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Non-Intrusive Sanitary Flow Switch

Product News Tuesday, July 3, 2007: Fluid Components International (FCI)

Non-Intrusive Sanitary Flow Switch For Liquid/Gas/Air Control In High Purity Processes

Food/Beverage, Pharmaceutical, Specialty Chemicals, Semiconductor

Controlling liquids, specialty gases or air in high purity and sanitary processes is now easier than ever with the advanced NuTec® FS2000L Inline Flow Switch from Fluid Components International, which features a revolutionary non-intrusive design that eliminates contact between the process media and the flow sensor.

The NuTec FS2000L is a highly versatile general-purpose flow switch designed for the control of liquids, specialty gases or air in a wide range of industries. It is available with an electropolish finish of 20 Ra or 10 Ra for service in line sizes from 0.5 to 2.0 inches (13 to 51 mm) in high purity and sanitary environments.

Highly accurate and responsive, the FS2000L is designed with a no-moving parts thermal mass flow sensor that requires virtually no maintenance and offers a long-life for exceptionally low life-cycle costs. It is accurate to +3 percent of alarm set point +0.25 percent of set point range over any 100°F (38°C) temperature span. Response time is adjustable from 0.5 to 2.5 seconds.

Designed to operate over a wide flow range, the FS2000L supports water-based applications from 0.03 to 85.5 GPM (0.11 to 324 LPM), and it supports gas/air flow applications from 0.02 to 342 SCFM (0.0006 to 9.70 NCMM), depending on the line size. It also operates dependably in media with temperatures from -40 to 250°F (-40 to 121°C) and under pressures to 100 psi [7 bar (g)].

The FS2000L Flow Switch precisely and rapidly controls liquids, high purity process gases and air. It reliably monitors the flow of water-based syrups, lubricants, coolants, highly viscous or adhesive materials, as well as specialty gases and air. It is ideal for applications involving chemical injection, pill coating, fermenting, bottling, pump protection, leak detection and more.

Controlling the flow of high purity/sanitary liquids and gases is often challenging. Flow switch sensors placed directly into the process media often either reduce flow or clog over time (especially differential pressure tube sensors), which can degrade their responsiveness. Contact between the flow sensor and the media also requires frequent cleaning, repair or replacement of mechanical sensors, such as paddles and floats.

With its advanced non-intrusive design, the FS2000L solves these problems with a flat-face no-moving parts sensor configuration. This unique thermal mass flow sensor is installed flush to the inside of the pipe inner diameter (ID). It is fully temperature compensated for high repeatability of +1 percent of alarm set point, with little to no drift over time independent of changes in media or air temperature.

Input power for the control circuit is available in either 24 Vdc or 115/230 Vac. The alarm signal output is a 6 amp, 28 Vdc/240 Vdc resistive relay. Secondary alarm indicator is an open collector circuit (250 mA maximum). The FS2000L’s electronics enclosure is all metal, NEMA Type 4X (IP66) rated and approved for Groups B, C, D, E, F, G and EEx d IIC. Process pipe connection options include 1-inch NPT or 1-inch compression fittings.

Fluid Components International is a global company committed to meeting the needs of its customers through innovative solutions to the most challenging requirements for sensing, measuring and controlling flow and level of air, gases and liquids.