Flow Sensors

Flow sensors measure the flow rate of a fluid through a pipe or conduit and update monitoring systems or provide feedback for devices that perform functions such as adjusting a valve or starting a pump. Industrial flow sensors play a crucial role in industries or applications such as oil and gas, chemical processing, water management, HVAC, and many others. They provide accurate and reliable flow data, enabling operators to optimize processes, ensure product quality, and maintain safety standards. The choice of flow sensor depends on the specific application, fluid properties, flow range, and required accuracy.

Several devices with different operating principles can be used to detect flow:

• Mechatronic flow sensors monitor liquid media using a spring-loaded piston lifted by the fluid pressure
• Magnetic-inductive flow meters measure the induced voltage from a conductive fluid flowing through a magnetic field
• Thermal flow sensors measure the amount of heat transferred to a flowing fluid
• Vortex flow sensors measure the frequency of alternating vortices created by an obstruction placed in the flow stream
• Paddle wheel flow meters count the rotations of a wheel turned by the fluid flow
• Differential pressure flow transmitters measure the pressure drop across a restriction in the flow stream

 Flow sensors overview