Flow Sensors

Flow sensors measure the mass, volume, or velocity of a liquid or gas. Depending on the specific industry, they are often referred to as flow indicators, flow gauges, or flow rate sensors.

Flow sensors provide accurate measurements of gases and liquids across industrial and automatic industries. We're proud to stock a wide range of flow meters from industry-leading brands, including Dwyer Instruments, Festo, and GEMS Sensors, Inc. Our advanced filter tools can help you narrow your search and find the exact product you're looking for.

Browse our online selection of products and place your order today. If you need further information regarding any of our air flow sensors, get in touch with our team of friendly trade experts.

How do flow sensors work?

Flow sensors work by measuring and regulating the flow rate of liquids and gases as they pass through various pipes and tubes. The sensors are typically connected to measurement gauges and are ideal for detecting leaks, pipe bursts, blockages, and changes to liquid concentration in the event of contamination or pollution.

This type of sensor utilizes electrical and mechanical subsystems to measure the changes in fluid and determine the flow. The physical attributes of the fluid will help with each measurement, whether that be a liquid, gas, or vapor.

What are the different types of flow sensor?

There are several types of liquid and gas flow meters:

• Inferential flow sensor: The temperature and pressure of the flow, rather than the actual mass flow, is indirectly measured. These types of sensors include magnetic, turbine, and target
• Differential pressure flow sensor: The pressure difference of the flow that passes through various pipe constructions is utilized with this type of sensor to calculate the flow rate.
• Velocity flow sensor: To measure the velocity of the flow through a pipe, the fluid is multiplied by the area of which the fluid passes
• Thermal mass flow meter: This sensor utilizes the fluid's thermal properties to measure its flow.

What applications are flow sensors suitable for?

Each flow sensor is designed to meet a specific purpose. The type of flow sensor depends on your industry and what needs to be measured.

Water flow

Commercial and domestic buildings rely on water supply to ensure workers and residents always have access to clean water. To ensure everyone's needs are met, water supply systems are monitored to check that the appropriate supply is being provided and used.

This means the water flow is measured by a water flow meter. These are installed at the water source to calculate the exact amount of water that is flowing through the pipe.

Industrial plants

Industrial gas flow meters can be used with plant operators to keep the gas flow running smoothly, preventing any disruptions to production operations.

If incidents do occur, shutting down the production of industrial plants is time-consuming, expensive, and inefficient. This should be avoided at all costs.

Oil and gas

Thermal mass flow meters are the most suitable type of sensor here. They are used as oil and gas flow measurement devices to measure tank vents and gas that's in storage.

Accurate monitoring is required to prevent the likelihood of leaks. Plus, the flow of water, oil, and gases across various equipment is measured to learn more information about each of the resources and to determine how productive they are.

Overall, flow meters are used to record usage, assist with leak detection, and report emissions where necessary.

Why choose RS for flow sensors?

We pride ourselves on being North America's leading distributor of power products and sensors. Our customers are incredibly important to us, which is why we only provide them with the highest quality tools. You can rest assured that our products are both durable and dependable as we source our entire product range from the industry's biggest brands.

Discover our extensive selection of products and enjoy quick and convenient shipping when you place your online order. If you have any order queries or are seeking advice on any of our products, contact the team who will be more than happy to assist. Why not head over to our expert hub to check out our product guides and read the latest industry updates?