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Precision Flow Measurement & Control Solutions

Clipper Controls provides precision flow measurement and control solutions designed to ensure accuracy, reliability, and performance across a wide range of process conditions. Our technologies support liquid, gas, and steam flow applications in industries such as water and wastewater, power generation, food and beverage, chemical processing, and more. With trusted products from leading manufacturers, we offer flow instrumentation that meets the highest standards for quality, compliance, and long-term dependability.

​​Gas Flow Measurement

Accurate gas flow measurement is essential in applications where efficiency, safety, and emissions compliance are critical. We offer advanced technologies such as thermal mass flow meters, ultrasonic flow meters, venturi meters, differential pressure meters, and vortex meters that provide reliable, real-time gas flow data with minimal maintenance. These instruments are ideal for applications including natural gas monitoring, HVAC systems, combustion control, and industrial gas distribution.

Our gas flow solutions are designed to perform in a wide range of operating conditions, from low-pressure distribution systems to high-pressure process lines. Non-intrusive options are available for installations where system shutdowns are not feasible. Many models offer direct mass flow measurement without the need for temperature or pressure compensation, reducing complexity while enhancing accuracy.

​​Thermal Mass Flow Meters

Application: Thermal mass flow meters provide direct mass flow measurement for gases. They offer high accuracy and are ideal for low-flow or varying-density applications like HVAC, gas distribution, and biogas.

A variety of thermal mass flow meters

​​Ultrasonic Gas Flow Meters

Application: Non-intrusive ultrasonic flow meters use transit-time technology to measure flow in liquids and gases. They provide excellent accuracy, low maintenance, and easy installation.  Changing gas composition can be accommodated.

A variety of ultrasonic gas flowmeters

​​Venturi & Differential Pressure Gas Flow Meters

Application: These meters calculate flow based on pressure drop across a constriction. Venturi tubes minimize energy loss and are ideal for high-flow, low-maintenance applications.
A variety of venturi flowmeters and differential pressure flowmeters

​​Vortex Gas Flow Meters

Application: Vortex meters detect flow by measuring vortices shed by a bluff body in the fluid. Suitable for steam, gas, and liquid applications with minimal moving parts and high reliability.

A variety of vortex gas flow meters

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​​Liquid Flow Measurement (Full Pipe)

Measuring liquid flow in full-pipe systems requires dependable instrumentation that can perform in a range of fluid conditions and process environments. Clipper Controls offers electromagnetic, ultrasonic, differential pressure, Venturi, and vortex flow meters designed for accurate, long-term performance. These technologies support applications in water treatment, chemical processing, manufacturing, and energy management.

​​Magnetic Flow Meters

Application: Magmeters measure conductive liquids with no moving parts, making them ideal for wastewater, slurries, and corrosive fluids. They deliver long-term reliability and precise performance.

A variety of magnetic flowmeters

​​Ultrasonic Liquid Flow Meters

Application: Ultrasonic flow meters for liquids provide non-invasive measurement with minimal pressure drop. Perfect for clean or dirty fluids in municipal, industrial, and HVAC systems.
A variety of ultrasonic liquid flowmeters

​​Differential Pressure & Venturi Liquid Flow Meters

Application: Reliable and cost-effective for measuring liquid flow, these systems offer robust performance in high-temperature and high-pressure conditions with minimal maintenance.
A variety of differential pressure and venturi flowmeters

​​Vortex Liquid Flow Meters

Application: Versatile for clean liquid flow, vortex meters are durable, low-maintenance, and unaffected by fluid conductivity or viscosity. Great for water, chemicals, and steam.

A variety of vortex liquid flowmeters

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​​Steam Flow Measurement

Steam flow measurement is vital for process efficiency, energy monitoring, and safety in industrial systems. We offer technologies such as vortex and differential pressure (DP) flow meters to accurately measure saturated and superheated steam in both utility and process applications. These instruments are built to withstand high temperatures and pressures while delivering dependable flow data.

