Sino-Inst is a professional supplier of flow switches. Based on experience， this article will introduce: What is a flow switch? Classification of flow switches. Working principle of a flow switch. Applications of a flow switch. There are also some RFQs related to the flow switch: What is the purpose of a flow switch? Function of an airflow switch? What is the difference between a fire flow switch and a flow switch? Please read this article patiently. You will have a comprehensive understanding of a flow switch.
What is a Flow Switch?
A flow switch is a process instrument used to monitor and control the flow of media such as water, gas, and oil in pipelines. It is installed in pipelines of water, gas, oil and other media. When the flow rate is higher or lower than a certain set value, the flow switch will trigger an output alarm signal and send it to the actuator. After the actuator obtains the signal, it can make corresponding indication actions, such as shutting down or starting the system operation. Thereby avoiding or reducing faults. It can also be set to continuously monitor the total flow.
In order to better use the flow switch. The following will introduce: the working principle of the flow switch.
Working Principle of a Flow Switch
The working principle of a flow switch mainly includes two types: mechanical flow switch and electronic flow switch.
Working Principle of the Mechanical Flow Switch
Mechanical flow switch relies on fluid to push blades, pistons or reeds. The micro switch is triggered by mechanical displacement. Specifically, when the fluid flows, it pushes the baffle or blade to deflect. This triggers the micro switch to operate. For example, the early mechanical flow switch (also known as the baffle flow switch) pushes the baffle to deflect through the flow of water, triggering the micro switch.
Working Principle of the Electronic Flow Switch
Electronic flow switch works by thermal, ultrasonic or electromagnetic induction. For example, when water flows into the water flow switch, the water flow pushes the magnetic core to displace. The displacement of the magnetic core drives the magnetic source to produce magnetic control, causing the water flow to transfer a signal. When the water flow is less than the starting flow, the water flow switch outputs a signal to stop the system from working. In addition, the ultrasonic flow switch controls the flow by detecting the change in the ultrasonic signal generated when the fluid flows.
The principle of the flow switch is brief. If you still don’t understand something, you can contact us by email. We will provide you with a detailed answer.
Types of Flow Switches
A flow switch is a device used to monitor and control the flow of liquids, gas or gases. They are widely used in industrial automation, HVAC systems, water treatment, petrochemicals and other fields. Different flow switch manufacturers may provide products of different types and characteristics to meet the needs of different customers. The following is a detailed types of flow switches.
Baffle Flow Switch:
The baffle flow switch is a simple and reliable flow detection device. It sets a movable baffle in the pipeline. When the flow reaches the set value, the baffle will be pushed to trigger the switch action. The baffle flow switch is suitable for low flow and high viscosity media.
Piston flow switch:
The piston flow switch uses a piston as a sensitive element. When the flow changes, the piston moves in the pipeline, triggering the switch action. The piston flow switch is suitable for high flow and low viscosity media.
Thermal flow switch:
The thermal flow switch works on heat transfer. It determines the flow rate by measuring the heat taken away by the medium when it flows in the pipeline. The thermal flow switch has a fast response speed and high accuracy. It is suitable for small flow and high-precision flow control.
Sino-Inst’s thermal flowmeters include: Liquid Mass Flow Controller and Gas Mass Flow Controller. Click the link to view details.
Turbine flow switch:
The turbine flow switch uses the rotation of the turbine to measure the flow. When the medium flows through the turbine, the turbine rotates. The rotation speed is proportional to the flow. The turbine flow switch is suitable for high flow and high-precision flow measurement.
Electromagnetic flow switch:
The electromagnetic flow switch works on Faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction. It determines the flow by measuring the electromotive force generated when the medium flows in the magnetic field. The electromagnetic flow switch is suitable for flow measurement of conductive liquids. It is high precision and high reliability.
Differential pressure flow switch:
The differential pressure flow switch measures the pressure drop at both ends of the throttling device. (such as valves, orifice plates, etc.) In the pipeline, it compares with the preset differential pressure-flow curve to achieve indirect measurement and control of the flow. It is used in HVAC water systems. The differential pressure flow switch is suitable for water and oil. The differential pressure flow switch has accurate flow control, a wide range of applications, and no water flow disturbance interference.
As an important control element, flow switches are widely used in various situations where flow needs to be monitored and controlled. The following will analyze its application scenarios in detail.
