New benchmark in thermal flow measurement

The latest flow meter from ifm electronic measures liquids or gases

The new benchmark in thermal flow measurement is the SA from ifm electronic. Quite simply the best and easiest to use, the SA is optimised for a range of media including water, oils, glycol and air.  Not only will the SA measure the flow rate, but the device will also measure the temperature of the medium. The SA series are equipped with the latest sensing and connection technologies for optimum setting and usage, as well as featuring a very flexible design concept to reduce inventory.

The SA features a highly visible four-digit display, which the user can configure to show the flow rate or temperature and to alternate from red to green as required, and the housing can be aligned for optimum readability.

Unlike most flowmeters, using an SA does not mean specifying exactly the pipe diameter to find the correct device. The SA consists of a display and evaluation section that sits on the pipe where the display can clearly be seen, and a probe inserted through the pipe wall into the medium. As only a simple probe needs to be inserted into the pipe, the SA is easy to fit and versatile, covering a range of pipe sizes from and internal diameter of just 15mm up to a massive 400mm. Fitting is via a progressive ring compression joint, allowing control of the insertion depth.   The user merely selects the probe length from 45mm, 100mm or 200mm. If there are many different pipe sizes on site, the stock of different flow meters is kept to a minimum.

Accuracy and speed of response are vital, and the SA performs on both counts. The SA can react to a change in the medium as quickly as half a second, with an accuracy of ±0.3K for temperature and ±5% for flow.

Switching outputs (normally open or normally closed), pulse output, analogue signals and IO-Link provide various options to further process the signals.  The IO-Link option has already proved of value to customers who have been able to replace two units with one, and not only that but as the IO-Link signal is transmitted over the normal output connection, both measurements are registered via a simple three-core cable. Moreover, as IO-Link is a stronger digital 24V signal without conversion losses, the data is more reliable than any analogue mA value. IO-Link is a two-way street, giving the user the flexibility of remotely adjusting parameters, too. That means that the user is all set for Industry 4.0.

Many application are open to the SA units as they are rated up to a maximum pressure of 100bar, and many different media with flow rates of 5 to 300cm/s (liquids) or 200 to 10000cm/s (gases) over temperatures ranging from -20 to +100°C.  Construction is up to ifm’s usual high standard, with wetted parts made of high-grade stainless steel and the housing sealed to IP65 / IP67.

ifm is committed to working closely with its customers to develop products which precisely match their needs, and the company provides expert, readily accessible technical support to help users maximise the benefits they gain from ifm products.

For further information, contact Gemma Anderson, ifm electronic Ltd., efector House, Kingsway Business Park, Oldfield Road, Hampton, Middlesex, TW12 2HD.  Telephone:  020 8213-2234. E-mail – gemma.anderson@ifm.com.