The use of these disposable flow sensors reduces down-times during your production process andsaves energy. An intensive validation process preceded the commercial introduction. The result is an accurate reliable flow measurement that complies with industry standards such as USP Class VI. An automated calibration systemcan be installed to maintain maximum accuracies, every time wettable parts are exchanged.

In medical technologies, strict requirementsprevail for flow measurements. The measurements must be reliable, accurateand need to be performed in sterile conditions. In order to meet these requirements, Equflow’s’ single-use flowmeters are produced in a clean room and can be sterilized bygamma radiation if required. A dialysis system, for example, must be able to be cleaned quickly and easily after each run. This applies to all sorts of medical devices and equipment that process(body) liquids.Avoiding contamination and/or infection is of the essence. Moreover, the fast and easy exchange of the flow tubes minimalizes down-time.

Basically, the modular sensor system consists of four components; the flowtube with turbine and the bar code scanner are the most advanced parts. Thesecomponents ensure a reliable and accurate flow measurements for years.

• Turbine tube (incl. rotor and other internals) for single use;
• Bar code scanner system for automatic calibration;
• Choice of housing including IR sensor for the disposable tube;
• Electronics for flow measurement.

A turbine tube for single use is positioned between two hoses that transport the liquid from or to a component of the machine or device. The flow tube holds the mini-turbine, which turbine blades are detected by the IR sensor beaming through the transparent tube wall. The turbine is very light (negligible mass), so that it will react instantly to minor flow variations and hence provides an accurate signal at all times. Equflow usesPFA or PVDF as transparent disposable materials of construction. Turbine tubes are available in different sizes that cover flow ranges from 20 mL/min up to 200 L/min.

Each turbine tube is supplied with a unique bar code, comprising of the K factor (amount of pulses/Liter) of the tube, amongst other data such as lot number, serial number, etc. The respective K factors are determined for each tube by using a calibrated testing procedure.

The fluid properties and other specifications are set in the process system of the production or control process. When the turbine tube is replaced, the operator only needs to scan the new bar code with the bar code scanner. The new K-factor will automatically be uploaded in the computer and consequently a reliable measurement will be guaranteed again.