Flow is a term that refers to the movement of elements such as gas, steam, or liquid through a system. The flow switch is a device used to control this movement as well as serving various other functions. Read all about flow switches and how they work below:
What are they?
Flow switches, often referred to as flow sensors or indicators, are devices that are used to control the flow of liquids, gasses, and steam; however, this is not all they can do. These devices are also used to monitor the flow rate and pressure of these elements. This monitoring can occur over specific periods, or it can be continuous. The flow switches are also able to trigger various actions along the system in order to control the rate and pressure of flow. In some cases, what the rate drops below the desired level, this reaction may be triggered instantly.
How do they work?
Many flow switches contain magnetic triggers or paddles that are connected to a circuit and can be found in the channel that the element passes through. The elements passing through these channels then rotate the paddles, sending a signal to the systems transducer. This transducer is then used to change this data into readable data, and it is passed onto a transmitter. This transmitter reads the information and determines if changes need to be made within the system by adjusting certain components.
It is important to note that not all of the flow switches have paddles. Some flow switches, such as those found in systems with contaminated or hazardous elements, use ultrasonic triggers that do not wear easily.
