Grab the benefits of SMC clamp-on ultrasonic flow sensor
Global automation specialist SMC is once again extending its innovation credentials by unveiling a clamp-on flow sensor for liquids. Notably, the new PFUW series uses ultrasonics to measure the flow rate of fluids travelling inside piping. Users can deploy the sensors to measure the flow of various liquids, including oil, antifreeze, chemical fluids, water, beverages and more.
Clamp-on sensors offer a major advantage compared with traditional inline-type sensors. Thanks to their installation on the pipe exterior, clamp-on solutions such as the PFUW series from SMC represent non-invasive technology. Users subsequently enjoy no leakage, no clogging, no pressure loss and no potential contamination from the contact of sensor materials with the fluid. These factors are typically pain points with inline flow sensors.
Fit for the future
The structure of the new flow sensor’s body means retrofitting the product to an existing pipe is quick and simple. The installer just wraps the bands of an upper and lower mounting bracket around the pipe and secures the flow sensor in place using two screws. It represents the perfect choice for those not only seeking easy mounting and installation, but also rapid fitting time for reduced labour costs. Detaching the PFUW flow sensor is equally fast and straightforward.
As a further benefit, clamp-on mounting solutions provide a positive impact on the installation proximity of different flow sensors. When looking to mount a series of inline sensors to adjacent pipes in close-proximity, fitters typically experience interference of tools such as spanners and wrenches as they secure the top and bottom locknuts to the threaded pipe ends. In contrast, a clamp-on design such as that employed by the SMC PFUW ultrasonic flow sensor series, negates these issues due to the big reduction in installation space required. Users can fit several PFUW flow sensors to adjacent pipes in much closer proximity.
Operational excellence
From an operability and visibility perspective, the SMC PFUW series is extremely user-friendly. It features a 128 x 128 pixel two-screen LCD display for at-a-glance confirmation of instantaneous flow rate, set value and accumulated flow rate. Adding even more convenience, users are able to rotate the screen in 90º increments.
PFUW series ultrasonic flow sensors support the IO-Link communication protocol, making it possible to import data and set the device from a higher-level. This capability facilitates easy wiring, simple identification of where an error occurs, and straightforward device setting and replacement.
Applications for the new ultrasonic flow sensors extend from the cooling systems of casting machines, welding guns, machine tools and PET bottle moulding machines, to the management of beverage filling machines and industrial drainage systems. With the clamp-on PFUW series, getting to grips with flow control has never been easier.
Discover more on SMC´s PFUW in our digital catalogue.
2025-02-01
