Gas Volumetric Gas Flow Switches
Last Updated: April 1, 2025
Description
Gas volumetric gas flow switches are devices designed to monitor and control the flow of gas within a system. They detect the presence or absence of gas flow and can trigger an action, such as turning a pump or valve on or off, to maintain the desired flow rate.
Working Principle
Gas volumetric flow switches operate by sensing the flow of gas through a valve contained within the switch. The switch reads a signal sent by the valve, which can increase or decrease an electrical signal to control system components. These switches are useful because they help maintain proper system flow, monitor flow characteristics such as volume, speed, and pressure, and identify potential problems within the system .
Applications
Gas volumetric flow switches are commonly used in HVAC systems to monitor air and steam flow. They are also employed in natural gas fractionation process facilities for relief valve leak monitoring, where they help detect low velocity gas leaks that other technologies might miss .
Advantages over other Volumetric Gas Flow Switches
Gas volumetric flow switches offer advantages over other technologies, such as differential pressure (dP) and vane type switches, particularly in applications requiring the detection of low velocity gas leaks. These switches can provide more reliable performance without causing nuisance false alarms, which are common issues with other types of flow sensing technologies .
Limitations
One limitation of gas volumetric flow switches is their potential inability to detect very low velocity gas flows in certain applications. This can lead to missed detections or false alarms if the switch is not properly calibrated or if the technology is not suitable for the specific application .
Considerations
When selecting a gas volumetric flow switch, it is important to consider factors such as initial costs, operating expenses, durability, accuracy, and maintenance costs. The pipe size, mounting style, and end fittings are critical specifications that ensure the switch fits securely onto the system. Additionally, the operating temperature and pressure should be considered to select appropriate construction and liner materials for the flow switch .
from Fluid Components Intl. (FCI)
The FS10A is a universal flow monitor and switch specifically designed for gas and liquid process analyzer sampling systems. The FS10A is a fast responding, highly repeatable sensor which installs easily into a standard tube tee fitting or new SP76 (NeSSI) modular manifold. The FS10A utilizes proven... [See More]
- Process Media Type: Liquid; Gas
- Pipe Diameter: 0.25 to 0.50
- Meter Technology: Thermal
- Mounting: Insertion
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]
- Process Media Type: Liquid; Gas
- Mounting: Insertion
- Meter Technology: Thermal
- End Fittings: In-line Flanged
from Fluid Components Intl. (FCI)
The FLT93L inline type FlexSwitch for flow and temperature monitoring represents the first true technological breakthrough in thermal technology in over a decade. FCI is the only thermal manufacturer providing temperature compensation to ensure set point accuracy for process temperatures that vary... [See More]
- Process Media Type: Liquid; Gas
- Pipe Diameter: 0.75 to 1.00
- Meter Technology: Thermal
- Mounting: In-line
from Fluid Components Intl. (FCI)
The FLT93B BASIC insertion type FlexSwitch for flow and temperature monitoring represents the first true technological breakthrough in thermal technology in over a decade. FCI is the only thermal manufacturer providing temperature compensation to ensure set point accuracy for process temperatures... [See More]
- Process Media Type: Liquid; Gas
- Pipe Diameter: 0.75
- Meter Technology: Thermal
- Mounting: Insertion
from Fluid Components Intl. (FCI)
The FLT93F insertion type FlexSwitch for flow and temperature monitoring represents the first true technological breakthrough in thermal technology in over a decade. This product was designed for heavy industrial environments including high temperature and high pressure. FCI is the only thermal... [See More]
- Process Media Type: Liquid; Gas
- Pipe Diameter: 0.25 to 1.00
- Meter Technology: Thermal
- Mounting: Insertion
from Fluid Components Intl. (FCI)
The FLT93S insertion type FlexSwitch for flow and temperature monitoring represents the first true technological breakthrough in thermal technology in over a decade. This product was designed for heavy industrial environments including high temperature and high pressure. FCI is the only thermal... [See More]
- Process Media Type: Liquid; Gas
- Pipe Diameter: 0.75 to 1.00
- Meter Technology: Thermal
- Mounting: Insertion
from Orange Research, Inc.
