Compact air flow sensor

Compressed air is one of the most widely used resources in industry. As its production causes immensely high energy costs, compressed air consumption is playing an increasingly important role. However, these costs can only be sustainably reduced if the distribution of consumption in the compressed air network is recorded, e.g. with air flow sensors. Air flow sensors require a calm (laminar) flow in the pipe for error-free function, which is realized by so-called inlet and outlet sections, i.e. pipe sections upstream and downstream of the sensor in which there are no pipe bends or changes in cross-section. However, this is often not feasible at the desired installation locations.

The flow sensors of the SL890021 - SL950021 series continuously record the exact compressed air consumption at individual machines or systems and thus also identify possible leaks not only within pipelines, but also at hose lines and connections.

One of the features of the devices is the integrated flow straightener, which not only makes the probes very compact, but also means that they do not require an inlet and outlet section (from G 1/2"). The solutions are available with connections from G ¼" - G 2".

The current and total consumption can be set via two diffuse reflection sensors and visualized via an easy-to-read display. In addition, the sensors offer various interfaces for connection to any higher-level control (unit). The devices already have a pulse and 4-20mA interface ex works. They can optionally be connected with Modbus RTU or Modbus TCP, with the latter available as both an Ethernet and PoE (Power over Ethernet) version.

An M-Bus version is also available as an additional interface option. These compact sensors have a wide range of potential applications, making them true all-rounders. In addition to consumption, the devices can also display the temperature, flow rate and speed in various units. The solutions can be used not only for air, but also for natural gas.

A pressure measurement function for the 0...16 bar range is also available as an option. In short, the flow sensors in the SL890021 - SL950021 series are compact, can be connected to any control (unit), can be used for air and nitrogen and offer the user a high degree of application flexibility thanks to various measured variables.