Flow switches monitor the flow rate and pressure of various gases and liquids passing through a duct. They are sometimes known as flow indicators or flow sensors.
All flow switches are flow meters, but not all flow meters are true flow switches since some flow meters only register and display the measurement results.
These switches or sensors can be utilized to screen stream throughout a given timeframe, or set up to persistently screen absolute stream. Actually, a stream meter or pointer may not really be a genuine stream ‘switch’ – if the gadget just registers and shows data, it’s all the more appropriately called a meter or marker.
The working principle of flow switches
Flow switch have a magnetic trigger or a paddle which are the primary components of the device. You should connect the parts in the circuit and put the channel into which the fluid or gas will move. The flowing fluids displace the paddle, and a signal reading is sent back to the transducer, which is the secondary component.
The transducer then moves the signal to the transmitter, which displays it in a readable mode. The transmitter is going to measure the reading against the calibrated parameters. It then triggers the switch to perform the task required.
It makes the flow switch to be the monitoring and the controlling device of the fluid flowing through the pipe by ensuring that the fluid flow stays in the calibrated parameters and reports its flow rate.
A drop in the fluid flow level makes the flow switch to prompt action and change the flow situation. The flow switch closes the system parts in other system operations since it performs what it is designed for.
Other types of flow switches that do not have moving parts and paddles perform ultrasonic or non-intrusive. They send the signal back to the specific part that was sent it before.
Ultrasonic and non-intrusive flow switch are usually suitable for potentially contaminated or hazardous fluids. Their maintenance cost is low since they have a longer life span and are not affected by wear and tear.
Features of flow switches
i)Flow switch are made in such a way that they can operate in food processing, medical applications, and any other sanitary, environmental application.
ii) Flow switches have visual and audible alarms for alerting the user on hazardous conditions to avoid any damage.
iii) Flow switches can work with liquids that have suspended solids, and the type of material usually depends on the technology used.
iii) The built-in microprocessor is the programmable meters on the flow switch, and one can electronically adjust them for various ranges, materials, and output.
iv) Flow switches have multi insertion flow meters, which provide the flow rate by measuring a flowing pipe at several points.
v) Flow switches have got totalizer and recorder, which collects media, variable controlled process, or materials and logs the system processes respectively for future reference.
vi) Flow switch control the output and input signals using the sensor.
Types of flow switches
Flow switch are classified into magnetic sensors, paddle, non-intrusive, and ultrasonic types. Let’s discuss some of the types under the categories mentioned above.
Thusly, stream switch can screen, report and control the stream pace of fluid or gas through a particular piece of a framework, or through the whole framework, guaranteeing stream stays inside those pre-set boundaries.
1.Paddle water flow switches
In paddle flow switch, the pressure and the speed of the liquid make the paddle move, thus sending a signal to the user. They are suitable for monitoring the flow rate of clean fluids. However, the devices do not operate when there is a residue or buildup.
2. Water pump flow switches
Water pump flow switch work in a water pump that carries a fluid system. It has got adjustments that operate with the volume and speed of the fluid flowing in the pipe. The water pump flow switch can switch the pump on and off, considering the level of the liquid inside the tank.
3. Inline water flow switches
Like insertion flow switch, inline water flow switches are usually expensive and complex to install but are always permanent to the installation place. They can calibrate themselves after installation though they have high maintenance costs. On the off chance that the rate surpasses or dips under what’s required, it can immediately trigger a progression of activities like enacting an alert, fueling on a siphon, redirecting stream, closing off pieces of the framework. Which activities a switch performs will rely altogether upon the sort of switch and what it’s been intended for.
4. Flow switches for sprinklers
Sprinkler’s flow switches control the water flowing through the sprinkler for irrigation purposes. When the water flow stops, they send a signal on a delay timer for an extended period.
5. Paddle airflow switches
Paddle air flow switches are usually designed for controlling the flow rate of gases. It makes them differ from the paddle water flow switches.
6. Inline airflow switches
Inline airflow switches differ from inline water flow switches since they control the flow of gases. They usually provide efficient and accurate results, though they are very difficult to install and operate.
Not all stream switches will have an actual oar in that capacity. Ultrasonic and other non-meddling adaptations are additionally genuinely typical, which work by bobbing a sign back off the medium being observed.
7. Ducting and HVAC airflow switches
Ducting and HVAC applications usually use airflow switches. They monitor filters, fun, and helps in the air handling by triggering an action using a small paddle.
8. Boiler’s airflow switch
When the fan rotates at a specific speed, it usually brings out waste gases from the fun, thus igniting the auto boiler. However, the boiler does not ignite at low pressures and temperatures.
Applications of flow switches
i)Used in ventilation units and air conditioning systems.
ii) Flow switch are used in the chlorination of swimming pool water systems.
iii) Used to trigger an alarm when there is a shut-off in the supply.
iv) Used in central heating industries.
v) When there is less flow, it is used to shut down an electric motor.
vi) Used in additive blending operations.
vii) Used in air supply systems.
Flow switches cost
The cost of a flow switch varies from type to type. Some costs are high in purchasing, installing, and maintaining them, e.g., inline flow switches, while others cost less.
The prices also differ from store to store, whether online or not. A typical flow switch cost ranges from $3.5 to $35 in most stores.
The considerations when choosing a flow switch
There are several factors one needs to consider before choosing a flow switch for their operations.
i)The flow switch accuracy level and it shows the accurate level all the time
ii) Maintenance cost of the flow switch. The cost is not that high as compare to other switches
iii) The medium of measurement.
iv) The life span or durability of the flow switch.
v) The area where the flow switch is to be installed.
vi) The recording ability of the flow switch.
Conclusion
Flow switch to control and monitors the flow of fluids. They have different features and designs. Their costs also vary depending on the type you choose.
