Applications
Process
Systems
Gas or liquid flows to instruments
(recorders, analyzers, etc) are usually very low, but CTE ChemTec
flow switches can instantly warn of flow stoppage or excess reduction
due to plugging or malfunction of the device.
There are thousands of flow meters
installed to give visual indication of flow. Some of these have
sensing devices, but most do not. A visual flow meter is only
helpful when someone is looking at it. A CTE ChemTec flow switch
installed in series with the flow meter provides an automatic
warning whether someone is looking or not. Many times this saves
valuable man hours by eliminating the need for constant observation.
Chemical feeder or proportioning pumps, whether steady state flow
or pulsating flow, should be monitored. Loss or reduction of an
established flow without knowing this at once can result in complete
batch loss or off-spec material.
Loss of air supply to pneumatically
operated valves and other control equipment can completely upset
process control. An in-line flow switch can indicate loss of flow.
For industries where highly corrosive
chemicals are handled, CTE ChemTec is the only company that offers
"all TEFLON©" flow switches.
Leak
Detection
CTE ChemTec flow switches and
flow meters and EFV's operate effectively as leak detectors. When
installed downstream from valves, flow switches detect and signal
if tight shut-off is not made. If there is rupture or a loose
fitting downstream of the flow switch it will signal loss of fluid
even though a downstream valve is tightly closed. If an EFV is
plumbed in-line it will shut off flow should there be a fitting
or line failure downstream which creates a significant pressure
loss.
Valve manufacturers can use flow
switches and flow meters to test valve leakage on newly assembled
or repaired valves.
Air or liquid testing for leaks
of tanks and various containers can be easily done with flow monitors.
Machine Tools and Metalworking
Flow switches can be installed
in coolant lines and lubrication systems to ensure that vital
areas are receiving adequate lubricant or coolant flow. Pressure
gauges cannot ensure this.
Flow of industrial gases (Hydrogen,
Oxygen, Nitrogen, Argon, Carbon Dioxide, etc) can be detected
and signaled by a flow switch. A flow meter plumbed in each of
these lines can measure and calculate the amount of each gas being
consumed. An in-line EFV can protect personnel from toxic fumes
and whipping hoses should there be a problem downstream.
Compressed Air Systems
Most plant engineers are aware
of air leakage in their plants. These leaks can arise from faulty
valves in air tools, hose fittings, etc. In even moderate sized
plants, air leakage (loss of power to air tools) can cost thousands
of dollars per year. Air leakage puts more demand on compressors,
greater capacity may be required resulting in higher capital requirements,
higher overhead and higher product costs as a result.
Flow switches installed in various
circuits of the plant's compressed air system can advise of air
leakage through joints, fittings, hoses, or tools when air usage
in a circuit is momentarily stopped.
The flow switch is adjusted from
maximum tolerable leakage in a circuit. If leakage exceeds this
value when testing, the switch will so advise. The broad range
of CTE ChemTec's flow switches allows great latitude in selecting
a permissible leakage rate.
Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Systems
Installed in a cooling tower circulating water
line, the flow switch signals "No Flow" conditions or
a reduction of flow below minimum requirements. This sounds an
alarm or activates a compressor motor. When installed in a chilled
water line, a flow switch can signal "Proper Flow Established"
before compressors begin working. Before normal operations a flow
switch can signal failure or overload of operating pumps and stop
compressor motors.
Boiler,
Power Plant and Heating Systems
Installed on a discharge line,
a flow switch can stop deep or shallow well pumps on loss of prime
or other malfunction causing loss of flow. On turbine blue oil
systems a flow switch warns immediately of insufficient oil flow.
Installed in front of or after filters, the flow switch advises
time to clean and can activate by-pass valves as desired.
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