​​Ultrasonic Steam Flow Meters

Application: Utilizing ultrasonic signals, these non-intrusive meters accurately measure steam flow without disrupting the process. Ideal for applications requiring minimal pressure drop and high turndown ratios.

A variety of ultrasonic steam flowmeters

​​Differential Pressure Steam Flow Meters

Application: By measuring pressure differences across a constriction, these meters calculate steam flow rates. Suitable for high-pressure and high-temperature environments in industries like chemical and power generation.
A variety of differential pressure steam flowmeters

​​Vortex Steam Flow Meters

Application: These meters detect vortices shed by a bluff body in the steam flow to determine velocity. They are versatile, handling liquids, gases, and steam, and are commonly used in chemical and petrochemical industries.

A variety of vortex steam flowmeters

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​​Liquid Flow Measurement (Water Flow, Open Channel)

Open channel flow measurement is essential for water management in environmental monitoring, wastewater treatment, and stormwater systems. We provide a range of non-contact and submerged technologies, including laser-based Doppler velocity meters and ultrasonic level sensors. These instruments offer accurate flow data in partially filled channels, flumes, and weirs.

Devices like the LaserFlow system measure flow velocity below the surface while using ultrasonic technology for level detection. This combination delivers highly accurate flow calculations, even in variable hydraulic conditions. We also offer traditional flow structures such as Parshall flumes and weirs, which provide long-lasting, low-maintenance solutions for measuring flow in open environments.

​​Flumes & Weirs

Application: Flumes and weirs are primary devices used to measure flow in open channels, manholes, and other non-pressurized applications. They are essential in water resource management and irrigation systems.

A variety of flumes and weirs

​​Laser Flow Meters

A non-contact subsurface velocity measuring laser flowmeter ideal for open channel flow applications. It uses advanced laser Doppler technology to measure flow below the surface, making it suitable for challenging conditions like shallow, fast, or debris-laden flows in wastewater, stormwater, and industrial discharge channels.

Laserflow Laser Flowmeter

​​Submerged Doppler Flow Meters

Application: These meters use acoustic Doppler technology to measure flow velocity in open channels and pipes, even when submerged. Commonly applied in wastewater treatment and environmental monitoring.
A variety of submerged doppler flowmeters

​​Manholes

Application: Manholes provide access points for installing flow instrumentation in underground or confined sewer and stormwater systems. They enable accurate flow measurement in hard-to-reach areas, supporting regulatory compliance, system maintenance, and performance monitoring.
A variety of manholes

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​​Flow Switches

Flow switches are used to monitor flow presence or absence and to protect equipment from damage due to dry running or insufficient flow. We offer thermal dispersion, paddle, and ultrasonic gap flow switches that provide dependable performance in a wide range of liquid and gas applications. These switches are designed for reliability, easy installation, and minimal maintenance.

​​Thermal Flow Switches

Application: Thermal dispersion flow switches monitor the flow status of liquids and gases by detecting temperature differences. They are maintenance-free and suitable for applications with contaminated or aggressive media.

thermal flow switches

​​Paddle Flow Switches

Application: Featuring a simple design with a paddle placed in the flow path, these switches detect movement to monitor liquid flow. They are used in applications like pump protection, cooling circuits, and water fire suppression systems.
A variety of paddle flow switches

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​​Flow Measurement & Control Applications

​Municipal Water & Wastewater Treatment Applications

Flow measurement and control play a vital role in every stage of municipal water and wastewater treatment—from raw water intake and chemical dosing to effluent discharge and stormwater management. Accurate flow data ensures regulatory compliance, efficient operations, and system optimization.

Recommended Products

Teledyne ISCO LaserFlow™ Non-Contact Area Velocity Laser Flow Meter
The Teledyne ISCO LaserFlow is a precision non-contact flow meter that measures flow in open channels using advanced laser technology. Designed as a water flow sensor and velocity sensor, it captures both surface and subsurface velocities to provide highly accurate readings even in challenging flow conditions. As part of the Teledyne ISCO Signature Flow Meter family, this laser flow meter offers reliable data collection for applications such as stormwater, wastewater, and industrial discharge monitoring. The LaserFlow functions as a versatile flow rate sensor and stream velocity meter, minimizing maintenance by eliminating direct contact with water. This innovative flow measurement sensor ensures compliance and performance where traditional water flow devices may fall short.

