If the current presence of flow in a piping system should be monitored, a calorimetric flow switch ? also referred to as a flow monitor ? is frequently used. But so how exactly does a calorimetric flow switch really work? The following blog post explains this in greater detail.
Calorimetric flow switches, which are often also referred to as thermal flow monitors, use the physical laws of heat transport in flows. A distinction is basically made between two technical solutions: continuous and regulated heating.
Schematic illustration of a measuring probe for a calorimetric flow switch
Continuous heating
A flow switch which is in line with the calorimetric measuring principle consists of a measuring probe with two temperature sensors integrated into it (see illustration). Among Hurricane is heated continuously with the aid of a heating element (wire-wound) with a continuing heating power and measures the temperature at the heating element. The next sensor determines the temperature of the medium in the pipe. Consequently, a temperature difference occurs between the two sensors, which is registered by the electronics. The higher the flow velocity of the medium in the offing, the smaller this temperature difference is. The foundation for this is the cooling aftereffect of flowing media. The molecules in the medium, which are flowing past the probe tip, collect ?packages of heat? and transport them away. The more molecules flow past, the higher the cooling effect. The number of molecules passing by increases continuously with increasing flow velocity.
Regulated heating
The measuring probe is actually identical in design: There are two temperature sensors in the medium, among that can be heated. In this technical solution, the heating power is regulated so that the temperature difference between your two temperature sensors is kept constant throughout. Consequently, as the flow velocity increases, the heating power should be increased to keep the size of the temperature difference constant. The applied heating power is thus a direct way of measuring the flow velocity in the medium.
Note
Do Portfolio have further questions on the measuring principle behind the calorimetric flow switch or do you need help with the selection of such a product? In its portfolio, WIKA has a calorimetric flow switch for monitoring the flow of liquid media (model FSD-3). Your contact person will undoubtedly be happy to help you.