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Flow and level sensors have proved beyond doubt their benefits in managing and optimising engineering systems across a wide variety of industries. The current market leaders in sensor technology have now developed such a depth and breadth of experience that they are able to solve an ever increasing number of challenges faced by engineers involved in the design and development of fluid control systems.
The technological expertise offered by the designers and developers of today’s sensors offers great advantages to OEMs in the construction of custom, engineered fluid systems and, while personal attention and technical support is available to produce bespoke systems to customers’ individual requirements, it is also true to say that, in many cases, sensor manufacturers have now considered so many problems that they may already have a product solution available off the shelf, saving further time and money.
In addressing specific needs, sensor manufacturers have revolutionised engineering in many sectors, for example, in medical markets. The performance of dialysis machines, which provide a critical service to patients who have lost kidney function by purifying the blood and preventing over-hydration, has been streamlined via the use of advanced flow sensors. Owing to the extremely high temperatures required during sterilisation cycles, the slow reaction times of some sensors within these machines has triggered equipment shut down, an often unnecessary safety measure that has brought inconvenience, delay and disappointment to waiting patients.
This problem has now been addressed by the designers and engineers of flow sensors, resulting in the manufacture of ultra-compact flow switches that are not adversely affected by high temperatures. These sensors are equipped with a magnetic piston that is displaced by liquid flow to magnetically actuate a hermetically-sealed reed switch isolated within the unit.
As OEMs discover the array of solutions now available for sensing level and flow, the designers and engineers of these systems are constantly discovering new ways to provide simple solutions to common problems. Offering compact size, durability and low cost, the new generation of flow and level sensors are ideal for a variety of sensing operations in many applications, offering OEMs the opportunity to enhance and optimise their operations with measurable, positive results.
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