Kurz 410FTB – Aeration Basin Air Flow Control
The Kurz 410FTB thermal mass flow meter is specifically designed for monitoring aeration air flow in water and wastewater treatment facilities. Its rapid response to velocity changes and low noise signal enable precise control of dissolved oxygen (DO) levels, leading to significant energy savings by optimizing blower operation.

Panametrics TransPort PT900 – Portable Flow Verification
The Panametrics TransPort PT900 is a portable ultrasonic flow meter ideal for spot-checking flow rates in various parts of a water treatment plant. Its clamp-on design allows for non-intrusive measurements without process interruption, making it perfect for verifying existing flow meters or conducting temporary flow studies.

Wyatt Engineering Venturi Flow Tubes – Chemical Dosing Accuracy
Wyatt Engineering's Venturi Flow Tubes provide accurate and reliable flow measurement for chemical dosing systems in water treatment processes. Their design ensures minimal pressure drop and high accuracy, which is crucial for maintaining proper chemical concentrations and ensuring water quality.

SOR Flow Switches – Pump Protection in Lift Stations
SOR's flow switches are utilized in lift stations to monitor the presence or absence of flow, protecting pumps from running dry or operating under low-flow conditions. This safeguards equipment, reduces maintenance costs, and ensures continuous operation of wastewater collection systems.

Openchannelflow Parshall Flumes – Open Channel Flow Measurement
Openchannelflow's Parshall Flumes are employed to measure flow in open channels such as influent streams or effluent discharge points. Their standardized design and reliable performance make them a preferred choice for accurate flow measurement in wastewater treatment facilities.

Kurz 454FTB-WGF – Digester Gas Flow Monitoring
The Kurz 454FTB-WGF is a robust thermal mass flow meter engineered specifically for wet gas environments, making it an ideal choice for accurately monitoring biogas flow from anaerobic digesters. Its heated sensor design compensates for moisture and condensation, ensuring stable performance even in saturated gas streams typical of digester applications. This meter delivers precise, real-time mass flow measurements of methane-rich gas mixtures, which are critical for optimizing energy recovery systems, maintaining digester efficiency, and ensuring compliance with greenhouse gas reporting requirements. Additionally, the 454FTB-WGF features advanced diagnostics, a wide turndown ratio, and is compatible with both digital and analog output systems, enabling seamless integration with plant SCADA or DCS platforms for continuous process monitoring and control. Its rugged construction and reliable operation in corrosive and variable-flow conditions make it a preferred solution for wastewater treatment plants and renewable energy facilities.

Teledyne ISCO Signature® Flow Meter – Regulatory Flow Monitoring & Reporting
The Signature® Flow Meter is purpose-built for flow monitoring in open channel applications, commonly used at influent and effluent points in municipal wastewater treatment plants. It supports multiple sensor types—including ultrasonic, bubbler, and area-velocity—making it highly adaptable to changing site conditions.

Industrial Gas Distribution Applications

Industrial gas distribution requires precise flow measurement and control to manage variable pressures, gas compositions, and flow rates—making reliable instrumentation essential for safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance.

Recommended Products

Kurz 454FTB-WGF Thermal Mass Flow Meter – Wet Gas Flow Measurement
The Kurz 454FTB-WGF is engineered for accurate measurement of wet gas flows in industrial applications. Its design ensures reliable performance in condensing gas environments, making it ideal for processes where moisture is present in the gas stream.

Panametrics DigitalFlow XGM868i Ultrasonic Gas Flow Meter – Flare Gas Monitoring
The Panametrics DigitalFlow XGM868i is a general-purpose gas flowmeter that offers a rugged transducer, weatherproofing, and is approved for use in hazardous environments. It provides accurate measurements over a wide range of flows and compositions, making it suitable for flare gas monitoring.

