ifm keeps a close eye on air and industrial gases

Sensors in the new SD range from ifm electronics have been developed specifically to allow users to accurately monitor the usage of compressed air and other industrial gases.

This makes them an ideal choice for use in bottling and packaging machines in the food industry, and in welding, cutting, soldering and similar processes where protective gases are used.

All sensors in the SD range monitor volumetric flow rate and have an integrated totaliser function for measuring total flow. This makes it easy to allocate costs precisely in compressed air installations and in processes where costly gases such are argon, carbon dioxide, nitrogen and helium are used. Additionally, the sensors monitor gas temperature and pressure for corrected volume calculation, eliminating the expense and inconvenience of using separate sensors to measure these parameters.

SD sensors are available in versions to suit a range of gases. SDX5XX versions are designed for use with compressed air, while 4-in-1 SDX6XX versions have integrated characteristics for argon, carbon dioxide and nitrogen as well as air, and SDX8XX versions are optimised for use with helium. Depending on the sensor model, flow rates from just 0.05 m3/h up to 700 m³/h can be accurately measured. For all types, media temperature range is -10 to +60°C and maximum operating pressure of 16 bar.

A built-in TFT display, which offers a choice of four user-selectable graphic layouts, makes it easy to see and interpret measurements made by the sensors, while the provision of both analogue, pulse and IO-Link outputs makes the devices easy to integrate into almost any type of control system. Flexible switching outputs related to programmable setpoints are also provided.

As an aid to fast and convenient set-up, SD sensors offer a simulation mode, which allows custom outputs and display settings to be checked before putting the sensor into service. A flash mode is also supported, which allows users to quickly identify sensors where measurements have reached or exceeded a setpoint.