Archives: FAQs

How does the float work?

The float is a key component in level switches. It uses a floating element that follows the liquid level inside a tank and activates a reed sensor through the magnet inside it. This principle is widely used for level control in tank level indicators. Level probes detect liquid level variations through a magnet-equipped float that moves along a tube. Inside the tube, there is a chain of reed sensors, which provides a signal proportional to the float’s position.

How do level sensors work?

Level sensors detect the presence and quantity of a fluid using various technologies, such as the float principle, electrical conductivity, or capacitive and ultrasonic methods. For example, float level sensors use the position change of a floating element to trigger a signal, while ATEX level sensors are designed for explosive-risk environments.

What is a level switch?

A level switch is a device used to monitor and control the level of a liquid inside a tank or an industrial system. These instruments enable efficient fluid management in sectors such as HVAC, Oil & Gas, food industry, and industrial automation.

Pressure transducer operation

The operation of a pressure transducer is based on the conversion of the force exerted by a fluid on a sensitive element, such as a piezoresistive element, into a proportional electrical signal. This signal is amplified and transmitted to an acquisition or control system, where it is processed to optimize the system’s operation. Depending on the technology used, the output signal can be either analog or digital, with calibration and thermal compensation options to ensure maximum accuracy under all operating conditions.

What is a transducer used for?

A pressure transducer is designed to provide a reliable and repeatable measurement of a fluid’s pressure within a system. It is used for industrial process regulation, monitoring of critical installations, and verifying the operating conditions of hydraulic, pneumatic, and thermodynamic systems.

Transducer definition

In pressure transducers, the measured physical quantity is the fluid pressure, which is converted into an electrical signal interpreted by a control system or a data acquisition unit.

What are transducers?

Transducers are devices that convert a physical quantity into a proportional electrical signal, used for monitoring and controlling process parameters. Their function is essential in industrial applications where measurement accuracy directly affects system performance.

When does the pressure switch activate?

The pressure switch activates when the fluid pressure exceeds or falls below the preset threshold. In adjustable pressure switches, the activation value can be set manually, while in electronic pressure switches, the threshold can be configured digitally. The activation of the pressure switch can turn a device on or off, such as a pump or a compressor, to keep the pressure within safe limits and ensure the proper operation of the system.

How many types of pressure switches are there?

There are different types of pressure switches, designed to adapt to specific industrial applications. Mechanical pressure switches activate an electrical contact through a diaphragm or a piston when the pressure reaches the preset value, making them suitable for hydraulic and pneumatic systems. Electronic pressure switches and digital pressure switches use advanced sensors for more precise pressure control and offer a programmable interface for configuring operating parameters, making them ideal for automated applications. Adjustable mechanical pressure switches allow the intervention value to be modified directly on the device using adjustment screws or graduated knobs, adapting to hydraulic systems, water pressure switches, oil pressure switches, and industrial circuits. Differential pressure switches measure the pressure variation between two points and are used for monitoring filters and HVAC systems. Elettrotec is one of the leading manufacturers of mechanical pressure switches and differential pressure switches, providing tailor-made solutions for high-precision systems and complex applications.

What happens if the pressure switch doesn’t work?

If a pressure switch does not function properly, the system may experience malfunctions or damage, depending on the application. In pumping systems, it could lead to pressure overload or system shutdown. In hydraulic or pneumatic circuits, a failure of the pressure switch can compromise safety, preventing intervention in case of excessive or insufficient pressure.

What is a pressure switch used for?

A pressure switch is a device that monitors the pressure of a fluid (liquid or gas) within a system and switches an electrical circuit on or off when a predefined value is reached. It is used to regulate the operation of pumps, compressors and other industrial systems, ensuring safe and efficient pressure control.

How to Set Up the Pressure Switch Yourself?

Setting up your pressure switch is simple with our dedicated guides. For pressure switches with adjustable hysteresis, refer to our specific guide. For other pressure switch models, we have a comprehensive guide to help you step by step. Remember, a pressure gauge or a pressure transducer is necessary for fine-tuning.

What Happens if I Install the Flow Switch in a Horizontal Position?

Installing the flow switch in a horizontal position can affect its performance. In this position, the force generated by the weight of the shutter is eliminated, leaving the task only to the compensation spring. This means the flow switch may activate at flow rates approximately 20% lower than the actual graduated scale. Additionally, the formation of limescale or other encrustations could hinder the free movement of the shutter.

