Basics
Sensirion liquid flow sensors use MEMS calorimetric micro-sensor placed inside a flow channel.
Flow measurement is based on measuring the temperature of the fluid at two points.
The higher the flow rate, the higher the temperature difference. Micro-sensor itself is highly integrated and contains heater, two temperature sensors, amplifiers, ADC, signal processing, memory and I2C interface.
SLF3S-1300F
The sensor allows for the bidirectional measurement of flow rates up to 40 ml/min for both water and hydrocarbon-based fluids. The sensor is calibrated for water and IPA (Isopropyl alcohol). It uses the newest SF06 flow micro-sensor that measures both the flow and temperature. It also provides two additional status information: air-in-line and high flow.
The water flow rate measurement accuracy is 5% of the measured value for flow in range -20 to 20ml/min and 10% at 40ml/min; measurement accuracy for IPA is 10% in range -40 to 40ml/min.
After the sensor receives the “start continuous measurement” command, it enters the continuous measurement mode. Each measurement takes ~0.5 ms. Measured flow rates are averaged until you read them. The arithmetic mean is used for the first 100ms, and then the sensor uses exponential smoothing.
SLF3S-1300F uses standard fittings and I2C interface that allow simple integration into your product. For faster development and sensor testing, Sensirion offers SLF3S-1300F Kit and source code for Arduino UNO at Sensirion Developers website.
FYI: Do not allow the SLF3S-1300F to dry out with residual media inside the flow channel. Please, follow cleaning and clean handling application note.
If you are interested in any of the Sensirion products, or you need more information, we are ready to help you at sensirion@soselectronic.com
- Straight, unobstructed flow channel without moving parts
- Micro-sensor doesn’t have direct contact with the fluid
- Chemically resistant wetted materials: polyphenylene sulphide (PPS), stainless steel 316L, epoxy-based adhesive
- Response time below 20 ms
- Compact dimensions: 48 x 15.5 x 8.8mm
The video shows what components the liquid flow evaluation kit includes and how to get started within a few minutes.
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