Insertion Type Velocity Flow Switches

Last Updated: April 1, 2025

Description

Insertion Type Velocity Flow Switches are devices designed to monitor the flow of liquids within a pipeline. They are inserted perpendicular to the flow path and are used to detect the velocity of the fluid passing through the pipe. These switches are crucial for ensuring that the flow rate remains within specified limits, thereby protecting equipment and maintaining process efficiency.

Working Principle

Insertion Type Velocity Flow Switches operate by being inserted directly into the process pipe, where they measure the velocity of the fluid. The switch typically uses a sensor that detects changes in flow velocity, which can trigger an alert or control mechanism if the flow deviates from the desired range. These switches are useful because they provide real-time monitoring of flow conditions, allowing for immediate response to changes that could affect system performance or safety.

Applications

Insertion Type Velocity Flow Switches are commonly used in various industrial applications. For example, they are employed in water and wastewater treatment facilities to monitor the flow of liquids through large diameter pipes. They are also used in oil and gas refineries to ensure the proper flow of fluids in processing systems, helping to prevent equipment damage and optimize operational efficiency.

Advantages over other Materials - Plastics and Polymers

Insertion Type Velocity Flow Switches made from plastics and polymers offer several advantages. These materials are lightweight, which makes the switches easier to handle and install. They are also highly resistant to corrosion and rust, making them suitable for use in environments where metal components might degrade. Additionally, plastics and polymers can withstand a range of temperatures, provided they are not exposed to extreme conditions that could cause them to freeze or expand excessively.

Limitations

One limitation of Insertion Type Velocity Flow Switches is that they require a threaded hole or other means of access in the process pipe for installation. This can complicate installation in systems where such modifications are not feasible. Additionally, the accuracy of these switches can be affected by the presence of air bubbles or particulate matter in the fluid, which can interfere with the sensor's ability to accurately measure flow velocity.

Considerations

When selecting an Insertion Type Velocity Flow Switch, several factors should be considered. Initial costs can vary depending on the materials and design of the switch. Operating expenses are generally low, but regular maintenance is necessary to ensure accuracy and reliability. Durability is a key consideration, especially in harsh environments where the switch may be exposed to corrosive or abrasive materials. Accuracy is critical for ensuring that the switch provides reliable data, and replacement and maintenance costs should be factored into the total cost of ownership. It is also important to consider the pipe diameter and operating pressure to ensure compatibility with the existing system.

13 Results
InnovaSwitch™ Level Switch
from Sierra Instruments, Inc.

Overview. The InnovaSwitch insertion-type level switch is a high-performance, industrial-grade liquid level indicator for tanks and process vessels. This product switches on level changes as small as 0.03 inch (0.8 mm) on dry-to-wet and wet-to-dry occurrences in a tank or vessel. The instrument was... [See More]

  • Mounting: Insertion
  • End Fittings: In-line Threaded
  • Meter Technology: Thermal
  • Process Media Type: Liquid; Gas
Inline Flow and Temperature Monitoring Switch -- FlexSwitch® FLT93C
from Fluid Components Intl. (FCI)

The FLT93C insertion and inline type FlexSwitches for sanitary flow, level and temperature monitoring represents the first true technological breakthrough in thermal technology in over a decade. This product is specifically designed for sanitary 3A process applications. FCI is the only thermal... [See More]

  • Mounting: Insertion
  • End Fittings: In-line Flanged
  • Meter Technology: Thermal
  • Process Media Type: Liquid; Gas
Thermowell Sensing Flow Sensor Dual Output -- AS-FS
from Fluid Components Intl. (FCI)

FCI ’s AS-FS Dual Output flow sensor provides fully redundant and separate outputs in the same outline dimension envelope of single sensor output designs. This is achieved by employing two electrically independent sensor heads and circuit boards; the second output assures continued operation... [See More]

  • Mounting: Insertion
  • End Fittings: In-line Flanged
  • Meter Technology: Thermal
  • Process Media Type: Liquid; Gas
Thermowell Sensing Flow Switch For Air Or Liquids -- AS-FS
from Fluid Components Intl. (FCI)

FCI's AS-FS Series flow switches utilize no moving parts, ultra-reliable thermal dispersion flow measurement technology to detect a flow rate above or below a predetermined set point at the sensing location. They are applied to signal low flow or high flow alarm conditions in air or liquid fluid... [See More]

  • Mounting: Insertion
  • End Fittings: In-line Flanged
  • Meter Technology: Thermal
  • Process Media Type: Liquid; Gas
Economical Air Flow Switch -- FST1000
from OMEGA Engineering, Inc.

