Flow sensors for demanding industrial processes

Flow sensors for demanding industrial processes

In many industrial processes, air or gases of various kinds are used. Volume and mass flows, flow velocities, or flow directions must be reliably and often precisely measured. SCHMIDT® flow sensors, based on the principle of thermal anemometry, do this even under the most challenging conditions.

Industrial processes involving air, gases, or gas mixtures—either in their environment or as part of the process—are found in nearly all industries. This begins with the almost ubiquitous compressed air systems, extends through industrial burner controls and drying or extraction regulation, and up to cleanroom technology. It is about process control, energy savings, and environmental protection. The highest demands are also placed on quality assurance in processes such as in the medical and pharmaceutical industries, semiconductor sectors, or plant engineering.

The requirements for adequate flow measurement technology range from detecting very small amounts of air or gas to high flow velocities across a wide range of temperatures and pressures. Additionally, compatibility with media of various kinds, with dusty and/or aggressive gases, flammable media, or use in explosion-risk environments present special challenges.

Dedicated Technology

An ideal basic technology for volume and flow measurement is thermal anemometry, which is how SCHMIDT® flow sensors operate. By design, standard velocities or standard volume flows are directly measured, independent of prevailing pressure and temperature conditions. This allows for precise measurement of flow velocities, depending on the device design, from as low as 0.06 m/s up to 220 m/s, with measurement accuracies of ±1%. Depending on the design, they can also be used in dusty or aggressive gases, at extreme medium temperatures, and under high overpressure conditions.

In addition to air, SCHMIDT® flow sensors are available for use with various gases or gas mixtures, e.g., pure oxygen, CO2, methane, etc. There are also versions for hydrogen and those resistant to aggressive media such as hydrochloric acid, acetone, or sulfuric acid. The ATEX-certified variants of SCHMIDT® flow sensors meet the special requirements of explosion-proof environments.