Help with Flow Switches specifications:
Process Media Type
Typically, the process media type is determined by the meter technology. For additional guidance, refer to information about meter technologies, or consult the manufacturer.
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Process Media Type | |||
Your choices are... | |||
Gas | Devices measure the flow of gases. | ||
Liquid | Devices measure the flow of liquids. | ||
Steam | Devices can accommodate mixed-phase materials such as steam. | ||
Search Logic: | All products with ANY of the selected attributes will be returned as matches. Leaving all boxes unchecked will not limit the search criteria for this question; products with all attribute options will be returned as matches. | ||
Environment
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Operating Temperature | The temperature range over which the device must operate. | ||
Search Logic: | User may specify either, both, or neither of the limits in a "From - To" range; when both are specified, matching products will cover entire range. Products returned as matches will meet all specified criteria. | ||
Process Operating Conditions
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Operating Pressure | Operating pressure is the maximum head pressure of the process media that devices can withstand. | ||
Search Logic: | User may specify either, both, or neither of the "At Least" and "No More Than" values. Products returned as matches will meet all specified criteria. | ||
Media Temperature Range | Media temperature range is the maximum media temperature that can be monitored. It is usually dependent on construction and liner materials. | ||
Search Logic: | User may specify either, both, or neither of the "At Least" and "No More Than" values. Products returned as matches will meet all specified criteria. | ||
Flow Performance Range
A meter's performance can be determined by its turndown ratio. Turndown ratio is the effective dynamic or operating range of the flow meter. For example, if a 500 SCCM flow rate device has a turndown ratio of 50:1; it will operate effectively and resolve flow down to 10 SCCM. If the same device has a turndown of 100:1, then it will resolve effectively to 5 SCCM.
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Mass Flow Rate Range | Mass flow range is the range of flow in mass/time. This specification applies to mass flow sensors and meters. | ||
Search Logic: | User may specify either, both, or neither of the limits in a "From - To" range; when both are specified, matching products will cover entire range. Products returned as matches will meet all specified criteria. | ||
Velocity Flow Rate Range | Velocity flow range is the range of flow in distance/time. This specification applies to velocity flow sensors and meters. | ||
Search Logic: | User may specify either, both, or neither of the limits in a "From - To" range; when both are specified, matching products will cover entire range. Products returned as matches will meet all specified criteria. | ||
Gas Volumetric Flow Rate Range | Gas volumetric flow rate range is the range of flow in volume/time. This specification applies to volumetric flow sensors and meters for gases. | ||
Search Logic: | User may specify either, both, or neither of the limits in a "From - To" range; when both are specified, matching products will cover entire range. Products returned as matches will meet all specified criteria. | ||
Liquid Volumetric Flow Rate Range | Liquid volumetric flow rate range is the range of flow in volume/time. This specification applies to volumetric flow sensors and meters for liquids. | ||
Search Logic: | User may specify either, both, or neither of the limits in a "From - To" range; when both are specified, matching products will cover entire range. Products returned as matches will meet all specified criteria. | ||
Accuracy | Accuracy is the closeness of a measured quantity to its actual, nominal, absolute, or true value. | ||
Search Logic: | User may specify either, both, or neither of the "At Least" and "No More Than" values. Products returned as matches will meet all specified criteria. | ||
Physical Specifications
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Pipe Diameter | The diameter of the process pipe to be monitored. | ||
Search Logic: | User may specify either, both, or neither of the "At Least" and "No More Than" values. Products returned as matches will meet all specified criteria. | ||
Mounting Type | |||
Your choices are... | |||
In-line | In-line flow meters are installed directly in the process line. They have a variety of end-fittings including flanges, threads, and compression fittings. Typically, in-line flow meters require a straight run of pipe for installation. | ||
Insertion Type | Devices are inserted perpendicular to flow path. They usually require a threaded hole in the process pipe or another means of access. | ||
Non-Invasive | Non-invasive flow meters do not require mounting directly in the process flow and can be used in closed piping systems. Ultrasonic flow meters such as Doppler devices may use this type of mounting to read the flow through the pipe. | ||
Search Logic: | All products with ANY of the selected attributes will be returned as matches. Leaving all boxes unchecked will not limit the search criteria for this question; products with all attribute options will be returned as matches. | ||
End Fittings | |||
Your choices are... | |||
Clamp | Devices are inserted parallel to the flow path and clamped between two existing process pipes. External clamp-on flow meters are non-invasive. They do not require mounting directly in the process flow and can be used in closed piping systems. Ultrasonic, or Doppler, flow meters may use this type of mounting to read the flow through the pipe. | ||
Compression | Compression fittings tighten down a sleeve or ferrule over a joint to prevent leakage. | ||
Flanged | Devices are inserted parallel to the flow path, usually between two pieces of existing, flanged process pipes. Circular or square flanges are used to connect the fitting, typically via bolting or welding. | ||
Plain End | Devices have a plain, straight-pipe end that can be inserted into the bell end of the connecting pipe. | ||
