Cheap ml range liquid flow sensor

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding affordable liquid flow sensors suitable for low viscosity liquids, primarily water. Participants explore various types of flow meters, their costs, and specific requirements for inline sensors that can connect to clear vinyl tubing and provide a voltage output.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, Miles, seeks recommendations for companies selling low-cost flow sensors, noting that the liquids involved are not corrosive and are generally low viscosity.
  • Another participant mentions the variety of flow meters available and asks for specific requirements and budget constraints.
  • A suggestion is made to consider "rotameters," which can be found for as low as $50, with a link provided to a supplier.
  • One participant expresses that finding an inline sensor with a 0-5V output at a low price may be challenging and references a specific supplier for more expensive options.
  • Another participant notes that 4-20 mA output sensors are costly due to their industrial standard and durability, suggesting that more details about the application could help refine recommendations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that low-cost options may be limited and that specific requirements will influence the availability and pricing of suitable flow sensors. However, there is no consensus on the best approach or specific products, as various viewpoints and suggestions are presented.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully defined the application context or specific technical requirements for the sensors, which may affect the recommendations provided. There is also a lack of consensus on the necessary output type and the implications of using different protocols.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals or professionals seeking affordable liquid flow sensors for low viscosity applications, particularly those interested in inline configurations and specific output requirements.

miva
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Hello,

I was wondering if anyone know any companies which sell directly these items because it seems many of the ones i am finding are for high end applications...

Any help would be much appreciated.

Note: no liquids are corrosive and low viscosity etc generally just water will flow through it

Please help

Miles
 
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Lots of different kinds of flow meters what are you looking for and how much money do you want to spend?

http://www.kinginstrumentco.com/"

I have used meters from these people and was happy with them. I paid about $140 for a flow meter with max flow of 30ml/min. They can make them for even lower flow.

We also had http://www.webersensorsinc.com/" at max flow of 10ml/min but they cost ~$1200 each.
 
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Last edited by a moderator:
thanks guys for the replies!
i'm more after a in line sensor, something that can ideally join to clear vinal tubing and produces a output something like 0-5V

any more ideas?
 
You are not going to find that cheap. Look at the Weber site. The meters I worked with had a 4-20ma output but could be ordered with 5V or 10V. You will need some knowledge of electronics to make it work.
 
Hi!
4-20 mA stuff really costs a lot as already pointed out. This is because 4-20mA is an industrial standard protocol, and the sensors are made to last.
If you tell us more about your application it might help.
 

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