Wyatt Engineering Venturi Flow Tubes – High-Accuracy Gas Flow Measurement
Wyatt Engineering's Venturi Flow Tubes provide precise flow measurement with minimal pressure loss, suitable for a wide range of gas applications. Their robust design ensures long-term reliability and accuracy. 

SOR T21 Thermal Differential Switch – Gas Flow Detection
The SOR T21 Thermal Differential Switch utilizes a thermal differential technique to detect gas flow, level, or interface by sensing changes in thermal heat transfer characteristics. It's ideal for applications requiring reliable flow detection without mechanical components.

Panametrics TransPort PT878GC Portable Ultrasonic Gas Flow Meter
The Panametrics TransPort PT878GC is a portable ultrasonic flow meter designed for measuring gas flow in existing pipelines without process interruption. Its clamp-on design allows for quick installation and removal, making it ideal for temporary measurements or verification of existing meters.

Boiler & Steam System Monitoring Applications

Accurate flow measurement is essential for maintaining steam quality in boilers and steam monitoring applications, to optimize fuel usage, and ensuring consistent heat delivery throughout the facility. Reliable instrumentation also supports preventative maintenance and helps avoid costly downtime due to system imbalances or failures.

Recommended Products

Kurz 534FTB In-Line Thermal Mass Flowmeter – Combustion Air Monitoring
The Kurz 534FTB thermal mass flowmeter is designed for monitoring combustion air flow in boiler systems. Its precise measurements enable optimal air-to-fuel ratios, enhancing combustion efficiency and reducing emissions.

Panametrics PanaFlow GS868 Ultrasonic Steam Flowmeter – Saturated and Superheated Steam Measurement
The Panametrics GS868 ultrasonic flowmeter accurately measures mass flow rates of both saturated and superheated steam without causing pressure drops. Its wide rangeability and non-intrusive design make it ideal for various steam applications, ensuring efficient energy usage.

Wyatt Engineering Liberty Venturi Meter – Steam Flow in High-Pressure Systems
The Liberty Venturi Meter by Wyatt Engineering provides reliable differential pressure-based flow measurement in high-pressure steam lines. Its robust design ensures minimal pressure loss and long-term accuracy, essential for boiler efficiency and safety.​

SOR Series 900 Flow Switch – Boiler Feedwater Flow Detection
The SOR Series 900 flow switch detects the presence or absence of flow in boiler feedwater lines. This ensures pumps operate under safe conditions, preventing damage due to dry running or flow interruptions.

Panametrics TransPort PT878GC – Temporary Steam Flow Verification
The SOR Series 900 flow switch detects the presence or absence of flow in boiler feedwater lines. This ensures pumps operate under safe conditions, preventing damage due to dry running or flow interruptions.

Kurz 454FTB-WGF Insertion Thermal Mass Flowmeter – Wet Gas Flow Measurement
The Kurz 454FTB-WGF is tailored for accurate measurement of wet gas flows, such as those found in steam systems with condensate. Its design ensures reliable performance in challenging conditions, maintaining measurement accuracy and system efficiency.

Chemical & Petrochemical Processing Applications

Precise flow control for chemical and petrochemical processing is vital for dosing, blending, and maintaining safe operating conditions in complex chemical environments. Instrumentation must withstand harsh conditions while delivering consistent, real-time data for process optimization and regulatory compliance.

Recommended Products

Kurz 454FTB Thermal Mass Flow Meter – Flare Gas Monitoring
The Kurz 454FTB is designed for accurate measurement of flare gas flow in petrochemical plants. Its rugged construction withstands harsh environments, ensuring reliable data for emissions monitoring and regulatory compliance.

