Have you ever heard about a Flow switch? It’s a device you can use to monitor the flow rate and the pressure of liquids through a system or a duct. A flow switch can help you to check the flow of a specific substance over a certain period. You can even set it up and monitor the continuous total flow.

In most cases, your flow switch will trigger actions. It may start or stop other components elsewhere within the system. That way, it’s able to adjust the flow rate and pressure to your desired or programmed levels.

How the flow switch functions

Have you installed water flow switches? Well, many kinds of Flow Switches have a magnetic trigger or paddle. The trigger is linked to a circuit and fixed within a channel where water passes through. That paddle is rotated or displaced by water. You want to monitor the flow. Then, a signal is sent reading back to the transducer, which is a secondary component.

The transducer receives the raw signal from the paddle and transfers it to the transmitter via a readable format. The transmitter within your water flow switches system measures the readings brought about the predefined parameters. After that, it performs any action or signal needed to change the behavior of mechanisms and components elsewhere within the water flow system.

That way, water flow switches can monitor, offer a report, and manage water flow in a specific part of the system and through the whole system. The flow switch ensures flow remains within the preset parameters. When the flow rate goes beyond or drops below the expected level, the water flow switch triggers an instant action series. The actions your water flow switches may embark on include activation of an alarm, diversion of the flow, powering on a pump, or even shutting off some parts of the system.

Expectations vs. reality about the functioning of a flow switch

Expectation 1

Once you fix your flow switch, it will function without stress. It will monitor the inflow and outflow and trigger a series of actions to meet the preset parameters.

Reality

Your water flow switches may fail you. The presence of air bubbles within the flow switch system affects how it functions. The bubbles’ size leads to a drop in pressure over the pipe and can make your flow switch to stop working.

Expectation 2

After installation, everything will work smoothly, and you don’t have to worry about maintenance.

Reality

Water flow switches are perfect, consistent, and reliable when measuring the rate of water flow. But they are susceptible to foreign objects and buildup of residue. That’s why you will have to carry out periodic maintenance due to tear within their constant moving parts.

Expectation 3

All water flow switches are cheap and easy to install

Reality

The inline water flow switches will cost you more. Besides, they are very complex to install. Also, their maintenance is not easy. You will have to use far shorter straight run parts for useful function. But once you have installed them, they can automatically condition the flow of water.

Conclusion

You will find a lot of flow switches in the market that serves different functions. Even water flow switches are of many models. Just choose any that meets your desires. But many have a paddle linked to a pipe through which water passes through. As the paddle rotates due to pressure from flowing water, signals are sent to the transducer and then to the transmitter via the readable form. That’s how a flow switch can monitor the rate of water flow.

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