Flow Switches Search Form

FLOW SENSING LEARN MORE ABOUT FLOW SWITCHES

Search manufacturer catalogs by
these specifications:
Flow Switches Information
Show all Flow
Process Switches
Media Type:Manufacturers
Flow switches are devices that monitor flow and send a trip signal to other devices, like a pump, for protection. These
Gas
switches can be used for the measurement of gases, liquids, and steam. Flow switches can also be used to trigger an alarm
Liquid
and provide protection to a system if necessary. While all flow switches are flow meters, not all flow meters are flow switches
Steam they are not all equipped with the ability to control flow rate. The switch consists of a valve body, sensing device, and
because
a switching unit that is connected to a pipeline.
Mounting Type:
In-line
Insertion Type
Non-Invasive

End Fittings:
Clamp
Compression
Flanged Flow switch cut-away. Image credit: Orange Research

Plain End
Flow switches are used to sense the flow of a fluid or air through a valve contained within the switch. A switching unit reads a
signal sent by the valve to increase or decrease the electrical signal. The switching unit can turn a pump or valve on/off to
maintain the proper system flow. Flow switches can be used to monitor flow characteristics such as volume, speed, and
pressure and to adjust for changes as they occur. These devices can also be used to help in identifying problems in the
systems.

Parts of a flow switch. Image Credit: Myron L

Flow Switch Types

Flow switches are categorized either by the flowing media or by the measurement type. This means that the types can be
combined, such as volumetric liquid flow switch.

Gas flow switches are for media such as air and steam. They are commonly used in HVAC applications.
Liquid flow switches are for media including water, lubricants, chemicals, and slurries. They are used in a wide variety
of industry applications.
Volumetric flow switches are used to measure the flow of liquids or gases. This measurement is done based on
volume per unit time (i.e. cubic feet per minute).
Velocity flow switches are used to measure the flow rate of moving media. This measurement is done in terms of
velocity (i.e. feet per minute).
Flow Switch Applications
Flow switch applications include pump staging, pump or valve failure, flow or blockage detection, and flow protection. They
are commonly used in reservoirs and tank storage systems to keep the tanks at the designated level, as well as in pipelines
to ensure that the media flow through the pipe is continuous. Large flow switches can be found in commercial and large
Flow Switches Search Form
buildings for HVAC systems.
Search manufacturer catalogs by
these specifications:
Flow Switch Installation for an AquaRite …
Process Media Type:
Gas
Liquid
Steam

Mounting Type:
In-line
Insertion Type
Non-Invasive

End Fittings:
Flow switch installation. Video Credit: PoolGuySupply / CC BY-SA 4.0
Clamp
Compression
Flow Switch Specifications
Flanged
Important operating and performance considerations include:
Plain End

Type of media- The type of media the flow switch will be exposed to is important to consider when selecting a flow
switch. A device for a water system is typically made of brass or bronze due to their resistance to corrosion, rusting, or
breakdown. Plastic can be used in applications that are not prone to freezing or expanding in very hot conditions. Plastic
is lightweight yet extremely durable and resistant to rust.

Pipe diameter - The pipe diameter describes the size of the pipe(s) in the system. 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. This factor should be considered when selecting the material of the flow switch.

Media temperature range- Media temperature range is the maximum media temperature that can be monitored. It is
usually dependent on construction and liner materials.

Flow rate

There are several types of flow rate. This is the most important specification to consider since the rate is what triggers the
movement of the switch.

Mass flow - Mass flow rate is the mass of a substance which passes through a given surface per unit of time. Mass flow
rate can be calculated using the equations below.

For flat, plane areas:

Where:
 = flow rate

ρ = mass density of the fluid

Flow Switches Search Form

= velocity field of the mass elements flowing
Search manufacturer catalogs by
these specifications:
= cross-sectional vector area/surface

Process
Q =Media Type:flow rate
volumetric
Gas
Liquid
= mass flux
Steam

For areas that are curved:

Mounting Type:
In-line
Insertion Type
Non-Invasive
Velocity flow- Velocity flow rate describes how much lateral distance along the system a fluid passes per unit time. It can
be calculated using the equation below. Velocity flow rate should be done for the bulk fluid, instead of for the velocity of
End Fittings:
the fluid at a certain point. It is easy to measure and is especially useful for liquids, which have a constant density.
Clamp
Compression
Flanged
Plain End
Volumetric flow - Volumetric flow rate is a relation of how much volume of a gas or liquid passes through a fixed point
system in a given amount of time. Volumetric flow rate can be calculated using the equation below. It is especially useful
for gas systems.

Physical and Electrical Flow Switch Specifications

Physical specifications should also be considered when choosing flow switches. There are many different types of mounts
and end fittings to choose from.

Mounting types

In-line- In-line mounting for flow switches is installed directly in the process line. They have a variety of end fittings
including flanges, in-line flow meters, and compression fittings. In-line mounted flow switches typically require a straight
run of pipe for installation.

In-line flow switch. Image Credit: Orange Research

 Insertion- Insertion mounts are inserted perpendicular to the flow path. They typically require a threaded hole in the
process pipe, or another means of access.

Non-invasion- Non-invasive mounted flow switches do not require mounting directly in the process flow, and can be
Flowused
Switches Search
in closed piping Form
systems.