Applications of Flow Switches:
Industrial automation:
Flow switches are widely used in various fluid control systems. Flow switches can monitor the flow of liquid in the reactor in real time. When the flow is lower or higher than the set value. The flow switch triggers the alarm or control system to make adjustments in time. Flow switches are also used to monitor the flow of fluids such as cooling water and lubricating oil.
HVAC system:
In HVAC, flow switches can monitor the flow of hot water. Flow switches ensure the normal operation of the heating system. Flow switches monitor the flow of water or air in air conditioning and heating systems to optimize energy efficiency.
Wind power generation system:
Flow switches can monitor the flow of coolant. It prevents equipment overheating caused by insufficient coolant. Flow switches not only improve energy efficiency but also help reduce equipment maintenance costs and extend service life.
Fire protection system:
Flow switches can control the flow of fire water and quickly extinguish fires. It effectively responds to fires and ensures personnel safety by accurately controlling the flow of firefighting water.
Food and Beverage:
Flow switches control the flow of liquids during production. It ensures hygiene and efficiency.
Medical equipment:
Flow switches monitor the flow of medical gases. such as liquid medicine and oxygen to ensure safe treatment of patients. Flow switches are commonly used in dialysis machines, infusion pumps, etc.
Water treatment:
Flow switches detect water flow. During filtration, backwashing, etc., to ensure water quality. Flow switches monitor the flow of water in real time. It cuts off the water source or sounds an alarm in time when the water flow is abnormal. It prevents equipment failure and water resource waste caused by excessive or insufficient water flow.
In the sewage treatment process, flow switches achieve uniform discharge and effective treatment of sewage. Flow switches are used to accurately control the flow of water treatment agents and optimize water quality. For example, in the reverse osmosis water treatment process. It ensures that the water flow is within an appropriate range to achieve efficient desalination.
Petrochemical field:
Flow switches monitor the flow of media. such as oil and natural gas. It ensures the stability and safety of the production process.
Other fields
In addition to the above fields, flow switches also play a role in many other fields. For example, in agricultural irrigation systems, flow switches monitor the flow of irrigation water.
In summary, the application scenarios of flow switches are wide and diverse. They play an important role in monitoring, controlling and protecting in various fields.
After reading this, I believe you have a deep understanding of flow switches.
Here are some other related questions.
What is the Difference between a Fire Flow Switch and a Flow Switch?
There are some differences between fire flow switches and ordinary flow switches. I will distinguish them from function, application scenarios and working principles.
- Function:
Fire flow switch: It is used in fire protection systems to monitor water flow status. When the water flow exceeds the set value. An alarm is triggered. The fire pump is started to ensure a timely water supply to the fire protection system.
Flow switch: It is used in fields such as industrial automation. It monitor the flow of liquids or gases and controls the operation of equipment according to flow changes, such as the start and stop of pumps.
- Application scenario:
Fire flow switch: It is mainly installed in fire protection pipes, high-level water tank outlet pipes, and other locations. It is used for water flow monitoring and control in fire protection systems.
Flow switch: It is used in industries, agriculture, water treatment and other fields. It is used to monitor fluid flow and optimize system operation.
- Working principle
Fire flow switch: Ultrasonic flow measurement technology is usually used. When the water flow rate reaches the preset value, the output signal starts the fire pump.
Flow switch: Detect the flow rate through the flow rate sensor. When the flow rate reaches the set value, change the output signal to control related equipment.
What is the Purpose of the Flow Switch?
- Flow identification:
A flow switch can identify and classify different business flows. It supports multiple protocols and applications.
- Flow control:
A flow switch can control the flow rate, flow rate, load balancing and other control methods according to business needs.
- Flow monitoring:
A flow switch monitors the business flow and bandwidth usage in the network in real time and generates relevant reports and statistical data.
- Security protection:
A flow switch can identify and defend against abnormal flow and malicious attacks in the network to ensure the security of the network.
What are the Functions of the Air Flow Switch?
An airflow switch is a device used to detect air or gas flow. When the flow reaches the preset value, it triggers the corresponding signal for flow monitoring and automatic control. Airflow switches are used for air filtration, supply systems, duct heating, exhaust ventilation, etc.
Sino-Inst has been engaged in the field of flow testing for many years. We have professional technical engineers. Our flow switches have a one-year warranty. We support invoicing. We support international express delivery. We have fast freight. If you have any questions about flow measurement. Please feel free to contact us. We will match you with the measurement solution that best suits your industry.