Fixed-Orifice Flowmeters. Our flowmeters are designed for those applications where a rotameter is not appropriate. Consider the inherent problems of rotameters--they are difficult to read, especially with dirty or opaque fluids, have low pressure ratings and allow vertical orientation only. Now... [See More]
- Process Media Type: Gas
- Mounting: In-line
- Meter Technology: Fixed Orifice
- End Fittings: In-line Threaded
from Sitron
The CF12 series of thermal flow switches is designed to monitor flow status of liquids and gases and can also be used to detect level. A chain of 8 LED ’s gives the user a visual indication of the flow status of the switch. There are two red LEDs that indicate whether or not the unit has... [See More]
- Process Media Type: Liquid; Gas
- Mounting: In-line
- Pipe Diameter: 0.25 to 0.50
- End Fittings: In-line Threaded
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]
- Process Media Type: Liquid; Gas
- Pipe Diameter: 1.00 to ?
- Meter Technology: Thermal
- Mounting: Insertion
from Clark Solutions
Use the 7000/8000 series flow meters for measuring the flow rate of liquids, gases, compressed air and steam in closed pipes. We also make indicating flow switches and flow transmitters for process indication and control. Meters feature a large easy to read analog dial with 270 degree pointer... [See More]
- Process Media Type: Liquid; Gas; Steam
- Pipe Diameter: 0.25 to 8.00
- Meter Technology: Orifice Plates
- Mounting: In-line
from Litre Meter Limited
RITTER bellows-type gas meters are applicable for measuring the volume of flowing inert and dry gases and are particularly effective at high gas flows. [See More]
- Process Media Type: Gas
- End Fittings: In-line Threaded
- Mounting: In-line
- Operating Pressure: 4.35
from Brooks Instrument
Features. Wide range of flow ratings. Operating temperature range 33 to 125 °F (1 °C to 52 °C). Pressure ratings up to 500 psig / 34 bar. Two accuracy levels to choose from: 2% or 1% Full Scale. Optional high and low-flow reed switch or inductive alarm, also for safe use in explosive... [See More]
- Process Media Type: Liquid; Gas
- Mounting: In-line
- Meter Technology: Rotameter; Variable Area
- End Fittings: In-line Threaded
from ifm electronic gmbh
Air gap provided as absolute value. Precise values at all times thanks to pressure-compensated measuring principle. Enables zero gap and clogging detection. Self-cleaning measuring channel even resists purge air pressure. Easy teaching of thresholds with just one click. Convenient operation via... [See More]
- Process Media Type: Gas
- Operating Pressure: 232
- End Fittings: In-line Threaded
- Media Temperature: 14 to 140
from KOBOLD Instruments, Inc.
Product Features. Control of Very Small Liquid or Gas Flows. Wetted Parts - SS 1.4305, Borosilicate Glass, FKM. Proximity Switch or Reed Contact. Vertical Connection for In-Line Mounting. Flow switch types KSR and SVN operate on the same principle as a float-type flow indicator. Provided that the... [See More]
- Process Media Type: Liquid; Gas
- Operating Pressure: 230
- Mounting: In-line
- Media Temperature: 160
from ERDCO Engineering Corporation
In addition to the performance benefits of the 3400 Series flow rate meter, the 3500 Series Armor-Flo ™ includes switching capabilities. Adjustable flow switches provide positive indication of flow/no flow conditions or may be positioned to establish process limits. In either application the... [See More]
- Process Media Type: Liquid; Gas; Steam
- Pipe Diameter: 0.50 to 12.00
- Meter Technology: Rotameter; Variable Area
- Mounting: Insertion
from OMEGA Engineering, Inc.
This switch package offers a complete solution for flow or no-flow switching in pipes or ducting ranging up to 16". The compact relay controller provides reliable actuation of valves, pumps or blowers rated up to 1 /2 HP. Common applications include low flow pump or process protection. To complete... [See More]
- Process Media Type: Liquid; Gas
- Mounting: In-line
- Pipe Diameter: 0.75 to 12.00
- End Fittings: In-line Threaded
from Malema Sensors
The M-100 Series is an extremely sensitive flow switch. It has been engineered to monitor vital sample flow parameters for instrumentation in process control and inert blanket gases. It is used as an auxiliary alarm monitor for flow meters and is ideally suited for applications when installed on a... [See More]
- Process Media Type: Liquid; Gas
- Gas Volumetric Flow Rate: 0.0018 to 2.12
- Mounting: In-line
from Orange Research, Inc.
