A flow switch, sometimes referred to as a flow indicator or flow sensor is a device used in monitoring the pressure and flow rate of a liquid. It is also used sometimes in monitoring the gaseous media via a duct loop or system. In simple terms, the device is used to monitor the flow in a given period or in monitoring the continuous total flow of a given liquid. Notably, a flow indicator or meter may not be an accurate flow ‘switch’. This is certainly possible if the device is applied in registering and displaying the flow information, thus referred to as an indicator or meter. However, if it is used in trigger actions or to start or stop other components within the system, then this can be referred to as true flow switch. Do you want to know more about the flow switch? Then read this article to become informed.

How the flow switch works

It is helpful to outline the central components of flow switches which would make it easy for better understanding on its working. Many times, the switch will be made up of the magnetic trigger or peddle connected to a circuit. The two are placed at the channel where gas or liquid passes. This paddle is rotated or displaced by liquid or gases flowing through it which then sends the signal reading to a secondary component referred to as a transducer.

These raw signals are taken by the transducer from the peddle which is then taken to the transmitter in a format that is readable. The readings are then measured by the transmitter against the setup parameters and perform whatever action or signal is required for an adjustment.  Flow switch in this way would be capable of monitoring, reporting, and controlling the rate of flow of a gas or liquid via the explicit part of a system. It can also monitor the entire flow through a system making sure that the flow retains a specific pre-set of given parameters. Ig the flow rate drops or exceeds the required rate then an instant series of given actions may be triggered an example being pump powering, alarm activation, and shutting off some sections of a system.

Installation of a flow switch

Since there are many types of flow switches, there is a wide range selection of flow installation methods and techniques of a flow switch. It is important to keep in mind that when finding the means for wiring a flow switch, the most crucial aspect is to understand the type and purpose of a switch that you might be using. Basically, there is some important roles of thumb that you need to apply in installing the flow switch and they include.

Instil a flow switch through a straight duct or pipe. This is achievable by making sure that there is a good straight pipe length behind and in front of a switch. Ideally it should have an equivalent of 10x of the duct diameter. You should also avoid wiring the switch near other fittings, bends, drains, valves, wider or narrower section of a pipe. Furthermore, it should not be wired in other features that may lead to apparent flow rate fluctuations via a given area.

Moreover, just as the same as installation methodology, flow switch depends on the kind of switch that is being used and where. The same is applicable when it comes to checking the healthy functions of an already installed device.  So, in case you want to be more knowledgeable about the way of testing the flow switch, then you precisely need to know what you could be testing. In most cases, you will be capable of confirming whether the flow switch is working rightly by simply observing its action. This goes along with checking whether the right responses would be initiated whenever there is a start or stop of a flow. An ohmmeter can also be used in other cases in measuring the switch's resistance as well as confirming whether there is a complete circuit that is being completed once there is circuit registration upon activation of an activated. You can repeat the given steps, or replace the switch if the given steps fail to produce the required results. It is important to keep in mind that there is the legal obligation of appropriate flow switch types and locations such as the ones attached to fire sprinklers found in public places.

Where flow switches are applied

You are likely going to get a switch in places where a system media flow requires to be controlled or monitored. Industrially, there are many important applications of a switch an example gas an oil, water, and pharmaceutical treatment. It can also be used on a high domestic scale, particularly in a system of air conditioning and, systems of central heating in pool pumps.