Flow switches are an integral part of industrial systems where proper monitoring of flow rate is crucial. These are the useful mechanical devices used to manage the flow of liquids, steams, and gases. The working of a flow switch is usually associated with a pump. When the flow of liquid reaches the optimum level, the switch trips automatically to turn the pump on and off. In this way, it can prevent wastage of the fluids flowing inside the piping system. This device is highly beneficial to monitor the flow rate of liquids and to protect the pump from damage. The flow sensor inside the pump will send the signal to the switch to on/off the supply of liquids.
Does flow switches worth using?
Flow switches are valuable devices that are commonly used by industries. Not this, but these devices are also used in the household devices such as HVAC systems and water heaters, etc. The flow switches are also known as flow sensors that are equipped with a primary mechanism. The paddle or magnetic trigger of these devices is connected to the sensor. You can easily find these devices in use where flow monitoring and control is the crucial aspect. Oil and gas, petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and food processing are some major industries that use these devices considerably.
Why are these devices so important?
Well, the use of these devices is proven really important. The primary reason behind this is the efficiency of these switches. They exist actively in the industrial systems because they provide utmost prevention against damage to the system. Apparently, the undesirable flow of liquids can cause damage to the entire flow structure. It can also make an adverse impact on the quality of the manufacturing process. In simple terms, these devices are used primarily to ensure the safe and optimal use of liquids and gases in the system. The functionality of flow switches is also superb as they can work based on specific needs. For instance, they can work to stop the motor automatically when there is no flow present. They can automatically trip to stop the motor from working and can automatically on when the flow is present in pipes. These switches can also sound an alarm when the flow is not appropriate as per requirements. They can shut off the alarm when the flow in pipes is appropriate.
What are the different uses of a flow switch?
When it comes to defining the uses of flow switches, they are many.
There are three primary types of flow switches such as liquid, water, and air. The liquid flow switches are used to on and off electrical equipment. They are mostly used in general applications such as water heating, fire sprinkler, and liquid transfer systems. The water flow switches are ideal to use in water sprinkler systems. They can trigger an alarm in case of fire and cause the switch to be on to stop the fire. The airflow switches are mainly used in the cleaning of the filters, airing, and running the air treatment systems efficiently.
Types of flow switches
The flow switches are classified according to the measurement type and flowing media. Mainly there are four types of flow switches listed below.
Velocity flow switches
As the name suggests, these switches measure the flow rate of moving media. The flow measurement is done on the basis of the velocity or speed of the media flowing inside the pipes.
Gas flow switches
These flow switches are commonly used in HVAC systems. They mainly work to measure the flow rate of air and steam.
Liquid flow switches
These flow switches are best to measure the flow rate of liquids. They are commonly used in the industries like chemicals, pharmaceuticals, wastewater plants, and paint, etc. These industries require proper monitoring and measuring of the liquids on a regular basis.
Volumetric flow switches
They are used to measure the gases or liquids on the basis of volume per unit time. The volumetric measurement of fluids is considered accurate using these switches.
These devices are further categorized as per their internal mechanism.
Vane operated flow switch
It works for direct sensing of the liquid flow inside the pipelines. As the flow drops at the pre-set level, it utilizes the force to trip the switch to shut the flow of liquids.
Variable area flow switches
It contains an internal piston that works to activate the switch. When the magnetic float is pressurized by the flow, it causes the switch to shut down.
Doppler flow switches
These flow switches are easily installed on the outer side of the pipe. They can work when detecting a variation in the flow of liquids.
The Bottom Line
The working of a flow switch is no doubt beneficial in many applications. But, the work is precise when you have chosen the accurate device for your needs. So, it is advised to get one after consulting with expert suppliers.