Panametrics PanaFlow XMT1000 Ultrasonic Flow Transmitter – Liquid Flow Measurement in Hazardous Areas
The PanaFlow XMT1000 is an ultrasonic flow transmitter suitable for liquid flow measurement in hazardous environments typical of chemical processing plants. Its multiple-path capability enhances measurement accuracy, crucial for process control and safety.

Wyatt Engineering Flow Nozzles – High-Temperature Steam Flow Measurement
Wyatt Engineering's Flow Nozzles are utilized for measuring steam flow in high-temperature and high-pressure conditions prevalent in petrochemical facilities. Their design ensures longevity and sustained accuracy under extreme conditions.

SOR 1800 Series Pressure Transmitters – Process Pressure Monitoring
The SOR 1800 Series pressure transmitters provide reliable pressure measurements in chemical processing applications. Their robust design ensures performance in corrosive environments, aiding in process control and safety.

Food & Beverage Production Applications

Flow measurement in food and beverage production applications helps ensure consistent product quality, proper ingredient ratios, and efficient cleaning cycles. Instruments must meet strict sanitary requirements and operate reliably under frequent washdowns and varying production demands.

Recommended Products

Panametrics AquaTrans AT868 – Hygienic Water Flow Monitoring
The AquaTrans AT868 is a clamp-on ultrasonic flow meter designed for accurate, non-invasive measurement of water flow in food and beverage processes. Its sanitary design ensures compliance with hygiene standards, making it ideal for monitoring water usage in cleaning and production operations.

Panametrics TransPort PT900 – Portable Flow Verification
The TransPort PT900 is a portable ultrasonic flow meter that allows for quick, non-intrusive flow measurements across various points in a facility. It's particularly useful for verifying flow rates during equipment maintenance or process audits without disrupting production. 

Toshiba Electromagnetic Flow Meter – Ingredient Batching & Liquid Transfer
The Toshiba electromagnetic flow meter delivers highly accurate, repeatable measurements of conductive liquids, making it ideal for ingredient batching, blending, and transfer operations in food and beverage production. Its sanitary design and minimal pressure loss support hygienic processing and consistent product quality, while its robust construction ensures long-term reliability even under frequent cleaning and process cycles.

Panametrics TransPort PT900 – Portable Flow Verification
The TransPort PT900 is a state-of-the-art portable ultrasonic flow meter designed for rapid, non-intrusive flow measurements on liquid-carrying pipes of various sizes and materials. Utilizing clamp-on transducer technology, it enables operators to verify flow rates at multiple locations without cutting into the pipe or halting system operations, making it invaluable for maintenance checks, process audits, and temporary monitoring setups. The PT900 features a user-friendly touchscreen interface, advanced signal processing for high accuracy in both clean and slightly aerated or slurry-laden fluids, and a wide operating temperature range. Equipped with Bluetooth connectivity and robust data logging capabilities, it integrates easily with plant systems for efficient record-keeping and analysis. Its portability, ease of setup, and precise performance make it an essential tool for facility engineers and technicians seeking to optimize system flow without production downtime.

Toshiba Electromagnetic Flow Meter – Ingredient Batching & Liquid Transfer
The Toshiba electromagnetic flow meter delivers highly accurate, repeatable measurements of conductive liquids, making it ideal for ingredient batching, blending, and transfer operations in food and beverage production. Its sanitary design and minimal pressure loss support hygienic processing and consistent product quality, while its robust construction ensures long-term reliability even under frequent cleaning and process cycles.

​​Terms & Definitions

Calibration
The process of adjusting a flow measurement instrument to ensure it provides accurate readings, typically performed against a known standard.


Differential Pressure
The difference in pressure between two points in a system, often used to calculate flow using orifice plates, venturis, or flow nozzles.


Flow Meter
An instrument used to measure the rate or volume of fluid (liquid, gas, or steam) moving through a pipe or open channel.


Flow Switch
A device that detects the presence or absence of flow and triggers alarms, system shutdowns, or automated actions in control systems.


Flow Totalizer
A device that sums the flow over time to provide a cumulative volume or mass, often used for billing, tracking, or reporting purposes.


