Compressed air leak detection is important for any modern industrial facitlity. Air flow meters from ifm measure flow rate, pressure and temperature for compressed air and specialty gases. Get precise, actionable data that minimizes operating and maintenance costs, increases productivity and efficiency, and optimizes energy usage.
SD air flow meters and specialty gas flow meters are equipped with integrated totalizers that track the accumulated fluid volume that has passed through the unit over time. Multiple process and diagnostic values can be conveyed to your control system concurrently using integrated IO-Link functionality.
IO-Link technology uses real-time analytics to immediately alert you to leaks, blown seals, and other process inefficiencies. Additional software provides easy-to-read data visualization. Save time and money by responding immediately to changes in flow rate.
Get answers to frequently-asked questions or find additional information about air flow meters on our air flow meter Learn More pages.
When choosing an air flow meter, knowing the monitored flow rate and installation line size is crucial. Additionally, consider process connection for piping adaptation and specifying output needs: discrete on/off, 4-20 mA, pulsed totalizer, or IO-Link options.
Signs that scfm is too high include:
(Critical Over Limit) error displays, with the output defaulting to a specified value. “OL” appears at 120-130% of the final value of the measuring range, while “cr.OL” indicates above 130%.
At most, a flow meter may reduce pressure, or create a pressure drop, by a neglible amount relative to the system pressure. Pressure drop is created by frictional losses along a pipe run as well as intrusions into the pipe, such as measuring devices. System pressure drops are more likely due to leaks at fittings and joints, not the flow meter.
ifm's SD air flow meters have two low-profile probes which are inserted into the airflow, but they do not have a serious impact on system pressure.
Pipe diameter and shape generally have no impact on flow measurement accuracy because gas under pressure expands across the entire pipe cross section. The measurement devices must be inserted into the flow properly.
ifm's SD flow sensors are premounted on a pipe to ensure proper insertion depth.
Air flow meters should be calibrated regularly. The frequency depends on the industry and related regulations, plus individual process needs. Most industries require calibration monthly, every six months, or annually.
ifm air flow meters do not specify calibration or maintenance requirements. ISO calibration verification certificates are accessible at purchase, with additional free certificates obtainable via product serial number.
While the typical lifespan of an industrial air flow meter is 25 years or more, this is dependent on its environment. For example, when an ifm air flow meter is used within the published specifications, the mean time to failure (MTTF) is 183 years according to the datasheet.
“Additionally, all ifm products are backed with the longest established warranty program in the sensor industry. All products have a 5-year warranty after the date of shipment.