Electro-Mechanical Switch Velocity Flow Switches

Last Updated: April 1, 2025

Description

Electro-mechanical switch velocity flow switches are devices designed to monitor the flow of a fluid within a system. They are equipped with mechanical contacts or relays that respond to changes in flow velocity, providing a signal when the flow reaches a predetermined setpoint.

Working Principle

Electro-mechanical switch velocity flow switches operate by utilizing mechanical components that are activated by the force of the fluid flow. When the flow velocity reaches a specific threshold, the mechanical contacts close or open, sending an electronic signal to a control system. These switches are useful because they can handle a wide range of current and voltage options and are not affected by environmental factors such as dirt, mist, magnetic fields, or extreme temperatures .

Applications

Electro-mechanical switch velocity flow switches are commonly used in various industrial applications. For example, they are employed in refinery water treatment systems to ensure proper fluid flow and prevent pump failures . They are also used in cooling tower systems to detect flow conditions and trigger alarms if the flow falls below a setpoint, helping to protect equipment from damage .

Advantages over other Materials - Plastics and Polymers

Electro-mechanical switches offer advantages over plastic and polymer materials in certain applications. While plastics are lightweight and resistant to rust, they may not be suitable for environments prone to freezing or high temperatures. In contrast, electro-mechanical switches can operate effectively across a wide temperature range and are less susceptible to environmental degradation .

Limitations

One of the limitations of electro-mechanical switch velocity flow switches is their limited contact life cycle, which can lead to maintenance challenges over time. Additionally, they tend to be larger in size and have a slower response time compared to solid-state switches .

Considerations

When selecting electro-mechanical switch velocity flow switches, it is important to consider factors such as initial costs, operating expenses, and maintenance requirements. While mechanical devices with fixed trip points can be cost-effective, those with adjustable trip points may be significantly more expensive. Durability and accuracy are also critical considerations, as the material compatibility of components like springs and seals must be evaluated to ensure long-term reliability .

9 Results
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]

  • Switch Type: Electro-mechanical
  • Mounting: Insertion
  • Meter Technology: Thermal
  • End Fittings: In-line Flanged
Insertion Flow and Temperature Monitoring Switch -- FlexSwitch® FLT93B-B*00
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]

  • Switch Type: Electro-mechanical
  • Pipe Diameter: 0.75
  • Meter Technology: Thermal
  • Mounting: Insertion
Insertion Flow and Temperature Monitoring Switch -- FlexSwitch® FLT93F
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]

  • Switch Type: Electro-mechanical
  • Pipe Diameter: 0.25 to 1.00
  • Meter Technology: Thermal
  • Mounting: Insertion
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]

  • Switch Type: Electro-mechanical
  • Process Media Type: Gas
  • Mounting: Insertion
  • Velocity Flow Rate: 0.0 to 167
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]

  • Switch Type: Electro-mechanical
  • Mounting: Insertion
  • Pipe Diameter: 0.50 to 2.00
  • End Fittings: In-line Flanged; In-line Threaded
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]

  • Switch Type: Electro-mechanical
  • Mounting: Insertion
  • Meter Technology: Paddlewheel
  • End Fittings: In-line Flanged
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]

  • Switch Type: Electro-mechanical
  • Mounting: Insertion
  • Pipe Diameter: 0.50 to 2.00
  • End Fittings: In-line Flanged; In-line Threaded
VKA - OEM Viscosity-Compensated Flowmeter
from KOBOLD Instruments, Inc.

Product Features. Flow Ranges 2-6.3 GPH to 8-26 GPM Oil. All Metal Bodies in Brass. Adjustable Switch Available. Pressure 3600 PSIG Maximum. Looking for a low cost, truly viscosity compensated flowmeter that won't break the company budget? Look no further than the KOBOLD VKA line of meters! The VKA... [See More]

  • Switch Type: Electro-mechanical; Solid State
  • Process Media Type: Liquid
  • End Fittings: In-line Threaded
  • Operating Pressure: 3600
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]

  • Switch Type: Electro-mechanical
  • Mounting: Insertion
  • Pipe Diameter: 0.50 to 2.00
  • End Fittings: In-line Flanged; In-line Threaded