3. September 2026 by Bohuslav Bobrik Bohuslav Bobrik

Panametrics Technology Improves Flow Measurement Reliability and Accuracy for the Semiconductor Industry

APPLICATION NOTE

Panametrics Technology Improves Flow Measurement Reliability and Accuracy for the Semiconductor Industry

Summary

To help optimize, track and measure its raw water usage, a South Korean chip manufacturer turned to Panametrics for solutions. The customer faced challenges with the accuracy and reliability of traditional electromagnetic flow meters from competing manufacturers, leading to difficulties reporting water usage and disparities with the national water supply company over the volumes of water used at the semiconductor site. This led to the opportunity for Panametrics to evaluate the application for a clamp-on installation.

Fluid	Raw water
Pipe Size and Material	DN600 (24″) Carbon Steel
Flow Rate	0 – 1,500 m³/h (0 – 6,604 GPM)
Process Temperature	2 – 25 °C (35 – 77 °F)
Requested Accuracy	<±1% of reading

Benefits:

Easy to set up and program
No process interruption
Strong reputation and local support
Reliability and accuracy
Various communication options available

Challenge

The customer required precision measurements but could not allow any process disruption, since the plant operates 24/7. Panametrics provided KOLAS (Korea Laboratory Accreditation Scheme) calibration and verification documents to meet the customer’s required accuracy and performance ahead of commissioning. Because wifi and bluetooth use were prohibited at the site, Panametrics’ engineers carried out a field demonstration at the measurement point using a handheld TransPort PT878 clamp-on ultrasonic flow meter. The accurate and reliable readings recorded during the demonstration matched the customer’s expectations and convinced them that Panametrics’ technology was the right choice.

Solution

For the permanent installation, the customer selected Panametrics’ AquaTrans AT600 clamp-on ultrasonic flow meter with CRS 402 transducers, communicating via RS-485 Modbus to the national water company and providing an analog output to the customer’s SCADA system. Since installation, the flow meter has delivered accurate and reliable readings, resolving the reporting discrepancies for both the customer and the national water company. Pleased with the results and seeing further opportunities to optimize operations using Panametrics’ flow technology, the customer has since ordered an additional 30 AT600 flow meters for the site in South Korea.

Technician installing Panametrics AquaTrans AT600 clamp-on transducers on a raw water pipeline

Ultrasonic Flow Meter for Liquids Panametrics AquaTrans AT600

Datasheet (PDF) Panametrics AquaTrans AT600

Source: Panametrics Application Note PANA092AN (panametrics.com) — © Panametrics LLC. Localized and prepared in cooperation with INTECH CONTROL, official Panametrics representative for Slovakia and Hungary.

3. September 2026 by Bohuslav Bobrik Bohuslav Bobrik

Clamp-On Ultrasonic Flow Meters Help Semiconductor Manufacturer BOE Standardize Water Measurement

APPLICATION NOTE

Digital network visualization symbolizing semiconductor manufacturing

Clamp-On Ultrasonic Flow Meters Help Semiconductor Manufacturer BOE Standardize Water Measurement

Summary

Chip demand is at a record high today, driven further by the impact of the pandemic and the ever-increasing demand for digital technology, making the semiconductor industry one of the fastest-growing sectors. Panametrics was approached by an automation contractor on behalf of BOE, a leading manufacturer of LCD and OLED displays, to supply flow meters for a greenfield project manufacturing foldable OLED displays. Hundreds of flow meters were required across the various project milestones.

Application

Fig. 1: Water piping at a semiconductor manufacturing facility, where AquaTrans AT600 clamp-on ultrasonic flow meters are used.

Fluid	Various water lines
Pipe Size	DN50 to DN1600 (2″ – 64″)
Pipe Material	CS, SS, various plastic pipes
Process Temperature	7 – 25 °C (44 – 77 °F)

Benefits:

Zero contamination risk
No interruption to operations
Low maintenance
No pressure drop
Long-term stability and drift characteristics
Bi-directional measurement

Challenge

The semiconductor industry has many water applications – from ultra-pure water used for cleaning, to cooling water for HVAC systems, to raw water and sewage water that is typically treated directly at the site’s own wastewater treatment plant. All of these applications require flow measurement so the customer can achieve better process control and meet reporting obligations to local authorities, so flow meters play an important role. The key requirements for both the automation contractor and the end customer, BOE, were: the ability to measure non-conductive media such as ultra-pure water; reliable and stable measurement for process control; easy installation and commissioning; maintenance-free operation; digital communication capability (HART); and versatility to fit a wide range of pipe sizes and materials.

Solution

Partnering with the Panametrics team, the customer selected AquaTrans AT600 clamp-on ultrasonic flow meters with 2 MHz, 1 MHz and 0.5 MHz transducers in a dual-traverse configuration for the best possible performance: 2 MHz transducers for pipe sizes up to DN50, 1 MHz for DN80 to DN800, and 0.5 MHz for DN850 and above. Between 2019 and 2021, BOE ordered more than 500 AT600 flow meters with HART protocol. The customer is satisfied with both the Panametrics technology and the measurement results, and Panametrics has since become an approved supplier for BOE.

