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Previous page: Eliminating irregular flows

Choosing a flow switch

In selecting a flow switch for pump protection or any application, the first step is to choose the appropriate flow technology. There are multiple flow switch sensing technologies available, and the major ones now include:

. Paddle

. Piston

. Thermal mass

. Pressure

. Magnetic reed.

All these technologies have their advantages and disadvantages, depending on the media and your application's requirements. Some may be the only choice in certain media for your application. By looking at these factors, as well as your plant's layout, environmental conditions, maintenance schedules, energy cost and ROI, you will quickly be able to narrow the field to one or two choices.

Conclusions

When designing new plants or retrofitting old ones, be sure to consider pump requirements. Optimising your process with your pumps in mind offers a wide range of benefits: higher capacity, improved quality, lower energy costs, reduced maintenance, and increased equipment (pump) life.

One of the most common pump problems is irregular flows caused by turbulence that frequently takes place when the minimum pipe straight runs required between the point of pump suction and elbows, valves or other equipment are either ignored or pushed to the limits. Inserting a flow conditioner frequently eliminates turbulent flow problems.

Don't forget to protect your pump from accidental low flow or dry running conditions, which can lead to bearing or seal loss requiring expense repairs. Inserting a dual alarm flow switch in your process loop not only protects the pump from damage, but will alert you to a potential problem and let you make adjustments before a shutdown is necessary.

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