Socket Weld / Union | The end fitting is designed for welding or soldering and can be a weld neck. | ||
Threaded | Devices are inserted parallel to the flow path and threaded into two existing process pipes. National pipe thread (NPT) is the most common thread type. | ||
Tube End / Hose Nipple | Tube-end or hose-nipple is a common description for a short piece of pipe, usually with male threaded ends. | ||
VCO® / VCR® | VCO® and VCR® connections are proprietary, threaded fittings for vacuum applications that use the Swagelok design. VCO® fittings have an O-ring face seal. VCR® fittings have a metal gasket face seal. VCO and VCR are registered trademarks of Cajon Company. Swagelok is a registered trademark of Swagelok Co. | ||
Other | Other unlisted, specialized, or proprietary configurations. | ||
Search Logic: | All products with ANY of the selected attributes will be returned as matches. Leaving all boxes unchecked will not limit the search criteria for this question; products with all attribute options will be returned as matches. | ||
Output Options
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Electrical Output | |||
Your choices are... | |||
Analog Current | Analog current levels (transmitters) such as 4 – 20 mA are suitable for sending signals over long distances. A current is imposed on the output circuit proportional to the measurement. Feedback is used to provide the appropriate current regardless of line noise and impedance. | ||
Analog Voltage | Analog voltage outputs are simple, usually linear functions of the measurement. | ||
Frequency | Frequency or modulated frequency outputs include amplitude modulation (AM), frequency modulation (FM), sine waves, and pulse trains. | ||
Switch | The output is a change in state of a switch or a relay. | ||
Search Logic: | All products with ANY of the selected attributes will be returned as matches. Leaving all boxes unchecked will not limit the search criteria for this question; products with all attribute options will be returned as matches. | ||
Interface Options | |||
Your choices are... | |||
Serial / Digital | Flow meters can provide signal outputs in serial, parallel, Ethernet, or other digital formats. Devices with a serial/digital interface can provide a process variable for measurement, but do not include communication lines. | ||
Network / Fieldbus | Devices output signals that are formatted according to an industrial fieldbus protocol such as CANbus, PROFIBUS®, or SERCOS; a networking protocol such as Ethernet; or another industrial automation protocol. PROFIBUS is a registered trademark of PROFIBUS International. | ||
Other | Other unlisted, specialized, or proprietary interface options. | ||
Search Logic: | All products with ANY of the selected attributes will be returned as matches. Leaving all boxes unchecked will not limit the search criteria for this question; products with all attribute options will be returned as matches. | ||
Switch Specifications
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Switch Type | |||
Your choices are... | |||
Electro-Mechanical Switch | Devices use mechanical contacts, relays, reed switches, etc. | ||
Solid-State Switch | Devices use electronic switches with no moving parts. | ||
Search Logic: | All products with ANY of the selected attributes will be returned as matches. Leaving all boxes unchecked will not limit the search criteria for this question; products with all attribute options will be returned as matches. | ||
Normal State | |||
Your choices are... | |||
Normally Open (NO) | The switch is normally open (NO). | ||
Normally Closed (NC) | The switch is normally closed (NC). | ||
Search Logic: | All products with ANY of the selected attributes will be returned as matches. Leaving all boxes unchecked will not limit the search criteria for this question; products with all attribute options will be returned as matches. | ||
Poles | |||
Your choices are... | |||
Single Pole (SP) | A single pole (SP) switch has a single set of contacts for switching just one electrical line. | ||
Double Pole (DP) | A double pole (DP) switch has a double set of contacts for switching two electrical lines simultaneously. | ||
More Than 2 Poles | Switches have more than two sets of contacts. | ||
Search Logic: | All products with ANY of the selected attributes will be returned as matches. Leaving all boxes unchecked will not limit the search criteria for this question; products with all attribute options will be returned as matches. | ||
Throws | |||
Your choices are... | |||
Single Throw (ST) | Single throw (ST) switches are simple, on/off devices. | ||
Double Throw (DT) | With double throw (DT) switches, a common contact is switched between two contacts. | ||
Search Logic: | All products with ANY of the selected attributes will be returned as matches. Leaving all boxes unchecked will not limit the search criteria for this question; products with all attribute options will be returned as matches. | ||
Maximum Current Rating | The maximum current rating of the switch. | ||
Search Logic: | All matching products will have a value less than or equal to the specified value. | ||
Maximum AC Voltage Rating | The maximum alternating current (AC) voltage rating of the switch. | ||
Search Logic: | All matching products will have a value less than or equal to the specified value. | ||
Maximum DC Voltage Rating | The maximum direct current (DC) voltage rating of the switch. | ||
Search Logic: | All matching products will have a value less than or equal to the specified value. | ||
TTL Compatible? | Devices are compatible with transistor-transistor logic (TTL). Transistor logic is a type of logic that uses a 5 VDC power supply and two binary states (0 and 1). Values from 0 to 0.8 VDC have a binary state of 0 and are considered to be OFF. Values from 2.0 to 5 VDC have a binary state of 1 and are considered to be ON. Voltages between 0.8 and 2.0 VDC are allowed only during rapid transitions from one state to the other. | ||
Search Logic: | "Required" and "Must Not Have" criteria limit returned matches as specified. Products with optional attributes will be returned for either choice. | ||
User Interface
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Display | |||
