What Are Flow Sensors?

In the modern industrial and technological fields, flow sensors play an indispensable role as one of the key electronic components. They are widely used for measuring and monitoring the flow of liquids and gases, helping to improve the accuracy and efficiency of process control. With continuous technological advancements, the applications of flow sensors have become increasingly widespread, providing critical data support for various complex systems. This article will introduce their concept, working principles, types, characteristics and advantages, and applications.

I. What are Flow Sensors?

A flow sensor is a component that measures the flow of a fluid such as a gas or liquid. It converts the fluid's flow into electrical signals to provide accurate flow data. Flow sensors utilize both mechanical and electrical subsystems to measure changes in the fluid's physical attributes and calculate its flow. Measuring these physical attributes depends on the fluid's characteristics. Gaseous, liquid, and non-Newtonian fluids behave very differently from one another, so the methods used to measure their flow must be different as well.

II. Types

Flow sensors come in various types, including:

Thermal Flow Sensors: Use the principle of fluid heat dissipation, measuring flow by detecting temperature changes.

Electromagnetic Flow Sensors: Based on Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction, they determine flow by measuring the induced voltage of conductive fluids in a magnetic field.

Ultrasonic Flow Sensors: Measure flow by detecting changes in the propagation speed of ultrasonic waves in the fluid.

Turbine Flow Sensors: Use fluid flow to drive a turbine, measuring the rotation speed to determine flow.

Vortex Flow Sensors: Measure flow by detecting the frequency of vortices created as the fluid passes a bluff body.

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