Fluid Components International FLT93 Flow Switch

Engineers responsible for optimising the uptime of process flow networks in demanding industries will find the FLT93 Flow Switch from Fluid Components International (FCI) provides an early warning alert to the potential of dry running conditions, cavitation and other pump issues that can lead to emergency shutdowns, service interruptions and unplanned maintenance.

The flow switch monitors the flow and temperature of liquids, gases, slurries and more. It is suitable for pump wet/dry detection where sudden, unexpected reductions in media flow rates can leave pumps vulnerable to overheating conditions that shut down process lines and require troubleshooting, fixes and more.

With its no-moving-parts design and dual-alarm capability, the flow switch offers robust pump protection. With Alarm 1, the switch will detect a low flow situation anywhere between 0.003 to 0.9 MPS. This low flow alarm can be regarded as a pre-warning signal for the control system or operator. The system or operator can then decide to keep the pump running or to shut it down.

If an Alarm 2 occurs because the feed line to the pump is running dry, this condition would be an emergency signal to shut down the pump immediately because the bearings now see gas instead of a liquid as a heat transfer media. In such situations, the temperature of the bearings may rise very fast. Using a flow switch prevents permanent damage to the pump’s bearings that will require an overhaul of the pump before more damage occurs.

The dual-function instrument indicates both flow and temperature and/or level sensing in a single device. Dual 6 A relay outputs are assignable to flow, level or temperature. The switch can be specified in either insertion or inline styles for pipe or tube installation.

The rugged switch is hydrostatically proof pressure tested to 240 bar (g) at 21°C. De-rated with temperature, the maximum operation service recommended is 162 bar (g) at 260°C. Higher ratings are available with special construction and test certification. Agency approvals include FM, ATEX, CSA, CRN and CE.

The flow switches are suitable for many demanding and hazardous process industries. They are used extensively with or without SIL2 certification in applications including food/beverage, mining/milling, pulp/paper, pharmaceutical, water/wastewater treatment and more.