SICK launches new sensor for ‘accurate leak detection with one device’

SICK has launched a new sensor that it says enables “accurate leak detection with one device”.

Energy efficiency and transparency are playing an increasingly important role in the manufacturing world.

To help improve energy management, SICK has developed the FTMg, a multifunctional thermal flowmeter sensor for the detection of gas flow, temperature, and process pressure.

With the measurement of compressed and non-corrosive gases, it reliably displays three parameters at once by measuring the flow, pressure, and temperature.

In doing so, it saves the customer money through improved energy management with the reliable detection of leaks. This new flow sensor is also very lightweight and compact, making it ideal for installation in tight spaces.

Measuring three parameters with one device

The FTMg, stands for Flow Thermal Meter for gases. With its small size and ability to measure three parameters with just one device, it provides noticeable savings in both installation and maintenance. It can measure flow, pressure, and temperature and display it all on the same device.

It detects non-corrosive gases – such as argon, helium, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen – and compressed air with an extremely high level of accuracy.

Using the calorimetric measuring principle, it is able to monitor the transformation of heat to determine the flow rate of the gas or air within the pipeline with a measurement accuracy of ± 3 percent MV and ± 0.3 percent MEV.

In addition, the flow sensor can also monitor high measurement dynamics and low pressure loss.

The combined triad delivers a complete overview on the status of the cable, therefore increasing system reliability. All in all, the combination of all three parameters actually contributes to the processes continuing to run as planned and without interruption.

Accurate and efficient leakage detection

All users with an energy management system in accordance with EN ISO 50001 can now also observe their energy consumption and make it more transparent for optimization.

The integrated data monitoring lasts for up to seven days, therefore supporting the efficient search for even the smallest leaks in pneumatic systems. This is what makes targeted detection and localization of exceptional pressure loss possible.

But the high measurement dynamics for detecting changes to the consumption system also make an important contribution.

Measurement data can be interpreted unequivocally thanks to the presentation as a diagram on the contrast-rich display with quick changes or jumps and the correspondingly flat or steep edge of the pressure curve.

The OLED color display provides a crystal-clear display of several measured values as a text and progress diagram.

The simple operation also allows intuitive and simple parameterization during commissioning – another factor that saves time and money.

For operators of pneumatic drives, an important argument, besides savings on detecting exact leakage locations, is low-cost operation.

The constriction-free design of the FTMg is a guarantee for low pressure loss since it guarantees nearly loss-free flow of gases through the sensor.

Interfaces to the PLC and the cloud

The transparency created by the multifunctional sensor generates added value for the customer, especially due to the fact that it is immediately usable by viewing through various interfaces.

Whether on the computer, a mobile device, or through the controller – you are always immediately informed as to whether your system is working trouble-free or showing abnormalities.

All measurement data can be transferred via IO-Link or with switching and analog signals.

Additionally, the Power-over-Ethernet sensor has an integrated web server that enables simple operation by computer and standard browser. The PoE sensor also provides the OPC UA and MQTT interfaces.