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Air flow meters | Applications

Energy optimization and optimal resource consumption are top priorities for manufacturers. Air flow meters for compressed air and specialty gases can significantly cut production costs, free up resources, and reduce energy usage. The SD flow meters from ifm combine three types of sensors in one tool. You can use them for anything from protective weld gas consumption during laser cutting, to the precise control of shielding gases in MIG welding and ensuring the safety of food and beverage products.

Learn more about these applications, how they work, and their benefits.

Optimize resource consumption

The DFA Demonstration Factory in the Smart Logistics Cluster on RWTH Aachen (Germany) campus provides the unique opportunity to research Industry 4.0 issues in a university environment with a real production space. The SD flow meter is used to optimize the consumption of protective weld gas during laser cutting.

Totalizer function to monitor consumption

  • Consumption in zero operation state: When equipment is not running, totalization should be zero. If not, leaks are present in that line.
  • Consumption for machine operation: Real-time maintenance monitoring of trends / usage of compressed air can lead to discovery of worn seals or other issues.
  • Consumption to assign cost for business units: Most facilities use a central compressed air system. By monitoring usage by business units or production lines, accurate utility cost can be assigned.

One sensor replaces 3 instruments

In addition to the flowmeter capability, the SD air flow meter includes an integrated temperature sensor and pressure sensor. This tool can: 

  • Reduce installation cost and total cost of ownership.
  • Improve performance of your equipment by ensuring all parameters (flow, temperature and pressure) are at optimal conditions.

Improve product quality and reduce operating costs by monitoring welding shield gases

Molten metal, found in steel manufacturing, MIG welding, etc., is susceptible to particulate contamination from the atmosphere. Shielding gases like argon and carbon dioxide are used to remove impurities and improve the quality of the final product. 

The processes used to manufacture these specialty gases make them very expensive, so monitoring their use can reduce your operating costs.  

Like the meters for compressed air monitoring, the SD meters for specialty gases allow you to check for leaks in your piping system and optimize the amount of gas used in your welding process. 

Improve product quality and safety

Nitrogen and carbon dioxide are frequently used in food and beverage manufacturing to provide an inert gas blanket on top of the product to prevent oxidation and contamination and improve the safety of the product.

The SD flow meter designed to monitor specialty gases helps you monitor these costly gases.

Improve product quality by leak checking manufactured products

Many manufactured and cast product are required to be air or water tight for long lasting quality. Models of the SD family monitor compressed air and helium, both of which are used in leak detection systems.