Flume
A specially shaped structure placed in an open channel to direct flow through a known geometry, enabling accurate flow rate calculation based on fluid level.


Full Pipe Flow
Flow within a completely filled, pressurized pipe—common in industrial and municipal distribution systems.

Mass Flow

A measurement of the actual mass of fluid moving per unit of time, often used for gases or when fluid density changes. Common units include kilograms per hour (kg/h) or pounds per hour (lb/h).


Non-Invasive Flow Meter
A meter that measures flow from outside the pipe, such as clamp-on ultrasonic models, eliminating the need to cut into the piping system.


Open Channel Flow
Fluid flow in a channel that is not completely full, such as a stream, flume, or sewer, where the fluid is exposed to atmospheric pressure.


Transmitter
An electronic device that converts flow sensor data into a standardized signal (e.g., 4–20 mA or digital) for display, logging, or control.


Volumetric Flow
The quantity of fluid passing through a section over time, typically measured in gallons per minute (GPM), cubic feet per second (CFS), or liters per second (L/s).


Weir
A barrier with a precisely shaped opening (notch) that allows water to flow over it. The flow rate is calculated based on the height of water above the notch.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a flow instrument?

What is a flow instrument?

A flow instrument is a device used to measure, monitor, or control the flow rate or volume of a fluid—liquid, gas, or steam—moving through a system. Common flow instruments include flow meters, flow switches, and flow transmitters.

What kind of instruments can measure flow?

What kind of instruments can measure flow?

Instruments that measure flow include flow meters (e.g., magnetic, ultrasonic, Coriolis, turbine), flow switches, and flow transmitters. These tools detect and report the rate or volume of fluid moving through a pipe or system.
What are the types of flow meters?

What are the types of flow meters?

Types of flow meters include magnetic, ultrasonic, Coriolis, turbine, vortex, and differential pressure flow meters. Each type uses a different principle to measure fluid flow and is suited to specific applications and fluid types.
How do I choose the right flow meter?

How do I choose the right flow meter?

Consider the fluid type, flow rate, temperature, pressure, required accuracy, and installation environment when selecting a flow meter. Our team is here and ready to help find the best solution for your application.

What is the difference between volumetric and mass flow measurement?

What is the difference between volumetric and mass flow measurement?

Volumetric flow measures the volume of fluid passing through, while mass flow measures the actual mass. Mass flow is more accurate when fluid density varies.

How accurate are flow meters?

How accurate are flow meters?

Accuracy depends on the meter type and application but typically ranges from ±0.1% to ±3% of reading.

What maintenance is required for flow meters?

What maintenance is required for flow meters?

Regular maintenance may include calibration, cleaning, and inspections. Maintenance frequency depends on the fluid type and meter design.

How does temperature or pressure affect flow measurement?

How does temperature or pressure affect flow measurement?

Temperature and pressure changes can impact fluid density and flow readings. Many meters include compensation features or work with transmitters to adjust readings.

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Services We Offer

Instrumentation Calibrations

Precision flow meter, level measurement, and analyzer calibrations to ensure accuracy and compliance.

Rental Equipment

Flexible rental equipment solutions for short-term needs.

Equipment Troubleshooting

Fast diagnostics to identify and resolve control equipment and greater process system issues.

Repairs & Maintenance

Reliable repairs & maintenance to keep systems running smoothly.

Instrumentation 
​Flow Studies

Comprehensive flow studies to verify instrumentation and equipment, testing for optimized system performance.

Startup & Training

Expert on-site instrument commissioning and training for seamless operation.

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Technologies

Gas Flow Measurement
Liquid Flow Measurement (Full Pipe)
Steam Flow Measurement
Liquid Flow Measurement (Water Flow, Open Channel)
Flow Switches

Resources

Brands We Recommend

Kurz Instruments logo
OpenChannelFlow logo
Panametrics logo
SOR Inc logo
Teledyne ISCO logo
Toshiba Logo
Wyatt Engineering logo

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