A new family of turbine flow sensors now available from Clark Solutions features innovative infrared technology to provide high-resolution flow measurement. The sensors monitor and control fluid that flow in medical and pharmaceutical applications where either a disposable flow sensor is required or where the flow sensor needs to be sterilized. The wetted materials are PVDF with ruby bearing. The sensors are available in two models for full-scale flow ranges of 0.03 to 2.0 l/min and 0.3 to 20 l/m with an accuracy of 1% of reading and a repeatability of better than 0.15%. They feature a lightweight rotor that generates a high resolution IR reflected digital output signal. These turbine flow sensors work by having liquids pass through a static worm, creating spin. The spinning fluid drives a PVDF rotor into a frictionless rotation. Reflectors mounted on the rotor blades reflect IR signals to a high-resolution infrared sensor that determines the rate of flow by counting the passing reflections. The ultra low mass of the PVDF rotor with ruby bearing provides very quick response to changes in the rate of flow. The units are available with a choice of two types of field replaceable flow sensor configurations that differ in the manner in which the flow sensor is housed. The flow tube can be sterilized to 140oC and is gamma radiation resistant up to 50 kGy. In addition, the PVDF can be supplied with an internal preset flow switch set via software interface and an internal programmable batch function for dispensing and dosing applications.
Michelle LongoAsst. Managing Editor
Striving Toward Secondary GoalsLate last month, Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich stunned most everyone when he declared his promise that "by the end of my second term, we will have the first permanent base on the moon." While I don’t fault Gingrich for dreaming and trying to set high standards and goals, I can’t help but think of the enormous amount of known and unknown variables that significantly deter this accomplishment...continue
