New SIL 2 Compliant Flow Switch/Monitor for Flow Detection and Alarming

Designed for industrial processes, manufacturing operations, pumps, compressed air, gas compressors and HVAC systems  requiring flow assurance and alarming, the compact SIL 2 compliant FS10i Flow Switch/Monitor from US-based Fluid Components International (FCI) sets a new standard for superior performance and highly reliable operation. 

Wherever detection and user warning of a flow rate that is either too high, too low or a no-flow condition is required, the FS10i Flow Switch/Monitor is the solution. In air, gases, water or other liquids, its independently rated SIL 2 compliance ensures a highly reliable flow sensing instrument for repeatable and fast-responding flow trip point or alarm warning within seconds.   

The FS10i Flow Switch/Monitor features air/gas sensitivity and setpoint range from 0.25 to 400 SFPS [0.076 to 122 MPS] and for water or liquids from 0.01 to 0.5 FPS [0.003 to 0.15 MPS]. It is suitable for use in fluid temperatures from -40° to 250°F [-40° to 212°C] and at pressures up to 2000 psi [138 bar].   

Unlike similar devices, the FS10i Flow/Switch Monitor comes standard with both a 1A relay output for alarm/trip point setting instead of an open collector, and a 4-20 mA analog output for trending and monitoring. Trip points can be set as high or low, and they can be adjusted with hysteresis and/or time delay settings and the 4-20mA output is rangeable by the user in the field installation.

Applications for the FS10i Flow Switch/Monitor include cooling water and fluids, leak detection, lubricant flow assurance, ventilation verification, chemical injection assurance, nitrogen purge verifications and compressor leak detection.

Developed with FCI’s advanced no-moving parts thermal dispersion sensing technology, the FS10i Flow Switch/Monitor is temperature compensated for dynamic plant and process operating conditions. It is constructed of all wetted parts manufactured with 316L stainless steel and Hastelloy C22 thermowells for years of service with virtually no maintenance.

The insertion style FS10i Flow Switch/Monitor is easy to install with a few simple tools. Set-up is done in the field using either the two-button keypad, or with a PC connection to the FS10i’s serial I/O port. The PC software for configuration and set-up is included at no extra charge. The instrument features a 10-character LED array to indicate actual flow range and, when trip point is reached the LED will begin to flash to provide an immediate visual indication to the user.

For long service life, the FS10i Flow Switch/Monitor electronics are enclosed in a stainless steel body housing with aluminum end cap/top with polycarbonate overlay, which carries an IP66/IP67 rating. Input power is 24 Vdc (21.5 to 30 Vdc); 2.5 Watts maximum.

The FS10i Flow Switch/Monitor is the only product in its class to carry a SIL 2 compliance rating and has a superior 90% Safe Failure Fraction (SFF). Additional approvals pending include:  FM and FMc for nonincendive, Class I Division 2, Groups A,B, C, D;  Class II Division 2 Groups E, F, G; Class III, T4@Ta=71°C; ATEX, IECx for nonincendive gas and dust, Zone 2; EAC (TRCU) Russia; KC Korea.

To ensure best performance and installation ease, the FS10i Flow Switch/Monitor is available in a choice of three different probe length (insertion depth) and process connection combinations: a 2 -inch [50 mm] length with a 0.25-inch NPT (M); and a 6 inch [150 mm] length, variable depth, with 0.5-inch NPT (M) compression fitting, with either a Teflon or metal ferrule. Electrical connections are to a standard M12 connector or, optionally, to 15 ft [3m] cable with pigtail terminations.

Fluid Components International is a global company committed to meeting the needs of its customers through innovative solutions to the most challenging requirements for sensing, measuring and controlling flow and level of air, gases and liquids.