Flow metering

How can a fluid, for which the flow is to be measured, generate a magnetic field? Would such a magnetic field even be measurable? We can only answer these questions if we look at the concept of spin of particles. Spin is a fundamental property of particles such as atoms or atomic nuclei and can be understood as a tiny magnet that generates its own magnetic field. Using the latest quantum-based technology, we can measure this magnetic field and thus determine the flow of a fluid.

Static magnetic marker

To measure flow, we have developed a ground-breaking method that aims to push the limits of conventional flow measurement devices. Our method uses the inherent properties of nuclear spins in a fluid as magnetic markers to perform precise measurements. The fluid is first magnetized and then magnetically marked. Then the magnetic markers are measured in a time-of-flight measurement. Our method differs significantly from a nuclear magnetic resonance-based approach because here the magnetization of the fluid is static and no frequency is generated as in conventional nuclear magnetic resonance experiments.

We are excited about the potential of this new technique and would be happy to discuss with you the advantages of non-invasive flow measurement based on particularly weak magnetic fields for your industrial application.

Unmagnetized water is sent through a strong magnet to magnetize it. The magnetization is then marked with a high-frequency pulse and read out by the optically pumped magnetometer (OPM).