Variable-Area Flowmeters. Our flowmeters are designed for those applications where a rotameter is not appropriate. Consider the inherent problems of rotameters--they are difficult to read, especially with dirty or opaque fluids, have low pressure ratings and allow vertical orientation only. Now... [See More]
- Process Media Type: Gas
- Mounting: In-line
- Meter Technology: Variable Area
- End Fittings: In-line Threaded
from Bionetics
Rheotherm low gas flow meters provide an easy-to-use technology for measuring gas flow in small lines - typically 1" or smaller at flow rates from a few hundred SCFM down to 25 SCCM. (For flow measurement in larger pipes and ducts, click here). These meters give a repeatable reading in mass or... [See More]
- Process Media Type: Gas
- Pipe Diameter: 0.06 to 1.00
- Meter Technology: Thermal
- Mounting: In-line
from Clark Solutions
The model DS15 flow meters work according to the proven variable area principle. The float is moved upward in a tapered tube by the flowing medium and its upper edge indicates the flow rate by means of a scale affixed on to the measuring tube. By using a float with an integrated magnet, optional... [See More]
- Process Media Type: Liquid; Gas
- Mounting: In-line
- Meter Technology: Rotameter; Variable Area
- End Fittings: In-line Threaded
from Brooks Instrument
Reliable and affordable, MT3600 metal tube variable area flow meters satisfy the operational and reliability requirements for multiple industrial purge meter applications, such as metering coolants, pump seal fluids, lubricants under pressure and opaque fluids. Featuring high-temperature and... [See More]
- Process Media Type: Liquid; Gas; Steam
- Mounting: In-line
- Meter Technology: Rotameter; Variable Area
- End Fittings: In-line Threaded; ANSI 150# RF
from OMEGA Engineering, Inc.
OMEGA ® in-line flowmeters offer high accuracy flow rate indication for oil or water and the ability to either control the flowrate or alarm on high or low flowrates. These units feature an SPDT switch which can be triggered at any point along the flow range. [See More]
- Process Media Type: Liquid; Gas
- Mounting: In-line
- Pipe Diameter: 0.50 to 0.75
- End Fittings: In-line Threaded
from Malema Sensors
The M-100X Series is an extremely sensitive flow switch. This has been engineered to monitor vital sample flow parameters for instrumentation in process control and inert blanket gases. It is used as an auxiliary alarm monitor for flow meters and is ideally suited for applications when installed on... [See More]
- Process Media Type: Liquid; Gas
- Mounting: In-line
- Pipe Diameter: 0.12 to 0.25
- End Fittings: In-line Threaded
from Clark Solutions
The flow meter and switch model DS02 works according to a modified variable area principle. The float is guided in a cylindrical measuring tube by means of a spring. The flowing medium moves the float in the flow direction. A Reed contact is mounted outside the meter in a sealed housing. When the... [See More]
- Process Media Type: Liquid; Gas
- Pipe Diameter: 0.25 to 1.00
- Meter Technology: Rotameter; Variable Area
- Mounting: In-line
from Brooks Instrument
Need reliable, durable flow measurement in high-pressure, high-temperature or hazardous process settings? The MT3750 metal tube variable area flow meter from Brooks Instrument is your hard-working answer. Constructed from high-strength steel, the MT3750 Series VA flow meter features a compact design... [See More]
- Process Media Type: Liquid; Gas
- Mounting: In-line
- Meter Technology: Rotameter; Variable Area
- End Fittings: Compression; In-line Threaded
from Malema Sensors
The M-200X Series flow switches are engineered and field tested for sensing increasing and decreasing flow rates of gases or liquids. Pressure variation effects are minimal. This series features such versatility, economy, and accuracy that they can be used in virtually any application requiring... [See More]
- Process Media Type: Liquid; Gas
- Mounting: In-line
- Pipe Diameter: 0.38 to 0.75
- End Fittings: In-line Threaded
from Clark Solutions
The flow meter and switch model DS01 works according to a modified variable area principle. The float is guided in a cylindrical measuring glass by means of a spring. The flowing medium moves the float in the flow direction. The upper edge of the float shows the momentary flow via a burnt-in scale... [See More]
