The water flow switch controls the water circulation, water inlet and outlet, water heating, water pump switch control, and the solenoid valve on and off of the water system. When a certain flow rate is reached, the water flow is converted into a switch-type electrical signal. The water flow switch is a mechatronic water flow controller. It consists of three parts: sensor, controller, and actuator.
The sensor is responsible for detecting the water flow in the water pipe and transmitting the signal to the controller. The controller receives the sensor signal and determines whether the switch conditions are met. Finally, the flow of water is controlled by controlling the actuator.
Water flow switches are widely used in various industrial, commercial and household water treatment systems, such as automatic water pump control, environmental monitoring, agricultural irrigation, etc. In these fields, water flow switches can automatically control the flow of water. It can save energy and reduce costs.
This article will specifically introduce water switches.
How does a Water Flow Switch Work?
There are many ways to detect the flow state of fluids, and generally, water flow switches are roughly divided into three types.
Principle of baffle flow switch: through the flow of water, the baffle is pushed to deflect, and then the micro switch is triggered.
- Advantages: easy to use and cheap.
- Disadvantages: The Mechanical structure will cause wear. In the case of poor water quality, the action is not very stable.
Principle of thermal flow switch: The size of the liquid flow is different, and the heat taken away is different. By detecting the size of heat loss, the flow of water can be detected.
- Advantages: There are no moving parts, no wear, and its life and stability are greatly enhanced
- Disadvantages: The price is slightly higher than the mechanical type.
Principle of differential pressure flow switch: The flow rate is accurately controlled according to the curve of the pressure drop and flow rate of the heat exchanger, and no pressure drop is generated in the air conditioning system.
- Advantages: Accurate flow control, no additional resistance to the system, no requirements for the diameter of the water pipe, and no water flow disturbance
- Disadvantages: Fluid property restrictions: Not suitable for other fluids such as solid particles. Poor metering accuracy. High installation requirements: It needs to be installed in the straight pipe section, and the throttling orifice plate must be concentric with the pipeline axis and perpendicular to the pipeline axis.
Sino-Inst has a variety of water flow switches. We support customization. Our products are guaranteed for one year. If you need a flow switch. Please contact us! Read More about Flow Switch.
How to Install a Water Flow Switch?
Installation method
1. Vertical installation: When installed vertically, it should be installed on the pipe section that flows from bottom to top.
2. Horizontal installation: When installed at the upper end of a horizontal pipe, the medium should be full to prevent the probe from only contacting the air, but not the medium.
3. Inverted installation: When installed at the lower end of a horizontal pipe, there should be no sediment at the bottom of the pipe to prevent the probe from being covered by sediment and unable to fully contact the probe.
How to Connect a Flow Switch to a Water Pump?
How to Test a Water Flow Switch?
Measurement method of water flow switch quality
1. Appearance inspection: First, observe whether the appearance of the water flow switch is intact and whether there is obvious damage or deformation. If physical damage is found, it should be replaced in time.
2. Hand feel test: By gently shaking the water flow switch, check whether there is any abnormal phenomenon such as looseness or jamming. This helps to find problems with the internal structure.
3. Sound test: When the device is running stably, listen carefully to whether the water flow switch has abnormal sounds or noises. Abnormal sounds may be a sign of wear or damage to internal parts.
4. Current test: Use professional instruments to measure the current value of the water flow switch and compare it with the standard value. If the current is abnormal, it may indicate that there is a problem with the water flow switch.
How to Wire a Water Flow Switch?
The wiring method of the water flow switch is generally three wires, namely the positive power supply, the negative power supply and the signal control line. Different flow switches have different wiring methods. There are terminal blocks and plug types.
The correct wiring method is to first insert the three wires of the water flow switch into the electrical control box, and then connect the other end of the control box to the water pump and the power supply. Sino-Inst’s water flow switch has an instruction manual. Our professionals can also assist in completing it.
How do You Adjust a Water Flow Switch?
Specific adjustment steps:
1. Find the water flow switch and confirm that it is in the off state.
2. Slowly turn on the switch and observe the operation of the equipment to ensure smooth water flow.
3. According to the equipment requirements, gradually adjust the switch to the appropriate water flow position.
4. If you need to adjust the sensitivity of the switch, you can fine-tune the adjustment screw inside the switch.
Precautions
1. When adjusting, make sure that no other people touch the switch around to prevent accidents.
2. During the adjustment process, pay attention to observe the operation status and water flow of the equipment to ensure that there are no abnormalities.
3. After the adjustment is completed, perform a trial run to confirm the switch adjustment effect.
If there is a problem, readjust it or contact a professional for repair.
How to Calculate Water Flow in a Chiller?
The flow calculation of the chiller pump and the cooling pump in the chiller is an important part of the refrigeration system design. They are responsible for the circulation of chilled water and cooling water, respectively.
The specific calculation formula is: Chilled water flow = cooling capacity ÷ temperature difference ÷ specific heat capacity of water ÷ 3600.
Secondly, for the flow calculation of the cooling pump, the following formula is usually used: L(m³/h) = Q(kW) / (4.5~5℃) × 1.163.
It should be noted that in actual applications, these calculation formulas may need to be adjusted and optimized in combination with specific equipment and system parameters.
In addition, after the flow calculation is completed, it is necessary to further select the appropriate pump model and specifications in combination with factors such as pump efficiency, head and pipeline characteristics. This usually requires professional engineers to perform detailed calculations and analysis to ensure that the performance and efficiency of the refrigeration system are optimal.
Water flow switches are widely used in our daily lives. The electric water heaters we use for bathing, the solar water heaters that are now promoted, and the air conditioners used in summer. These all require water flow switches to control the inflow and outflow of water and water circulation. The water flow switch relies on the size of the water flow to convert the water flow into a switch signal.
Sino-Inst supplies more than 20 types of flow switches. We have been engaged in the measurement industry for more than 20 years. We have many successful cases. If you need, please contact us immediately.
