FD-Q series clamp-on ultrasonic flow sensor

The FD-Q series is Keyence’s clamp-on ultrasonic flow sensor for liquids. The sensor clamps onto the outside of an existing pipe and measures flow through the wall, so there is no pressure loss, no contamination risk and no need to cut the pipe or stop the machine; installation takes about a minute with a screwdriver. Four sensor bodies, FD-Q10C, FD-Q20C, FD-Q32C and FD-Q50C, cover nominal pipe sizes from 1/4 inch (8A) to 2 inch (50A), roughly 13 to 64 mm outside diameter, on metal or resin pipe. Maximum rated flow ranges from about 20 L/min on the smallest pipes to 500 L/min on 2 inch pipe. Response time is selectable from 0.5 to 60 s, with repeatability from about ±2% of full scale at the fastest setting to ±0.15% at 60 s. Two outputs can be configured as switching, pulse or error outputs, the second also as 4-20 mA analogue, and IO-Link v1.1 is supported. The sensor is IP65/IP67 and handles fluids from 0 to 85 °C. Applications include monitoring coolant, cleaning water, chemicals and oils in machine tools, wash systems and process skids.