A flow switch, a flow sensor, or a flow indicator are all the same devices. It helps monitor the flow rate and checks the liquid pressure, air, or other gases. These are vital in monitoring and preventing damage, as they control the level of water.
These switches can monitor the flow over a specified period. And you can also set them up to continuously monitor the entire flow. But if a device only displays information, that is a meter and not a real flow ‘switch .’But if it can trigger action and adjust the flow rate of your preferred program level, then it’s a true flow switch.
A Liquid Flow Switch may have different functionalities. These are electromechanical switches appropriate for pipes of industrial plants. They’re ideal for heating and air conditioning, and you can find most of them in refrigeration systems. Those suited for normal media are usually available in brass, while those compatible with aggressive media come in stainless steel.
Industrial Flow Switches
These are designed to handle more heavy, aggressive, and hazardous materials. These are larger and more robust than other flow switches. They can withstand pressures, higher volumes, and flow rates.
When selecting a flow switch for an industrial system, you must ensure the specifics of that particular switch match the applicable standard of the system. Three types of flow switch designs include:
1. Paddle design flow switch
2. Piston flow switch
3. solid-state flow switch
Paddle Design Flow Switch
This paddle design has a hinged or spring-mounting that directly contacts the media flowing through the tube. And when the media starts flowing at the setpoint, one must hold the paddle in position. When the flow rate increases or decreases, the paddle moves from its target, which throws a small switch. And that sparks off the specified action.
Solid-State Flow Switches
These types of switches operate on the principle of heat transfer. One specific type of this is a thermal dispersion flow switch, consisting of two temperature sensors. One serves as the reference and checks the temperature of the media from the submerged flow switch. Then the second temperature sensor goes near a built-in heating element. The heated sensor gets a cooling effect once the flow rate increases. So, the more the flow rate, the higher the cooling. Therefore, a temperature differential between the two sensors means the flow rate has exceeded the adjustable set point.
A Piston Flow Switch
The essence of this is to ensure that a free-floating magnetic piston responds to the flow volume within a pipe.
In Conclusion
Now you can easily choose the ideal liquid flow switch depending on your industry application. These are pretty useful and can save you substantial damage in your work. But, first, identify the perfect device that will serve the purpose intended.
