Flow sensors are devices that help us measure the movement of fluids, like water or air, in various applications. You may have heard of them being referred to as a flow meter or flow indicator. They work like fluid detectives, detecting the flow rate and volume with certain applications to provide valuable information for controlling, monitoring, and optimising processes.
There are several types, each with its own unique way of working.
- Differential Pressure Flow Sensors: These sensors create a pressure drop in the fluid and measure the resulting difference. They compare the pressure upstream and downstream of an obstruction, calculating the flow rate. They're commonly used in HVAC systems and industrial processes.
- Turbine Flow Sensors: Turbine sensors work like tiny windmills in the fluid stream. As the fluid flows, it spins the turbine, and the speed of rotation is proportional to the flow rate. These sensors are widely used in water utilities, irrigation systems, and even fuel consumption monitoring.
- Electromagnetic Flow Sensors: These sensors employ the power of electromagnetism to measure flow. A magnetic field is created perpendicular to the fluid's direction, and as the conductive fluid flows, it generates a voltage proportional to the velocity. They are unaffected by pressure or temperature changes and find applications in water treatment, chemical processes, and wastewater management.
- Ultrasonic Flow Sensors: These sensors use sound waves to detect the flow. They emit ultrasonic signals through the fluid and measure the time it takes for the waves to travel upstream and downstream. By comparing these times, they calculate the flow rate. These sensors are particularly handy for large pipes and ducts.
- Vortex Flow Sensors: Just as a whirlpool forms when water flows past an obstacle, vortex flow sensors take advantage of the "twist" in the flow. They place a bluff body in the fluid stream, and the frequency of vortices formed is directly related to the flow rate. These sensors excel in measuring gas flow and find applications in HVAC, chemical plants, and even beer brewing!
Check out our super useful
Flow Meter Guide if you would like to discover more.
Flow sensors are the "current" stars of the measurement world, helping us formulate efficient processes, optimise resource usage, and maintain the perfect balance. With their diverse types and applications, they're certainly not "fluid" when it comes to providing valuable data.