Water piping in a semiconductor fab facility

Ultrasonic liquid flow meter Panametrics AquaTrans AT600

Datasheet (PDF) Panametrics AquaTrans AT600

Source: Panametrics Application Note PANA095AN (panametrics.com) — © Panametrics LLC. Localized and prepared by INTECH CONTROL, the official Panametrics representative for Slovakia and Hungary.

1. September 2026 by Bohuslav Bobrik Bohuslav Bobrik

Flow Monitoring at a Sea Water Reverse Osmosis Plant Improves Water Distribution

APPLICATION NOTE

Sea Water Reverse Osmosis desalination plant

Flow Monitoring at a Sea Water Reverse Osmosis Plant Improves Water Distribution

Problem

One of the largest Sea Water Reverse Osmosis (SWRO) desalination plants in the MEATI region (Middle East, Africa, Turkey and India) asked a Panametrics Channel Partner to verify its existing magnetic flowmeters. Because magnetic flow measurement requires periodic calibration, the plant’s maintenance team wanted a practical verification method suited to both permanent and portable installations on large-diameter pipes. The pipework itself added to the challenge, combining HDPE (high-density polyethylene) and GRP (glass-reinforced plastic) pipe ranging from 800 mm to 1600 mm (32″ to 64″) in diameter. Measurements were needed at the pipeline’s outlet from the SWRO plant, feeding the distribution network, so that flow readings taken next to the existing magnetic flowmeters could be used for an accurate water balance calculation.

Application

Pipe Size	DN1200 (48″)
Material	GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic)
Wall Thickness	7 mm
Straight Runs	20D upstream / 15D downstream

Benefits:

Easy to set up
No mechanical modification
Superior technology
No process interruption
No downtime and acceptable accuracy / repeatability

PT900 clamp-on flow meter with transducers on a DN1200 GRP pipe

Challenge

The customer needed an accurate, repeatable flow measurement solution that was easy to install and would not interrupt plant operations — mechanically modifying the existing inline magnetic flowmeters on the water network was not an option. After trialling several clamp-on ultrasonic flow meters, the Channel Partner demonstrated Panametrics’ technology with a dual-traverse installation on the 1200 mm GRP pipeline, mounting two transducers on the same side of the pipe. Compared with the competing options tested, the customer found the Panametrics setup delivered faster, more accurate and more reliable results.

AquaTrans AT600 transducers mounted on a DN600 HDPE pipe

Solution

The successful demonstration used TransPort PT900 and AquaTrans AT600 ultrasonic clamp-on flow meters, achieving a 1–2% match against the existing magnetic flowmeters and confirming their performance. Following the demo, the customer placed an order and now runs a permanent flow meter solution — combining 1 MHz and 0.5 MHz transducers — on the SWRO plant’s main outlet line, together with a portable unit for periodic checks on the permanent magnetic flowmeters. Despite the large pipe sizes and demanding pipe materials, the customer now benefits from a dual-traverse installation whose accuracy and reliability support process monitoring, an accurate plant balance, and improved overall efficiency and productivity.

AquaTrans AT600 local display showing a flow reading

Ultrasonic liquid flow meter Panametrics AquaTrans AT600

Datasheet (PDF) AquaTrans AT600

Source: Panametrics Application Note (panametrics.com) — © Panametrics LLC. Localized and adapted by INTECH CONTROL, official Panametrics representative in the Slovak Republic and Hungary.

1. September 2026 by Bohuslav Bobrik Bohuslav Bobrik

Brine Flow Measurement in a Geothermal Power Plant

APPLICATION NOTE

Brine Flow Measurement in a Geothermal Power Plant

Problem

Geothermal power plants harness hydrothermal resources containing both hot water (brine) and steam, with the steam driving turbines connected to electricity generators. Brine temperatures typically range from 140°C to 200°C depending on the well. A separator divides the two streams: steam flows on to the turbines, while the brine feeds the plant’s heat exchangers. Accurately measuring geothermal brine flow is essential to well efficiency — it lets operators optimize flow rates and calculate the right dose of scale and corrosion inhibitor needed to sustain or improve well productivity, which in turn can boost well yield and overall power generation capacity. Seeing an opportunity to improve its brine flow measurement process, a South-Eastern European geothermal energy company turned to Panametrics.

Application

Medium	Geothermal brine
Temperature	170°C (338°F)
Pressure	10 barg (145 psig)
Pipe	12″ Sch 40 CS
Flow rate	400 m³/h maximum (1.5 m/s) / 1,761 GPM (4.9 ft/s)

Benefits:

Easy to set up
Easy to operate
No process shutdown
No downtime and no periodic maintenance or calibration needed
Reliable

Flow measurement equipment at a geothermal wellhead

Challenge

The plant had previously relied on other flow measurement technologies to monitor brine, but differential-pressure and electromagnetic flow meters struggled under the harsh operating conditions: solid content caused erosion, and high temperatures took a toll on accuracy. Beyond the technical shortcomings, the customer was frustrated that repairing, refurbishing, or calibrating these meters required shutting the process down entirely, resulting in costly production losses during turnarounds.