Your choices are... | |||
Analog Display | Data is displayed with an analog meter or simple visual indicator. | ||
Digital Display | Device uses digital, numerical, or application-specific displays. | ||
Search Logic: | All products with ANY of the selected attributes will be returned as matches. Leaving all boxes unchecked will not limit the search criteria for this question; products with all attribute options will be returned as matches. | ||
Front Panel Interface | |||
Your choices are... | |||
Knobs / Switches | Settings are made with dual-in-line package (DIP) switches, knobs, jumpers, and/or other simple settings. | ||
Digital Front Panel | Devices have a digital front panel and are setup or programmed with a digital keypad and displays, menus, or similar display functions. | ||
Search Logic: | All products with ANY of the selected attributes will be returned as matches. Leaving all boxes unchecked will not limit the search criteria for this question; products with all attribute options will be returned as matches. | ||
Computer Controllable | Devices can be programmed and/or remotely controlled with a computer. | ||
Search Logic: | "Required" and "Must Not Have" criteria limit returned matches as specified. Products with optional attributes will be returned for either choice. | ||
Features
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Features | |||
Your choices are... | |||
Audible or Visual Alarms | Instruments have audible or visual alarms to alert users to dangerous conditions. | ||
Averaging / Multi-Insertion | Multi-insertion flow meters determine the flow rate by taking flow rate measurements across several points in the flow path. | ||
Controller Functions | Devices have or receive sensor input, provide control, (limits, PID, logic, etc.) and output a control signal. | ||
Programmable | Typically, programmable meters include a built-in microprocessor. They can be adjusted electronically for different materials, ranges, outputs, etc. | ||
Recorder / Totalizer Functions | Totalizer functions totalize the amount of material, media, or process variable controlled. A recorder function may be a datalogger that logs system or process variables and/or control commands for later viewing or analysis. A chart recorder that can plot (chart) flow history or give total flow for a given unit of time may also be available. | ||
Sanitary | Devices are designed for use in sanitary environments, such as in medical or food processing applications. | ||
Suspended Solids / Slurries | Devices can accommodate liquids with suspended solids (slurries). Typically, the material types are determined by the meter technology chosen. For additional guidance, refer to information about meter technologies or consult the manufacturer. | ||
Search Logic: | All products with ANY of the selected attributes will be returned as matches. Leaving all boxes unchecked will not limit the search criteria for this question; products with all attribute options will be returned as matches. | ||
Approvals and Standards
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Approvals | |||
Your choices are... | |||
CENELEC | CENELEC, the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization, develops and promotes electrotechnical standards in order to remove trade barriers, create new markets, and cut compliance costs. CENELEC works closely with the European Union (EU), but is not an EU institution. | ||
CSA Mark | Products that bear a CSA Mark have been tested by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) and meet applicable standards for safety and/or performance. These standards are written and administered by organizations such as the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), Underwriters Laboratories (UL), and CSA International. CSA Marks may appear alone or with indicators. CSA Marks that appear alone are used with products certified primarily for the Canadian market, to the applicable Canadian standards. CSA Marks that appear with the indicators “C” and “US” or “NRTL/C” is used with products certified for both the U.S. and Canadian markets, to the applicable U.S. and Canadian standards. | ||
SAA | The Standards Association of Australia (SAA) is Australia’s leading, non-governmental standards development organization. SAA is Australia’s representative to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), and the Pacific Area Standards Congress. | ||
UL | Underwriters Laboratories (UL) is a non-profit organization that tests components, systems, and materials according to its published standards for safety. Products that receive UL approval bear a UL Mark. | ||
Other | Other unlisted certification, approval, or quality markings presented by an independent testing service or government agency. | ||
Search Logic: | All products with ANY of the selected attributes will be returned as matches. Leaving all boxes unchecked will not limit the search criteria for this question; products with all attribute options will be returned as matches. | ||
Standards | |||
Your choices are... | |||
RoHS | Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) is a European Union (EU) directive that requires all manufacturers of electronic and electrical equipment sold in Europe to demonstrate that their products contain only minimal levels of the following hazardous substances: lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyl and polybrominated diphenyl ether. RoHS became effective on July 1, 2006. | ||
WEEE Compliant | Waste Electrical and Electronics Equipment (WEEE) is a European Union (EU) directive that is designed to encourage the reuse, recycling, and recovery of electrical and electronic equipment. WEEE establishes requirements and criteria for the collection, treatment, recycling, and recovery of this equipment. It also makes producers responsible for financing these activities. Retailers and distributors must provide a means for consumers to return used or obsolete equipment without charge. | ||
Search Logic: | All products with ANY of the selected attributes will be returned as matches. Leaving all boxes unchecked will not limit the search criteria for this question; products with all attribute options will be returned as matches. | ||