Brand: pFlow

pFlow E5 Ultrasonic Energy/BTU Meter

Name: pFlow E5 Ultrasonic Energy/BTU Meter – Datasheet & Quote
Brand: pFlow

Description

Overview

The pFlow E5 Ultrasonic Energy/BTU Meter is a non-invasive energy measurement instrument designed for demanding environments such as data centers, large-scale HVAC systems and building management systems (BMS), where it provides accurate and reliable thermal energy data. Its clamp-on design allows rapid installation without system shutdown or pressure loss, suiting both new and retrofit applications. The meter uses ultrasonic transit-time measurement to deliver precise flow and energy readings, which are critical for optimizing energy consumption, improving Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) and reducing energy waste. Integrated WiFi and RS485 Modbus connectivity let it feed real-time data into modern control and monitoring systems for energy management. It supports a wide range of pipe sizes and fluid temperatures, making it suitable for industrial and commercial applications where accurate energy accounting matters.

Measurement Principle

The pFlow E5 operates on the principle of ultrasonic transit-time measurement. This non-invasive technique involves two ultrasonic transducers that are clamped onto the exterior of a pipe. These transducers function as both transmitters and receivers, sending and receiving ultrasonic pulses through the fluid. The pulses are transmitted in the direction of the flow and against the direction of the flow. The time taken for the ultrasonic signal to travel from the upstream transducer to the downstream transducer (t_down) is shorter than the time taken to travel from the downstream transducer to the upstream transducer (t_up). This time difference (Δt = t_up – t_down) is directly proportional to the velocity of the fluid (v). By precisely measuring this time differential, the meter accurately calculates the fluid velocity. The flow rate (Q) is then determined by multiplying the fluid velocity by the cross-sectional area of the pipe (A), i.e., Q = v * A. To calculate thermal energy, the pFlow E5 simultaneously measures the temperature of the fluid at the supply and return points using high-precision PT1000 temperature sensors. The energy consumption (E) is then calculated by integrating the flow rate and the temperature differential (ΔT) over time, providing a highly accurate measurement of the energy used in heating or cooling processes.

Engineering Design

The pFlow E5 is engineered for robustness, accuracy, and ease of use in industrial settings. The main unit is housed in a durable, IP54-rated enclosure, protecting it from dust and water ingress. The clamp-on transducers are designed for simple and secure mounting on a wide range of pipe materials and sizes, from DN25 to DN1200. The use of high-precision PT1000 temperature sensors ensures accurate temperature measurements, which are critical for reliable energy calculations. The meter’s internal electronics are designed for low power consumption and high noise immunity, ensuring stable and continuous operation. The integrated WiFi module and RS485 Modbus interface provide flexible data communication options, allowing for seamless integration with various industrial automation and control systems. The user-friendly interface and intuitive setup procedure minimize installation time and reduce the potential for errors. The entire system is designed and calibrated to provide a measurement accuracy of ±1% for flow and ±2% for energy, making it a trusted instrument for critical energy monitoring applications.

Key Features

High Accuracy Measurement: Delivers flow measurement accuracy of ±1% and energy measurement accuracy of ±2%, providing reliable data for critical applications.
Non-Invasive Installation: Clamp-on design allows for quick and easy installation without the need for pipe cutting or system shutdown, minimizing downtime and installation costs.
Wide Application Range: Supports a broad range of pipe sizes from DN25 to DN1200 and fluid temperatures from -40°C to 150°C, making it suitable for diverse industrial and commercial systems.
Integrated WiFi and RS485: Offers flexible communication options with built-in WiFi and RS485 Modbus RTU for seamless integration with Building Management Systems (BMS) and industrial automation platforms.
Robust and Reliable: Engineered for industrial environments with a durable enclosure and high-quality components, ensuring long-term stability and performance.
User-Friendly Interface: Features an intuitive interface and guided setup process, simplifying configuration and operation.

