Application 174

Fluid Flow Rate Measurement

Application Summary

Measuring fluid flow rate in food production, blood infusions, catheterization, and chemical compounding requires sanitary and sterile processes. Non-contact measurement solutions such as using an occlusion provides one type of flow measurement solution. Additionally, this technique allows for bubble and blockage detection. To measure the force exerted by the fluid on the occlusion, a load cell is incorporated into the clamping mechanism.

Products in Use

One FUTEK LSB200 Jr. Miniature S-Beam Load Cell paired with Instrumentation (IAA, IDA100).

How it Works

An artificial restriction (occlusion) is placed at the desired point using a clamp.
One end of the clamp has FUTEK's LSB200 mounted between the clamp and the mount point.
By creating an artificial flow restriction (an occlusion), the fluid exerts an increased force onto the tubing.
The LSB200 measures the force applied to the occlusion by the fluid which can be correlated to fluid flow rate.
The LSB200 was chosen to provide a high accuracy and linearity force measurement with significant overload protection.
FUTEK's IAA and IDA100 amplify and transmit the load cell signal to the system PLC for flow measurement.
Additionally, the IDA100 enables logging and monitoring of the load cell output via a PC with FUTEK's SENSIT software.