What is the purpose of flow sensors?
Industrial installations rely on flow switches to accurately detect and control the flow of liquids and gases within pneumatic and hydraulic networks. By offering precise flow rates measurement, these devices support optimal machine performance and reduce the risk of failures caused by inconsistent flow.
Across industries such as machine tooling, industrial maintenance, industrial communication, and energy efficiency, flow measurement plays a crucial role. Precise monitoring of gas and liquid flow helps optimise operations, ensure safer processes, and reduce overall energy consumption.
Versatile flow sensors and switches from SMC for a wide range of uses
Our offering at SMC includes a diverse selection of flow sensors and switches designed to adapt to industrial challenges. Among them are:
- Remote type flow meters: Designed for installation in areas that are difficult to access.
- Models with built-in displays: Provide fast and easy on-site visibility of key parameters.
- Sensor monitors: Allow remote supervision for greater control over operations.
SMC flow sensors and switches are designed to deliver precise, real-time flow data, whether you need a compact model for limited space or a high-accuracy system for advanced applications. These devices also meet industrial communication requirements, providing multiple choices such as IO-Link, analogue, or digital outputs.
Engineered to handle different fluids, these sensors deliver reliable solutions across many industrial environments.
Common uses of flow switches for gases include:
- Flow management for equipment across main lines and sub-lines
- Monitoring purge air flow in ionizers
- Measurement of accumulated flow rate or remaining gas volume (e.g., N₂) in cylinders
- Controlling airflow for spray painting applications
- Managing N₂ flow to prevent oxidation of lead frames
- Tension control for metal wires
- Verification of suction in workpieces
- Leak detection testing
- Simple verification of correct placement
Common uses of flow switches for liquids include:
- Regulation of pressurised cooling water used in welding guns
- Regulation of flow for water-soluble coolants
- Regulation of cooling water for metal moulds
- Regulation of the circulating fluid in a chiller
- Cooling systems for industrial processing machines
- Beverage management of filler machines
- Drainage management
- Cooling of PET bottle moulding machines
How do SMC flow sensors support better system performance?
By choosing SMC flow sensors, your operations can benefit from:
- Broad product portfolio:Compatible with multiple fluids and adaptable to various capacities and setups, our flow meters range from compact units to high-volume models, ensuring the right fit for any application.
- Comprehensive monitoring:Our sensors include enhanced display functions that deliver continuous data on system performance, supporting reliability and lowering downtime.
- Simple installation: Designed for ease of use, these sensors can be installed quickly, helping streamline processes and improve productivity.
- Flexible connectivity: Designed for Industry 4.0 environments, our sensors integrate easily through multiple communication standards such as IO-Link, analogue, and digital.
- Optimised system performance: To optimise performance, it is essential to monitor multiple aspects of an installation. With continuous flow measurement, our sensors support early interventions that ensure steady operation and protect systems from leaks, overflows, or breakdowns.
From improving energy efficiency to reducing expenses and strengthening system reliability, SMC flow sensors support optimal equipment operation for seamless industrial workflows.
Browse our complete range of sensors and switches and identify the ideal model for your application using the Digital Switch Model Selector in the Engineering Tools section of our website.
Need help choosing the right sensor or switch? Contact our experts for detailed guidance and tailored recommendations.
