CiDRA SONARtrac® Flow Monitoring System: Precision Without Compromise

CiDRA’s SONARtrac® Flow Monitoring System represents a revolutionary advancement in industrial flow measurement. Designed for demanding environments and complex process conditions, SONARtrac offers a non-invasive, clamp-on solution that delivers highly accurate volumetric flow and entrained air measurements without disrupting operations or compromising reliability.

At the heart of SONARtrac is CiDRA’s patented passive sonar technology. Unlike traditional flow meters that rely on intrusive sensors or ultrasonic signals, SONARtrac uses advanced array processing techniques to “listen” to the acoustic fields generated by turbulent flow within the pipe. This passive listening approach enables precise measurement of both single-phase and multiphase flows, including liquids, slurries, and bubbly mixtures, across a wide range of industries such as mining and minerals processing, water treatment, pulp and paper, and chemical manufacturing.

Non-Invasive, Maintenance-Free Design

SONARtrac’s clamp-on design eliminates the need for pipe penetration, flanges, or coupling gels. The sensor array wraps around the pipe, allowing for fast, safe installation without process downtime. Because the system has no moving parts or wetted components, it is immune to wear, drift, and signal degradation. This ensures long-term reliability and zero maintenance. It is compatible with virtually any pipe material or diameter, including lined and scaled pipes, making it ideal for retrofit applications and harsh operating conditions.

Dual Measurement Capability: Volumetric Flow and Entrained Air

One of SONARtrac’s most powerful features is its ability to simultaneously measure volumetric flow and gas volume fraction (GVF). This dual capability enables true phase fraction management, allowing operators to monitor entrained air or gas in real time. Whether correcting density meter errors, optimizing mass balance, or diagnosing process upsets, SONARtrac provides actionable insights that improve operational efficiency, product quality, and process control.

Versatile Product Line for Diverse Applications

CiDRA offers a range of SONARtrac models tailored to specific industry needs:

• VF-50: Ideal for municipal water and wastewater applications, including influent flow, sludge lines, and return activated sludge (RAS) monitoring.
• PW VF-100: A cost-effective solution for process water applications, offering the same reliability and performance in a compact form.
• VF/GVF-100: Combines volumetric flow and entrained air measurement for slurry and multiphase flows.
• HD VF/GVF-100: Designed for high-dispersion environments, delivering robust performance in the most challenging conditions.

Each system includes a transmitter with a digital signal processor, self-diagnostics, and remote data logging capabilities. Outputs include analog (4-20 mA), digital pulse, alarm signals, and support for industrial protocols such as HART®, MODBUS®, PROFIBUS® PA, and FOUNDATION Fieldbus™.

Unmatched Benefits for Industrial Operations

SONARtrac delivers measurable benefits across the board:

• Improved process uptime: Install while the process is running with no shutdown required.
• Lower operating costs: No recalibration, no maintenance, and no consumables.
• Enhanced product quality: Accurate flow and air content data support better control and consistency.
• Increased asset utilization: Real-time diagnostics and data logging help optimize performance and reduce waste.

Trusted Worldwide

Thousands of installations across the globe rely on SONARtrac for accurate, repeatable flow measurement in the most demanding environments. From oil sands and mineral slurries to corrosive chemicals and bubbly flows, CiDRA’s technology has proven its value in improving operational efficiency and reducing lifecycle costs.