Search manufacturer catalogs by

End Fittings
these specifications:

Devices are inserted parallel to the flow path and clamped between two existing
Process Media Type:process pipes. External clamp-on flow meters are non-invasive. They do not require
Clamp-
Gas mounting directly in the process flow and can be used in closed piping systems.
Liquid Ultrasonic, or Doppler, flow meters may use this type of mounting to read the flow
through the pipe.
Steam

Compression fittings tighten down a sleeve or ferrule over a joint to prevent leakage.
Compression
Mounting Type:-
In-line
Insertion Type Devices are inserted parallel to the flow path, usually between two pieces of existing,
Flanged- flanged process pipes. Circular or square flanges are used to connect the fitting,
Non-Invasive
typically via bolting or welding.

End Fittings:
Devices have a plain, straight-pipe end that can be inserted into the bell end of the
Plain
ClampEnd-
connecting pipe.
Compression
Flanged
Socket Weld /
Plain End The end fitting is designed for welding or soldering and can be a weld neck.
Union-

Devices are inserted parallel to the flow path and threaded into two existing process
Threaded-
pipes. National pipe thread (NPT) is the most common thread type.

Tube End / Tube-end or hose-nipple is a common description for a short piece of pipe, usually with
Hose Nipple- male threaded ends.

VCO® and VCR® connections are proprietary, threaded fittings for vacuum applications
that use the Swagelok design. VCO® fittings have an O-ring face seal. VCR® fittings
VCO® / VCR®-
have a metal gasket face seal. VCO and VCR are registered trademarks of Cajon
Company. Swagelok is a registered trademark of Swagelok Co.

Output Options

Flow switches can output:

Analog current- Analog current levels (transmitters) such as 4 - 20 mA are suitable for sending signals over long
distances. A current is imposed on the output circuit proportional to the measurement. Feedback is used to provide the
appropriate current regardless of line noise and impedance

Analog voltage - Analog voltage outputs are simple, usually linear functions of the measurement

Frequency - Frequency or modulated frequency outputs include amplitude modulation (AM), frequency modulation (FM),
sine waves, and pulse trains.
 Switch- The output is a change in state of a switch or a relay. If the process reaches a pre-established threshold the flow
switch will turn on or off to maintain proper function of the system.

Switch Specifications
Flow Switches Search Form
Switch specifications include:
Search manufacturer catalogs by
theseElectro-mechanical
specifications: flow switches use mechanical contacts like relays and reed switches.

Solid-state switches use electronic switches with no moving parts. There are two main types of solid state switches:
Process Media Type:
field-effect transistors (FETs) and PIN diodes. FET switches create a channel that allows the current to flow from the
Gas
drain to the source of the FET. PIN stands for highly doped positively (P) charged material in-between a highly resistive
Liquid
intrinsic (I) layer and negatively (N) charged material.
Steam

Mounting Type:
In-line
Insertion Type
Non-Invasive

End Fittings:
Clamp
Compression
FET transistor; PIN diodes. Image Credit: Circuits Today | Microwaves 101
Flanged
Plain End state options -
Normal

Normally open (NO) switches do not allow current to pass through in the free position. They need to "make" a
contact to be activated.

Normally closed (NC) switches allow current to pass through in the free position and need to "break" contact (open)
to be activated.

Number of poles and throws required - Most switches have one or two poles and one or two throws, but some
manufacturers will produce custom level switches for special applications. The number of poles describes the number of
separate circuits which can pass through the switch at the same time. The number of throws describes the number of
circuits each pole can control. This is noted by the configuration of the circuit (NO/NC). Breaks are interruptions in the
circuit caused by the separated contacts the switch introduces into each circuit it opens.

Flow Switch Features

Flow switches are available with additional features including:

Audible or Visual
Instruments have audible or visual alarms to alert users to dangerous conditions.
Alarms

Averaging /
Multi-Insertion Multi-insertion flow meters determine the flow rate by taking flow rate
measurements across several points in the flow path.

Controller Devices have or receive sensor input, provide control, (limits, PID, logic, etc.) and
Functions output a control signal.
 Programmable
Typically, programmable meters include a built-in microprocessor. They can be
Flow Switches Search Form
adjusted electronically for different materials, ranges, outputs, etc.

Search manufacturer catalogs by

these specifications:
Recorder / Totalizer functions totalize the amount of material, media, or process variable
Totalizer controlled. A recorder function may be a datalogger that logs system or process
Functions
Process Media Type: variables and/or control commands for later viewing or analysis. A chart recorder
Gas that can plot (chart) flow history or give total flow for a given unit of time may also
be available.
Liquid
Steam
Sanitary
Devices are designed for use in sanitary environments, such as in medical or food
Mounting Type: processing applications.

In-line
Insertion TypeSolids
Suspended
Devices can accommodate liquids with suspended solids (slurries). Typically, the
/Non-Invasive
Slurries
material types are determined by the meter technology chosen. For additional
guidance, refer to information
End Fittings:
Clamp
Compression
Resources
Flanged
IQS Directory - Flow Switch Manufacturers and Suppliers
Plain End

Supplier Datasheets

Suppliers by Country

Suppliers by State

Datasheets by Spec

Related Products

About Us Home

Get Listed With Us Site Map

Advertise With Us Top Categories
Contact Us Terms of Use
Client Services Privacy Policy

GlobalSpec © 2023 All Rights Reserved. By using this site, you agree to our Privacy Policy and our Terms of Use.
Flow Switches Search Form

Search manufacturer catalogs by

these specifications:

Process Media Type:

Gas
Liquid
Steam

Mounting Type:
In-line
Insertion Type
Non-Invasive

End Fittings:
Clamp
Compression
Flanged
Plain End