New Space Saving Flow Switch

Fluid Components International (FCI) from USA has released a new video on their website highlighting the advanced, space-saving Model FS10A Flow Switch/Monitor which features a fast-response design optimised for process analyser and sampling systems.

Offering next-generation electronics in a compact design, the FS10A Flow Switch/Monitor represents the lowest-cost solution for continuously verifying flows withinliquid or gas process analyser sampling systems. The breakthrough FS10A is a small, lightweight instrument featuring superior low flow sensitivity, a choice of electronic outputs and a no-moving parts design that ensures maximum reliability. Analyser end-users or system integrators will find the FS10A’s advanced electronics and thermal dispersion flow sensing technology provide a superior overall solution to sampling system flow assurance. It is ideally suited for continuous monitoring of analyser sample flows to provide the highest integrity process analysis without interruption.

With no moving parts to foul, clog or maintain, the FS10A Analyser Flow Switch’s precision flow sensor element ensures continuous reliability and requires virtually no maintenance. Unlike capillary bypass flow meters and controllers, the FS10A has no cavities, orifices or dead-legs that can trapfluids and lead to contaminated samples, which preserves sample integrity and provides faster system sampling times. The instrument’s wetted parts are corrosion-resistant 316L stainless steel with Hastelloy-C sensor tips.

The FS10A is ideal for use in nearly all types of process and emissions sampling systems, including those utilising gas chromatographs (GCs), mass spectrometers, optical spectrometers, photometers and others. The FS10A Analyser Flow Switch fits in a standard ¼ inch tube tee or SP76 adapter (ANSI/ISA Standard 76.00.02-2002, Modular Component Interfaces for Surface-Mount Fluid Distribution Components). SP76 is a key element of the NeSSITM platform (New Sampling/Sensor Initiative) that has been evolving since 1999. The FS10A conforms to NeSSI Generation I and is prepped for Generation II and III compliance, requiring only a single 1.5-x-1.5-inch SP76 base.

The FS10A Analyser Flow Switch operates over a wide flow range, depending on the configuration selected. The flow range in air is from 0.1 SCFH to 40 SCFH (50 cc/min to 20,000 cc/min), and the flow range in water is 0.001 GPM to 0.03 GPM (4 cc/min to 100 cc/min). 1/8” tube adapters result in low end flow rates down to 0.02 SCFH (10 cc/min). It accommodates wide turndowns with a ratio up to 100:1.

The FS10A Analyser Flow Switch is versatile and rugged. Its electronics are packaged in a fully-sealed aluminum housing and can be integral mounted with the sensor element in a uni-body configuration or remotely mounted for easyfront panel display viewing. The FS10 features a top-mounted, ten (10) LED array and two pressure-sensitive button touch controls. The LED display provides users visibility of flow rate trend, alarm status and power on/off. The flow switch’s set-up and setpoint values can be changed via the two push-buttons or through its standard RS232C serial interface.

The FS10A Analyser Flow Switch is available with a choice of several electronicoutputs. The FS10A switch output can be either an open collector (transistor) or a 1A relay settable for NO or NC operation. The switch settings are user programmable for trip control of hysteresis and time delay. A 4-20mA output is available for trending, which is settable to represent flow rate or temperature.

Agency approvals for the FS10A Analyser Flow Switch include FM and FMc: Nonincendive, Class I, Division 2 Groups A, B, C, D; Class II, Division 2 Groups E, F, G; Class III T4@Ta=71ºC Type 4X. It is also ATEX and IEC approved, Zone 2, II 3 G Ex nA IIC T4 Gc, II 3 D Ex tc IIIC T 81ºC Dc, IP64.