The FST1000 Series measures air velocity and provides two SPST alarm contact closures corresponding to high and low alarm set points. The alarm set points are adjustable from 0 to 100% of the air flow range. The unit comes with a green power LED, and two red LEDs for high and low alarm indications. [See More]

  • Mounting: Insertion
  • Velocity Flow Rate: 0.0 to 167
  • Process Media Type: Gas
  • Accuracy: 2
LPS - Air Flow Switch for Ducts
from KOBOLD Instruments, Inc.

Product Features. Adjustable Switchpoint. Micro Switch Rated to 15 Amps. Install in Vertical or Horizontal Ducts. KOBOLD LPS air flow switches are widely used to control flow setpoints in HVAC applications. In addition to being robust, they have the added benefit of being inexpensive as well. The... [See More]

  • Mounting: Insertion
  • End Fittings: In-line Flanged
  • Meter Technology: Paddlewheel
  • Process Media Type: Gas
Air and Gas Duct Flow Meter -- Model 100CS
from Bionetics

Rheotherm flow sensing probes for duct gases are easy to install and provide long-term service with little or no maintenance. The output can be in mass, standard volume or velocity units. Options for hazardous locations (intrinsically safe/explosion-proof) are available. [See More]

  • Mounting: Insertion
  • Pipe Diameter: 1.00 to ?
  • Meter Technology: Thermal
  • End Fittings: In-line Flanged (optional feature); In-line Threaded; Sanitary
EX Proof Flow Switch -- CF12
from Sitron

The CF12 Thermal Dispersion Flow Switch with Exproof Housing (GX) comes standard with a Universal Power Supply: 24Vdc or 85 to 264Vac. This unit offers reliable liquid and gas flow detection ideally suited for just about any Flow/ No Flow application. Unlike the CF12 with either the small nylon... [See More]

  • Mounting: Insertion
  • End Fittings: In-line Flanged; In-line Threaded
  • Pipe Diameter: 0.50 to 2.00
  • Process Media Type: Liquid; Gas
Electromagnetic Flowmeter -- 2700 Series
from Litre Meter Limited

Insertion electromagnetic flowmeters with PTFE. Pipe size 80 to 3000mm [See More]

  • Mounting: Insertion
  • Pipe Diameter: 3.15 to 118.11
  • Meter Technology: Electromagnetic; Sonar; Turbine; Ultrasonic; Vortex (Shedding) Meter
  • End Fittings: In-line Flanged; In-line Threaded
Industrial Flow Switch -- FSW-40A / FSW-50 Saint
from OMEGA Engineering, Inc.

The FSW-40A and FSW-50 Series flow switches feature 15 A SPDT switches and an adjustable internal screw adjustment which provides continuous switch point while in operation in-line. Multiple drag disks are supplied with each unit to provide incremental switch point adjustment. Their non-magnetic... [See More]

  • Mounting: Insertion
  • End Fittings: In-line Threaded
  • Pipe Diameter: 1.00 to 10.00
  • Process Media Type: Liquid
Rheotherm Flow Switch -- Model 100CS
from Bionetics

Rheotherm flow switches provide reliable switch protection in all types of liquid or gas service. From critical monitoring of extremely low flow process additives to loss of flow protection in large water or air lines, we can handle most flow switch applications. With no moving parts, long term... [See More]

  • Mounting: In-line; Insertion
  • Pipe Diameter: 0.06 to 1.00
  • Meter Technology: Thermal
  • End Fittings: In-line Flanged (optional feature); In-line Threaded (optional feature); Tube End/Hose Nipple (optional feature); Sanitary
Remote Sensor/Electronics -- CF12RM
from Sitron

The CF12RM Remote Mounted Thermal Dispersion Flow Switch is available in two versions: CF12RMDC (+/-24Vdc) or CF12RMAC (85 to 264Vac). Both of these models offer reliable liquid and gas flow detection ideally suited for just about any Flow/ No Flow application, with the flexibility of separate panel... [See More]

  • Mounting: Insertion
  • End Fittings: In-line Flanged; In-line Threaded
  • Pipe Diameter: 0.50 to 2.00
  • Process Media Type: Liquid; Gas
Thermal Dispersion Flow Switch Monitor, Large Stainless Steel (316) Housing (A2) -- CF12
from Sitron

The CF12 Thermal Dispersion Flow Switch with a large 316 Stainless Steel housing (A2) comes standard with a Universal Power Supply: 24Vdc or 85 to 264Vac. This model is an excellent alternative when either plastic or aluminum is not recommended. The CF12 (A2) offers reliable liquid and gas flow... [See More]

  • Mounting: Insertion
  • End Fittings: In-line Flanged; In-line Threaded
  • Pipe Diameter: 0.50 to 2.00
  • Process Media Type: Liquid; Gas