A flow sensor, also known as a flow meter, is an electronic instrument to regulate and measure the flow rate of gases and liquids within various tubes and pipes. One can link them with digital interfaces, computers, or even gauges to supply measurement of specific substances.
Therefore, a water flow sensor is an instrument that system operators install in various commercial or residential setups to measure the water flow rate and calculate the amount of water flowing through the pipe. The flow rate measurement of water should be in liters per cubic meter.
How water flow sensor operates
A water flow sensor has a plastic valve in which water flows and a water rotor with a hall effect sensor that measures and senses or detects the water flow.
The rotor rotates when there is flowing water through the valve, thus changing the motor speed. The hall effect sensor calculates the change as a pulse signal to obtain the output, measuring the water flow rate.
Hall effect is the primary working principle of the sensor since it is the region where there is an introduction of difference in voltage at the conductor due to rotor rotation. The electric current used in the process is, therefore, the crossed voltage difference.
See more: Mass Flow Controller- Its Operating Law and Types
When there is flowing water and rotate a moving fan, the rotor will turn, and the voltage will be induced. The hall effect sensor will then measure the induced voltage and display it on LCD.
There is a wide range of water flow sensors with diameters and sizes. All the flow sensors can work with cold water, hot water, warm water, and dirty water.
The flow sensor has got black, red, and yellow wires. The black wire joins to the ground, red links with voltage supply while the yellow one puts together all the output from the hall effect sensor.
Features of water flow sensors
1.A water flow sensor has got a high sealing performance.
2. It is to install a water flow sensor due to its small size.
3. It has got a hall effect sensor of high quality.
4. A water flow sensor complies with RoHS.
Types of water flow sensors
Water flow sensors measure the displacement or the velocity of water to record their flow rates. They are used in industrial applications such as counting the flow rate of milk and other fluids in engines to provide a coolant agent preventing any damage. The standard water flow sensors available are;
Paddlewheel Sensor
Many industries use Paddlewheel type of water flow sensor in their various applications since it is cost-effective; hence, many people can afford to buy it and measure water-like fluids’ flow rate.
Positive displacement flow sensor
Positive displacement flow sensor/ meters measure the flow rate of viscous liquids where there are no straight pipes for inlet measurements.
Magnetic flowmeters
The magnetic flow meter is a type of water flow sensor which measures the flow rate in conductive fluids such as wastewater or dirty water.
Ultrasonic flow sensor
Ultrasonic flow sensors measure the flow rate on dirty liquids, sewage water, and slurries.
Conclusion
Water flow sensors are essential devices for flow control and measurement. The flow range and the cost of each flow sensor vary. Your application will determine the water flow sensor to use.
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