Industrial Applications

Data Center Cooling: Monitor and optimize the efficiency of cooling systems in data centers to improve Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) and reduce energy costs.
HVAC Systems: Accurately measure heating and cooling energy consumption in large commercial buildings, facilitating energy audits and performance optimization.
Building Management Systems (BMS): Integrate with BMS platforms to provide real-time energy data for intelligent building automation and control.
Industrial Process Cooling: Monitor and control cooling water circuits in manufacturing processes to ensure optimal operating conditions and energy efficiency.
District Heating and Cooling: Provide accurate energy billing and network monitoring for district energy systems.
Geothermal and Solar Thermal Systems: Measure the performance and efficiency of renewable energy systems.

Measurement Range and Repeatability

The pFlow E5 Ultrasonic Energy/BTU Meter resolves flow velocities from 0.01 up to 5.0 m/s (0.03 to 16 ft/s) with a repeatability of 0.3%, and the quoted ±2% energy accuracy is specified over the 0.5 m/s to 5.0 m/s velocity band that HVAC and district cooling circuits normally operate within. Thermal energy is derived from a pair of PT1000 elements wired on a three-wire interface to eliminate lead-resistance error, and the transducers are supplied with a standard 9 m (30 ft) cable so the transmitter can be mounted at a convenient service position rather than at the pipe itself. The transmitter weighs approximately 0.7 kg and each transducer approximately 0.4 kg, keeping the clamp-on assembly light enough to fit insulated chilled water lines without additional support steelwork.

Data Logging, Connectivity and Power

Beyond its RS485 Modbus RTU link, the pFlow E5 provides a 4–20 mA analog output into a maximum load of 750 Ω, a 0–5000 Hz pulse output suitable for totalizer or billing inputs, and a relay output for threshold alarms. An integrated 8 GB SD card logs measurements at intervals selectable from 1 to 3600 seconds for a maximum storage period of 512 days, so a full cooling season can be retained locally even if the building management link is interrupted. The onboard WiFi module operates in the 2.412 to 2.484 GHz band with roughly 40 m of range in open environments and connects to the manufacturer cloud service for remote viewing from a phone or PC. The unit is powered from 10 to 36 VDC at 1 A and is operated through a 4 × 4 keypad and a backlit 20 × 2 alphanumeric LCD.

Technical Specifications

Parameter	Specification
Flow Accuracy	±1%
Energy Accuracy	±2%
Pipe Size Range	DN25 – DN1200
Temperature Sensors	PT1000
Communication Output	RS485 Modbus RTU, WiFi
Fluid Temperature Range	-40°C to 150°C
Enclosure Rating	IP54

Request a Quote

Seven Star LLC is the official authorized representative of pFlow in Oman. Every energy meter we supply is supported directly by the pFlow factory and by our local technical support team in Oman and the GCC. Contact Seven Star LLC to request a quote (RFQ) or the official pFlow E5 datasheet. Our engineering team is ready to assist with your flow measurement requirements.

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About brand

Clamp-on ultrasonic flow measurement is what pFlow does. The sensors strap to the outside of the pipe and measure liquid flow by transit time, so the line is not cut and nothing touches the fluid. The brand comes from Gentos, an instrument maker focused on ultrasonic flowmeters, flow sensors and heat and cooling energy meters.

Seven Star LLC is the pFlow agency for Oman and the GCC, listing pFlow ultrasonic flowmeters in fixed, portable and LoRaWAN versions, BTU meters and LoRaWAN flow control valves.

pFlow flowmeter families

Most of the listed models are compact clamp-on sensors grouped by pipe size and duty. The GF family (GFCL, GFR, GF-S-CL, GF-SH-CL for hot water and GF-GH-CL for immersion cooling) and the MF micro flowmeters (MFR, MFCL) serve cooling and process loops on small and medium pipes. The MP series are plug-and-play flow sensors, including the MP801 and a LoRaWAN version. The D116-BTU is a wall-mounted ultrasonic BTU meter, the P116 a portable flowmeter for surveys, and the F8 a fixed meter used in aquaculture. Gentos also builds the F3 series clip-on flowmeters, including a panel-mount version. The VC200-R is a LoRaWAN ball valve that works as a flow switch.

