What is water flow switch?

A water flow detector, also known as a flow switch, is an electro-mechanical device designed to send an alarm to a monitored panel and/or fire department when a continuous flow of water occurs through a fire sprinkler system’s piping. This flow signifies an activated sprinkler head or a leak in the system.

What is water flow sensor?

Water flow sensors are installed at the water source or pipes to measure the rate of flow of water and calculate the amount of water flowed through the pipe. Rate of flow of water is measured as liters per hour or cubic meters.

How does a thermal dispersion flow switch work?

The thermal switches are based on convective heat transfer. One sensor is at the process temperature and the other is being heated by a constant power. As the flow rate increases, the temperature difference between the sensors decreases.

How many types of flow switches are there?

two
There are two main flow switch types — the paddle design and the piston or shuttle design. The paddle design of a flow switch places a hinged or spring-mounted paddle in the liquid flow path. Media flowing at the target rate holds this in position.

How do I choose a flow switch?

The flow switch must fit securely over the pipe and it is therefore critical to know the pipe diameter when selecting a flow switch. Operating pressure – The operating pressure is the maximum head pressure of the process media that the device can withstand.

How does an IFM flow switch work?

ifm flow switches use the cooling effect of a flowing fluid or gas to monitor its flow rate. The amount of thermal energy that is removed from the tip determines the local flow rate. The calorimetric sensing principle provides a precise and fast detection of flow and no flow.

What are the two main uses of flow sensors?

They are commonly used in HVAC systems, medical devices, chemical factories, and septic systems. Flow sensors are able to detect leaks, blockages, pipe bursts, and changes in liquid concentration due to contamination or pollution. Flow sensors can be divided into two groups: contact and non-contact flow sensors.

How do liquid flow sensors work?

These mechanical water flow meters work by measuring the speed of flowing water running through the pipe that causes a turbine or piston to rotate. The volumetric flow rate of the water is proportional to the rotational speed of the blades.

What is a thermal dispersion sensor?

Thermal Dispersion technology is based on the principle that the amount of heat absorbed by a fluid is proportional to its mass flow. Thermal dispersion (mass) flow measurements are achieved by using two temperature sensors and a heat source located in a flow stream.

What are typical uses of flow switches?

Flow switches are devices that monitor flow and send a trip signal to other devices, like a pump, for protection. These switches can be used for the measurement of gases, liquids, and steam. Flow switches can also be used to trigger an alarm and provide protection to a system if necessary.