Flow switch provides reliable and economic way to lengthen expensive pumps’ lifespan and avoid maintenance and emergency shutdown costs from dry running process conditions

Fluid Components International (FCI)’s FLT93 Series flow switch is an invaluable tool for process engineers in their never-ending task of ensuring optimal process performance and avoiding downtime and shutdowns for maintenance and repair. These economic, yet reliable and precise devices provide an early warning alert when there is the possibility of dry running conditions, cavitation and other issues that can adversely affect the performance and longevity of expensive pumps, and slow down or halt the process. 

Pumps provide the heartbeat for many industries that rely on them to move their process’ fluids and keep cooling systems running smoothly. These pumps are costly in terms of purchase, maintenance and operation, far more so in sudden dry running conditions caused my leaks, clogs and blockages which can damage pump seals and bearings. Repairing or replacing these pumps is expensive, time consuming and affects the process’ efficiency. 

The FLT93 was designed to enable technicians within demanding sectors such as oil and gas, petrochemicals, chemicals and water/wastewater treatment to monitor temperature and flow of liquids, gases or slurries ubiquitous to these industries. It is the perfect choice for wet/dry monitoring of industrial pumps in situations in which a sudden loss of media flow can result in pumps over-heating. This versatile instrument is SIL2 rated and has the requisite international safety approval certifications (such as FM, FMc, ATEX, IECEx, Inmetro, EAC/TR CU, CSA, CRN & CE), to be compliant across the globe.

Pumps are doubly protected by the FLT93’s dual alarm feature. The first alarm detects a lower flow rate and warn the operator of a potential problem. The second alarm is in more extreme situations in which the pump is running dry and needs to be shut down immediately to avoid permanent damage. 

The FLT93 has no moving parts and, like all of FCI’s products, are built to operate efficiently in harsh, industrial environments. This highly advanced instrument measures flow, temperature and/or level and come in both insertion or inline version, with dual 6A relay outlooks which can be assigned to flow, temperature or level. Only FCI offer integrated temperature compensation to deliver set point precision for process temperatures ranging between 100°F to -100°F (37.5°C to -73°C).