Flow sensors, also called liquid meters, flow meters, flow gauges, flow indicators, and flow rate sensors, are flow measurement devices that measure the gas or liquid passing through them. Depending on the desired applications, these air or vapour sensing devices come as time-measuring units for a set period or totalizing flow meters with a continuous medium measurement. Furthermore, these devices are equipped with a transducer and a transmitter. The transmitter generates and outputs signals from the transducer, which senses the fluid passing through the primary device using mechanical and electrical subsystems. These systems are essential for measuring fluid changes and their calculations.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Flow Sensor:
It is important to consider some basic parameters when selecting an appropriate flow sensor for your application, such as:
- Type of fluid to measure/monitor.
- Operating conditions of media
- Tolerable pressure loss
- Display Type/Signal Output
- Required flow measurement (mass, velocity, etc.)
- Viscosity and other media properties (magnetic, corrosiveness, pressure, etc.)
- Pipe/Conduit physical properties (materials, diameters, etc.)
Types and Functions of a Flow Sensor:
Flow sensors are classified into various types, and each type offers specific applications; no one size fits all flowmeters. It is crucial to select the technology based on its accuracy, durability, reliability, and cost. Some of their types include:
- Magnetic-Inductive Sensors – These sensors are used to detect three categories of the process, including consumed quantity, medium temperature, and volumetric flow quantity.
- Paddlewheel Flow Turbines/Sensors – These compact sensors are the most used types with high performance and large-capacity liquid speed measurement. The sensors connect to a pipe with a paddle wheel that calculates the speed by turning the paddle.
- Variable Area Flow Sensors/ Rota Flow Meters – These flowmeters are known for their float designs and tapered tubes and are ideal for gas and liquid flow measurement. They offer minimal cost, a linear output, a low-pressure drop, and simple designs. Other popular types include:
- Differential pressure flow sensor
- Orifice flow meters
- Pitot tube flow meter
- Ultrasonic flow meters
- Thermal mass flow sensors
- Velocity flow sensors.
Applications for Flow Sensors:
Flow sensors are widely employed in commercial HVAC systems and industrial applications and systems, including:
- Cooling Systems
- Chemical Factories
- Medical Equipment
- Irrigation
- Septic Systems
- Water Treatment
- Industrial Washing Systems.