How to Set Up the Flow Switch Yourself?

Follow these simple steps to set up your flow switch:

  1. Place the cursor at the maximum flow rate.
  2. Set the system’s flow rate to the desired level for the flow switch activation.
  3. Slowly move the cursor down until the switch activates.
  4. Restart the system’s flow and check the switch action again. Make small adjustments by moving the cursor up or down to fine-tune the setup.

 

Why does the component start to leak after one or two years of normal use?

If your component begins to leak after one or two years of normal operation, it could be due to a punctured membrane. Under normal conditions, fluid should not pass through the membrane. Here are several possible reasons for membrane failure:

  • End of Mechanical Lifespan: The membrane may have worn out after reaching its mechanical limit of 1,000,000 cycles.
  • Excessive High Pressure: Operating under excessively high pressure can damage the membrane.
  • Aggressive or Corrosive Fluids: Accelerated wear can occur if the fluid is aggressive or corrosive.
  • Metal Particles: Metal particles in the fluid can cause physical damage to the membrane.

Why doesn’t my electrical flow switch commute?

If your electrical flow switch is not commuting, consider the following potential causes and solutions:

  • Viscous Fluid: A viscous fluid typically causes early commutation, meaning it occurs at lower flow rates. Try using a larger compensation spring.
  • Burnt Sensor: The sensor might have burnt out and become stuck in its last working position, even if no fluid is flowing.
  • Low Flow Rate Adjustment: If the switch is adjusted for low flow rates, the shutter may be clogged with dust and dirt. Move the slider to higher flow rates.
  • Broken Compensation Spring: A turbulent flow could have broken the compensation spring. Ensure the flow switch operates in a vertical position and that there are no turbulent motions or water hammer effects.

How can I obtain a copy of the 3.1 certificate (EN10204)?

The 3.1 certificate must be requested before production. A special code will be created to link the production batch to the certificate.

  • Body: You will receive the certificate from the manufacturer.
  • Membrane, Plastic Parts, Rubber Parts, Protection Cap: You will receive a type 2.1 or 2.2 certificate.

 

Are your products compliant with the PED directive?

According to the PED 2014/68/EU directive, our products are considered “pressure accessories” and are classified in Category I.

They are designed and manufactured according to good engineering practices and meet the essential safety requirements outlined in Annex I. They undergo conformity assessment following Module A – Internal Production Control, as indicated in Annex III.

Therefore, our products can be considered PED compliant. We are in the process of preparing a declaration of conformity to confirm this.

Why are the membrane temperature ranges narrower than usual?

The overall functionality of the pressure switch is our priority, and extreme temperatures can affect its reliability and accuracy. While the membrane may resist higher or lower temperatures, the entire pressure switch may not perform optimally in these conditions. Therefore, we set temperature thresholds to ensure consistent and reliable performance of the pressure switch as a whole.

 

What are the B10D and MTTF data?

The MTTF (Mean Time To Failure) of our products, according to EN ISO 13849-1, depends on their usage, specifically the number of cycles per year.

  • MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures) = MTTF (Mean Time To Failure) + MTTR (Mean Time To Repair)

In our case, the MTTR is negligible because the component is typically replaced if it fails. The MTTF calculation can be related to the MTTFd (Mean Time To Dangerous Failure), which indicates the average time before a dangerous failure occurs. For pressure switches, according to EN ISO 13849-1, the formula is:

MTTFd = B10d / (0.1 * nop)

Where:

  • nop = number of cycles per year
  • B10d = number of cycles until 10% of the components experience a dangerous failure

Example for Pressure Switches:

  • If the current is <20mA, B10d = 1.000.000 cycles.
  • If the current is >20mA, B10d = 100.000 cycles.

For a current >20mA: MTTFd = 100,000 / (0.1 * nop) = 10^6 / nop

The customer can calculate the MTTF by inserting the expected number of cycles per year for their application.

For example, if the pressure switch operates once per minute: nop = 1 * 60 * 8 * 220 = 105.600 cycles/year MTTFd = 106 / 105.600 = 9,47 years

Example for Level Switches:

For LM1…XIA, considering the low voltages and currents, we estimate 10^5 cycles for safety. MTTFd = 100.000 / (0.1 * nop) = 106 / nop

For example, if the level switch operates once every 10 minutes: nop = 1 * 8 * 6 * 220 = 10.560 cycles/year MTTFd = 106 / 1760 = 94 years