Solution

To verify actual flow conditions, Panametrics carried out flow tests using the TransPort PT900 Portable Ultrasonic Flowmeter. Its built-in data logger let the team record and store readings from each well tested, while the battery-powered design meant flow rates could be confirmed at remote wellheads without any external power supply. Because the PT900 clamps onto the outside of the pipe, it could be installed quickly without interrupting the process — a feature the customer valued highly. Following a successful measurement campaign, the customer went on to install nine permanent AquaTrans AT600 flow meters fitted with high-temperature transducers. The plant now benefits from highly accurate, reliable flow measurement with zero downtime for calibration or unplanned repairs.

Ultrasonic liquid flow meter Panametrics AquaTrans AT600

Datasheet (PDF) AquaTrans AT600

Source: Panametrics Application Note (panametrics.com) — © Panametrics LLC. Localized and adapted by INTECH CONTROL, official Panametrics representative in the Slovak Republic and Hungary.

31. August 2026 by Bohuslav Bobrik Bohuslav Bobrik

Airport Turns to Panametrics for Reliable Sewage Flow Measurement

APPLICATION NOTE

Airport Turns to Panametrics for Reliable Sewage Flow Measurement

Problem

An international airport in the Middle East monitored sewage water flowing to its treatment station using an electromagnetic flow meter, but reported inconsistent readings. When a service technician inspected the meter, they found the liner had been damaged and needed to be replaced with a unit using a different lining material. Replacing it would have meant shutting down the line, draining the fluid, renting a crane, and swapping the meter — with the total cost, including at least a full day of lost line availability, far exceeding the price of the meter itself.

Application

Medium	Sewage water with up to 5% solids by volume
Pipe	720 mm (~28″), wall thickness 10 mm
Temperature	Ambient
Accuracy requirement	±1–2% of reading

Benefits:

Reliable, accurate flow measurement
No process interruption
Installs on the outside of the pipe
Extremely cost-effective solution

Solution

The airport already had a Panametrics AquaTrans AT600 clamp-on ultrasonic flow meter running to their satisfaction in the chiller plant. Although initially hesitant to use a clamp-on meter on sewage water carrying 5% solids by volume, they installed an AT600 as a trial — since it could be mounted immediately without interrupting the line. After the trial, the airport was fully satisfied with the meter’s stability and accuracy, and plans to install additional AquaTrans units at the site.

AquaTrans AT600 clamp-on flow meter installed on a 720 mm sewage pipe

Ultrasonic liquid flow meter Panametrics AquaTrans AT600

Datasheet (PDF) AquaTrans AT600

Source: Panametrics Application Note (panametrics.com) — © Panametrics LLC. Localized and adapted by INTECH CONTROL, official Panametrics representative in the Slovak Republic and Hungary.

24. August 2026 by Bohuslav Bobrik Bohuslav Bobrik

Wastewater Treatment Plant Flow Measurement

APPLICATION NOTE

Wastewater Treatment Plant Flow Measurement

Problem

A company in Turkey operates several wastewater treatment facilities in the Istanbul district, mainly using open-channel flow meters at the inlet and outlet. At one facility, flow readings between inlet and outlet were unbalanced by up to 30% — a discrepancy that shouldn’t occur under normal operation. After the open-channel inlet, the pipe runs underground with very limited access for flow measurement, with the only viable access point being the valve room. Most flow meter vendors could not offer a solution, and the wastewater also contained up to 2% solid content by volume.

Pipe	Carbon steel, diameter 2200 mm (88 in), thickness 12 mm (~½ in)
Medium	Waste water, temperature 10 to 20°C (50 to 68°F)
Velocity	0 to 2.3 m/s (0 to 7.55 ft/s)

Application

AquaTrans AT600 clamp-on flow meter measures wastewater intake on a large pipe with very tight available space, providing a non-intrusive solution where traditional flow meters could not be installed.

Benefits:

Reliable measurement despite tight installation space
Handles wastewater with up to 2% solid content
Non-intrusive clamp-on installation, no process shutdown

Solution

The Panametrics partner proposed testing the AT600 clamp-on flow meter for this application, despite the short downstream piping run. The meter was installed in a single traverse configuration, as there wasn’t enough available length for a dual-traverse setup. The customer tested the meter for a full month to properly evaluate its performance, and the results matched expectations. As a public company, the customer had to run a formal tender process — two other companies attempted flow measurement at the same location but could not achieve stable readings, with some showing severe fluctuations. As a result, the customer selected the Panametrics AT600 clamp-on flow meter as the reliable solution for this challenging wastewater application.

AT600 sensor installation close-up detail

Ultrasonic liquid flow meter Panametrics AquaTrans AT600

Datasheet (PDF) AquaTrans AT600

Source: Panametrics Application Note (panametrics.com) — © Panametrics LLC. Localized and adapted by INTECH CONTROL, official Panametrics representative in the Slovak Republic and Hungary.