
  • Reduces maintenance requirements
  • Prevents leakage and clogging
  • Extends equipment lifetime.

It can also easily be installed in existing systems.

Where are ultrasonic flow sensors commonly used?

Ultrasonic liquid flow sensors are widely used in industrial applications such as:

  • Machine cooling systems
  • Chemical processing
  • Food and beverage production
  • Semiconductor manufacturing
  • Water and utility management.

They help ensure stable flow conditions, process control and energy efficiency.

Talk to an SMC expert about your flow measurement application

Whether you need to monitor cooling fluids, chemicals or process liquids, SMC experts can help you select the right solution.

Improve your process reliability with non-invasive ultrasonic flow measurement.

Contact SMC Expert