Flow sensors

Flow sensors measure the flow rate of liquid or gaseous media. They are used to monitor the volume or mass flow rate of a medium through a control system. By observing the flow rate, simple diagnostic and condition monitoring tasks can be carried out; after all, a change in the flow rate is often an indication that problems are likely to occur. Simple transmitters, so-called flow transmitters, output the physical measured variable as an electrical signal. The majority of flow sensors offer digital switching outputs or even digital and analogue outputs.

Flow meters from Festo

Flow sensors are ideal for flow measurement in the following applications:

  • Flow rate and air consumption measurement for evaluating energy efficiency
  • Leakage monitoring
  • Sensing for picking up very small parts (very small suction cups))
  • Presence monitoring
  • Leak tightness testing

Flow sensors SFAB – with IO-Link®

Extremely communicative: all measurement data is transmitted to the controller via the IO-Link® communication interface. The benefits to you: data storage, remote parameterisation and reduced wiring. PNP or NPN? NO or NC? 0 ... 10 V, 1 ... 5 V or 4 ... 20 mA? The SFAB can do everything in one device. The electrical outputs can be switched between PNP and NPN using software. This also facilitates warehousing, reduces costs and provides more flexibility. For fast and reliable commissioning, all settings made on one sensor can be replicated, i.e. they can be transferred to other identical sensors within seconds. This process is much less prone to errors than manual commissioning.

Easy to operate: the new design with larger pushbuttons, intuitive menu navigation and a clear display enables reliable and straightforward operation. The SFAB reliably measures flow rate and volume and records the temperature. Energy consumption can be optimised because you can, for instance, quickly detect a leakage. It is reliable even when a higher protection class and precision are required, for example for paint spray guns in the automotive industry. And its ability to detect the temperature allows you to control and stabilise processes. As deviating temperatures can indicate a components is defective, for example.

Flow sensor SFAB

Flow sensors SFAH – compact and universal

The SFAH monitors the flow rate of compressed air and non-corrosive gases. Many industry sectors will appreciate the flexibility it offers in terms of its compact design, numerous installation options and space-saving adjustable QS elbow connections. The bypass construction of the SFAH means that it is less susceptible to particles and moisture. The flow rate value is transmitted to the connected controller as a switching signal, an analogue signal or via IO-Link®.

Wide application area with 8 flow rate ranges from 0.002 l/min ... 200 l/min mean the highly precise SFAH is very flexible. Whether used for process monitoring, feedback when handling small parts, consumption monitoring, leak tests, forming gas monitoring or object monitoring via air gap measurement, the SFAH handles all tasks with ease.

Quick installation, simple operation: The SFAH does not require any laminar flow inlets. The QS plug-in connections and the L1 and M8 plugs ensure that the SFAH can be put into operation quickly. Navigating through the menus on the clear display is highly intuitive and users can configure the colour scheme of the entire display.

Flow sensor SFAH

Flow sensors SFAM – extremely convenient

High flow rates, compact – and quick to start! Unique: The early starting point at 1% for the highest dynamics. From 10 ... 1,000 l/min to 150 ... 15,000 l/min: Pure reserve from below. The modular flow sensors SFAM-62 and SFAM-90 act either as stand-alone devices or are ideally combined with service unit components of the MS series.

Safe and convenient: The SFAM provides absolute flow rate information with threshold values – and it is always accurate due to its extremely wide measuring range. The high-contrast display facilitates convenient setting of the switching point. Adjustable: Standards DIN 1343, ISO 2533 and ISO 6358. This eliminates the need to convert the flow rate.

From the right or from the left? The flow of the unidirectional flow sensor can be set either from left to right or from right to left. Flexible installation: the compact design of the SFAM consistently saves space. The flow sensor can be easily combined with service units MS6/MS9 and the innovative connection technology saves additional installation effort.

Flow sensor SFAM

Flow sensor SFAW – monitoring liquid media

It is perfect for monitoring cooling circuits, for example in welding guns in the automotive industry or in front-end applications in the semiconductor and electronics industries. The flow sensor SFAW measures the flow rate, consumption and temperature of water within the ranges of 1.8 ... 32 l/min and 5 ... 100 l/min.

Whether installed vertically or horizontally, the sensor housing and display can be rotated and easily aligned, even after it's been mounted!

The large, easy-to-read, blue/white/red LCD display makes it easy to operate and you can see immediately whether the flow rate is OK. What's more, it can be commissioned quickly using teach-in or with the clear 3-button menu function.
With a sturdy design to IP65 it can also be used in harsh environments.

Flow sensor SFAW

Flow transmitter SFTE

In addition to our flow sensors, we offer the flow transmitter SFTE. It is ideally suited for monitoring compressed air and non-corrosive gases. The non-linear sensor signal is output as an analogue voltage signal to record the flow rate.

  • Compact design
  • Universal flow detection
  • Easy to install
  • Reliable pick and place application for extremely small workpieces

Flow transmitter SFTE