How the Bubble Detection Feature Works and What It Means for em-tec Products

1. Introduction

Next to a reliable flow measurement solution, bubble or air-in-line detection is an essential feature in many applications within the medical field as well as the bioprocessing industry.

2. 2-in-1 Flow Board

Our range of customizable flow measurement boards now also features a variant that provides both flow measurement and bubble detection– all in one component:
the SonoTT™ SkyLark gold.

3. Transit Time Method

Like the flow measurement itself, the bubble detection is also based on the ultrasonic transit time difference method where ultrasound signals are sent to and from one piezo ceramic inside the sensor head to another.

4. Acoustic Coupling or RSS

One important feature within the transit time method is the Received Signal Strength (RSS) or acoustic coupling. Air within the medium disrupts the ultrasound signal and therefore weakens the signal strength. This means that the RSS value drops whenever there is a bubble within the tubing system.

5. Data Transmission

When a bubble is detected, a warning is issued from the SonoTT™ SkyLark gold to the host system. There are two types of interfaces available for this board variant:
the CAN interface and
the RS-232 interface.

6. Benefits

With the integration of the SonoTT™ SkyLark into their system, users gain a fully harmonized system providing a flow measurement and bubble detection function. In addition to the wide range of available flow sensors and customization options, the system allows for a seamless integration and data transfer, making it a high-level, 2-in-1 solution.