Where pFlow meters are used

The manufacturer documents use in liquid cooling for data centers and semiconductor plants, chilled and hot water metering in central air conditioning, water supply networks and irrigation, aquaculture, and utility lines in petrochemical and power plants.

Ordering a pFlow ultrasonic flowmeter: what we need

Clamp-on meters are selected from pipe data. Send the pipe outside diameter, wall thickness and material, any liner, the liquid and its temperature, the expected flow span and the straight pipe length available. Add the output you need (4-20 mA, pulse, Modbus, LoRaWAN) and the supply voltage. For BTU meters include the supply and return temperature span.

FAQ

Questions about the pFlow E5 Ultrasonic Energy/BTU Meter

Answers from our engineering team on installation, compatibility and integration.

01What is the typical installation time for the pFlow E5 Ultrasonic Energy/BTU Meter?

The clamp-on design of the pFlow E5 allows for a rapid and straightforward installation process, typically completed within an hour by a qualified technician, without any interruption to system operation. Can the pFlow E5 be used for fluids other than water? While primarily designed for water and water/glycol mixtures, the pFlow E5 can be configured for other fluids. Please consult with our engineering team at Seven Star LLC to verify compatibility for your specific application. How does the WiFi functionality of the pFlow E5 enhance energy management? The integrated WiFi allows for wireless data transmission to a local server or cloud platform, enabling real-time monitoring and analysis of energy consumption from any location, which is crucial for proactive energy management and PUE optimization in data centers. Is the pFlow E5 suitable for retrofit projects in older buildings? Yes, the non-invasive, clamp-on nature of the pFlow E5 makes it an ideal solution for retrofitting into existing pipework without costly and disruptive modifications, providing modern energy monitoring capabilities to older facilities. What maintenance is required for the pFlow E5 Ultrasonic Energy/BTU Meter? The pFlow E5 is designed for minimal maintenance. As a solid-state device with no moving parts, routine maintenance is generally limited to periodic visual inspection and ensuring the transducers remain securely mounted. How does the pFlow E5 contribute to improving a data center's PUE? By providing precise, real-time data on cooling system energy consumption, the pFlow E5 enables data center operators to identify inefficiencies, optimize cooling performance, and accurately measure the impact of energy-saving initiatives, directly contributing to a lower, more favorable PUE. Can the pFlow E5 be integrated with third-party energy management software? Absolutely. With its standard RS485 Modbus RTU and WiFi connectivity, the pFlow E5 is designed for easy integration with a wide variety of third-party Building Management Systems (BMS) and energy management software platforms.

02How do I request a quotation for pFlow E5 Ultrasonic Energy/BTU Meter?

Send the model number, required quantity and delivery location through the quote request form or by email to Seven Star LLC. The sales team replies with availability, lead time and commercial terms for your Oman or GCC project.

03What information should I provide when ordering pFlow E5 Ultrasonic Energy/BTU Meter?

Provide the full model or part number, quantity, the application and any required options or certifications. This lets the team confirm the exact configuration and avoid ordering a wrong variant.

04Where can I find the datasheet for pFlow E5 Ultrasonic Energy/BTU Meter?

The datasheet and related documents are available for download in the Datasheets & Documents tab on this product page. Contact Seven Star LLC if you need an additional document for your project.

05Can Seven Star LLC deliver pFlow E5 Ultrasonic Energy/BTU Meter to locations across Oman and the GCC?

Seven Star LLC serves industrial customers in Oman and across the GCC. Delivery timing depends on the item and destination and is confirmed in the written quotation.