Frequently asked questions

The flow-captor is a high-precision, compact and robust flow sensor (meter or monitor) for liquid media. It works according to the calorimetric principle and is superior to other measuring methods, especially at low flow velocities. The flow-captor also has a high level of reliability and long-term stability and is available in many different versions.

The vent-captor is a compact, electronic flow sensor (meter or monitor) for all systems in which air and other gases have to be monitored or controlled. It also works according to the calorimetric measuring principle without any mechanically moving parts. The vent-captor is available in different versions.

The foto-captor is a hot metal detector that was developed for harsh operating conditions, as they prevail in the steel industry. Wherever electrical switching commands can be triggered by the intrinsic radiation of warm rolling stock, foto-captors have proven themselves under the toughest environmental conditions. foto-captors are available in different versions, which differ in terms of minimum response temperature, optical data, housing design and electrical data.

The proxi-captor is an inductive proximity switch or distance meter for metal detection in the steel industry. It is suitable for switching distances of up to 140 mm (larger distances on request) and for high ambient temperatures of up to 200°C. The proxi-captor is available as a compact device or as a separate system. Individual solutions are possible.

Laminar flow is the ideal flow condition with no obstruction or bends. Under this condition the flow rate at an insertion depth of 1/7th of the pipe diameter represents the average flow speed across the pipe diameter. Turbulent flow is a very common flow condition characterized by a flat flow profile across the pipe diameter starting almost immediately after the pipe wall. Applying the 1/7th rule creates the same accurate metering as under laminar flow conditions.

The evaluation units convert the output signal of all analog flow and vent captors into a digital value.

The calorimetric principle (also called the thermal principle) records the flow rate and converts it into electrical signals. There are two resistance elements in the sensor head. One element measures the media temperature, the other is continuously heated by a heating element. This results in a predetermined temperature difference between the two resistance elements. A control circuit ensures that this temperature difference remains constant.

The heated resistance element is cooled down by the inflowing medium. In order for the temperature difference to remain constant, more heating energy must be supplied. The thermal energy supplied to the heated resistance element is proportional to the heat dissipation as a function of the flow rate. The output signal is therefore proportional to the flow rate.

A flow switch monitors the flow of liquid or gaseous media in pipelines and activates or deactivates an electrical contact if the switching point is exceeded or not reached.

A flow meter monitors the flow of liquid or gaseous media in pipelines and sends an analogue signal to the control unit according to the current media flow.

The insertion type flow-captors are applicable beginning with ½" pipe up to the maximum pipe diameter available.

The insertion type vent-captors are for pipes 1" and larger.

The insertion depth is 1/7" of the pipe diameter or 1½" maximum in most cases, based on requirements.

Because of this, the flow-captor and vent-captor don't obstruct the flow or cause pressure to drop.

Inline flow-captors are integrated into the existing pipe system with couplings.

With inline flow-captors the inline pipe itself is the sensor.

With inline vent-captors two sensors reach into the pipe.

The sensor tube is made of stainless steel AISI 316 and is an integral part of the inline sensor.

Special materials such as Titanium and Hastelloy are available for aggressive media.

Inline-captors are designed especially for monitoring/metering of small flow volumes/speeds in small pipes.

With the remote system, the sensor head and electronics form separate units that are connected by a cable. Separate systems are used where there is not enough space to install a compact device or special protection of the electronics is required (e.g. at extremely high temperatures).

The European Hygienic Engineering and Design Group (EHEDG) is an alliance of food producers, equipment manufacturers

and universities to assist food industry companies in implementing legal hygiene requirements.

By using EHEDG-certified equipment, food industry parties are supported in ensuring high-quality production and processing

facilities. Food safety risks can be reduced and food quality improved.

Machine manufacturers and component suppliers are given the opportunity by the EHEDG to have their products evaluated

and certified according to the hygienic design requirements.

Here is our EHEDG-certificate.

REACH stands for "Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals". The European REACH regulation was enacted to improve the protection of human health and the environment from the risks that can arise from chemicals. You can find our REACH Declaration of Conformity here.

RoHS is a directive of the European Union and stands for "Restriction of Hazardous Substances". RoHS restricts the use of ten hazardous substances that are frequently found in electrical and electronic equipment. The purpose of the directive is twofold: firstly, to prevent environmental pollution and damage caused by the relevant materials, and secondly, to reduce the health risks associated with contact with hazardous substances. You can find our RoHS Declaration of Conformity here.

TSCA (Toxic Substances Control Act) is a hazardous substance monitoring law and an important standard in US chemical regulation. It was enacted by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ensure the protection of human health and the environment. You can find our TSCA Declaration of Conformity here.