- Process Media Type: Liquid; Gas
- Pipe Diameter: 0.25 to 1.00
- Meter Technology: Rotameter; Variable Area
- Mounting: In-line
from Malema Sensors
The operating principle is based on a free floating magnetic piston which responds only to the motion of fluids within the line, not to static or system pressures. In the presence of fluid flow, controlled movement of the piston actuates an external hermetically sealed reed switch. This switch can... [See More]
- Process Media Type: Liquid; Gas
- Pipe Diameter: 0.25
- Meter Technology: Piston
- Mounting: In-line
from Clark Solutions
The flow meter and switch model DS03 works according to a modified variable area principle. The float is guided in a cylindrical measuring glass. The upper edge of the float shows the momentary flow via a burnt-in scale on the measuring glass. A Reed contact is mounted outside the meter in a sealed... [See More]
- Process Media Type: Liquid; Gas
- Pipe Diameter: 0.25 to 1.25
- Meter Technology: Rotameter; Variable Area
- Mounting: In-line
from Malema Sensors
The M-50 Series low flow, flow switches monitor increasing and decreasing flow. They utilize a single moving part which responds to fluid (liquid or gas) flowing within a system. These switches are suitable for a wide range of applications in industrial, biomedical, and OEM products. The flow... [See More]
- Process Media Type: Liquid; Gas
- Pipe Diameter: 0.12 to 0.25
- Meter Technology: Piston
- Mounting: In-line
from Clark Solutions
The flow meter and switch model DS04 works according to a modified variable area principle. The float is guided in a cylindrical measuring tube by means of a slotted nozzle. The flowing medium moves the float in the flow direction. An externally mounted pointer indicator is magnetically coupled to... [See More]
- Process Media Type: Liquid; Gas
- Pipe Diameter: 0.25 to 1.25
- Meter Technology: Rotameter; Variable Area
- Mounting: In-line
from Malema Sensors
The M-60 Series low flow, flow switches monitor increasing and decreasing flow. They utilize a single moving part which responds to fluid (liquid or gas) flowing within a system. These switches are suitable for a wide range of applications in industrial, biomedical, and OEM products. The flow... [See More]
- Process Media Type: Liquid; Gas
- Mounting: In-line
- Pipe Diameter: 0.25
- End Fittings: In-line Threaded
from Clark Solutions
The flow meter and switch model DS08 works according to a modified variable area principle. The float is guided in a cylindrical measuring tube by means of a spring. The flowing medium moves the float in the flow direction. An externally mounted pointer indicator is magnetically coupled to the float... [See More]
- Process Media Type: Liquid; Gas
- Pipe Diameter: 0.50 to 1.00
- Meter Technology: Rotameter; Variable Area
- Mounting: In-line
from Malema Sensors
The operating principle is based on a free floating magnetic piston which responds only to the motion of fluids within the line, not to static or system pressures. In the presence of fluid flow, controlled movement of the piston actuates an external hermetically sealed reed switch. This switch can... [See More]
- Process Media Type: Liquid; Gas
- Pipe Diameter: 0.25 to 0.38
- Meter Technology: Piston
- Mounting: In-line
from Clark Solutions
The flow meter and switch model DS07 works according to a modified variable area principle. The float is guided in a cylindrical measuring glass by means of a spring. The flowing medium moves the float in the flow direction. The upper edge of the float shows the momentary flow via a burnt-in scale... [See More]
- Process Media Type: Liquid; Gas
- Pipe Diameter: 0.50 to 1.00
- Meter Technology: Rotameter; Variable Area
- Mounting: In-line
from Malema Sensors
AD-15/ADI-15/ADT-15 series flow switches can be fitted with local flow indicators. AD series flow switches can be used for monitoring liquid and gas flows. Features. Can be mounted vertically or horizontally. Alarms : Reed switch. Analog Output : 4-20mA transmitter (ADT-15 only). It does not need... [See More]
- Process Media Type: Liquid; Gas
- Gas Volumetric Flow Rate: 0.1050 to 141
- Mounting: In-line
- Electrical Output: Current