FLOW SWITCHES

Flow switches are protection devices. Like flow sensors, they’ll warn you when flow rate is below or above the target range. Unlike flow sensors, though, flow switches initiate an action. They could turn on or shut down a pump, open or close a valve, or just light a warning bulb. How you use a flow switch is up to you.

WATER FLOW SWITCH TYPES

There are two main flow switch types — the paddle design and the piston or shuttle design. The paddle design of a flow switch places a hinged or spring-mounted paddle in the liquid flow path. Media flowing at the target rate holds this in position. An increase or reduction in flow moves the paddle, and this is sensed by a small switch. — Shuttle-type flow switches place a small cylinder or piston in the path of the moving liquid. Embedded in this piston is a permanent magnet. A switch outside the flow path senses the magnet’s position. If the magnet moves too far one way or the other, the switch activates an output signal. The flow rate that activates the switch is known as the “set point.”

FLOW SWITCH APPLICATIONS

Use flow switches to warn of liquid flow problems such as a blocked filter, failing pump or defective valve. Any of these malfunctions could affect process consistency, lead to equipment damage, and even cause spills and leaks. — Pump staging is another common application. A change in flow beyond the set point could be used to shut down a pump or bring a second unit online. Used this way, flow switches increase operational efficiency and reduce costs. — Every process with flowing liquid can benefit from flow switch controls. Food and beverage, pharmaceutical, water treatment and chemical production are just a few industries that use flowing liquids. Cooling systems are a good example. A change in flow will affect heat transfer rate and lead to damaged or defective product.

INVEST IN QUALITY PRODUCTS

Install fluid flow switches in your liquid handling process and, most of the time, you’ll never know they’re there. Yet, should a problem arise or the situation demand, they’ll spring into action. Flow switches protect equipment and people, guard against accidents, and help lower costs — but only if they work properly. — A poor-quality flow switch does more harm than good. It will either activate inconsistently — adding variability to your process along with annoying false alarms — or it will fail to work when needed. Avoid costly problems by investing only in high-quality flow switches from a trustworthy American manufacturer.

CATALOG OR CUSTOM

Flow switch applications are so numerous that it’s impossible to have one already engineered for every possible use. That’s why we offer custom design. Search our extensive product catalog for a flow switch meeting your needs. If none exists, let’s talk about a custom unit.

LEVEL SWITCHES

Skimp on your level switch and you’re flirting with disaster. Level switches trigger pumps, valves or alarms that prevent overfilling or draining. Whatever is in the tank, an American-made level switch from Thomas Products LTD provides safe and reliable liquid level indication.

LIQUID LEVEL SWITCH BASICS

A level switch consists of a float that rises and falls with the liquid in the tank. On reaching preset levels — full or empty — the float activates a switch. That sends a signal you use to operate a pump, valve or alarm. The side-mount liquid level switch is the least complex design. This looks like the ball valve found in a toilet cistern. More sophisticated models use one or more floats riding on a vertical shaft. Inside each float, there’s a permanent magnet. As it passes over a switch in the shaft, a signal is sent. Sometimes referred to as narrow level differential, float switches of this type can send a series of signals as the liquid level rises or falls. Liquid level switches are available for top or bottom mounting. Tank level switches mount on the side, while a leak-detecting switch does exactly what the name suggests.

APPLICATIONS FOR LIQUID LEVEL SWITCHES

It’s usually best not to empty a tank completely, as that can draw sediment. A tank level switch will send a signal before that happens, closing a valve or operating a pump. Overfilling is bad, too. It can compromise the quality of product being processed or stored, push the tank beyond design specifications, and even lead to catastrophic spills. Level switches play a role in every liquid handling and storage process. From water treatment and distribution to chemical manufacturing, power generation, and food and beverage production, every industry benefits from our reliable flow switches.

QUALITY FIRST

Level switches for tanks are “fit and forget” devices. Not easily inspected or serviced, the only indication of a fault is flood or drought. The resulting costs can be astronomical, even including lawsuits and fines. That’s why it’s essential your liquid level switches are made from the highest-quality components. An inexpensive level switch could be a costly mistake!

THE THOMAS PRODUCTS LTD DIFFERENCE

We source quality materials from reputable vendors. Our processes and people are certified, and we design for reliability. With Thomas Products LTD, you can trust the durability of every float and level switch we produce. Our level switch catalog describes the many standard tank level switches we offer. Click the link for details and please search our inventory. We also understand that demanding applications sometimes require a unique solution. That’s why we’ll design a custom level switch or custom float switch to suit your needs.

Custom Level Switch Product Configuration

Steps to submit the form:

1. 1. Click the image to access our new Custom Level Switch configurator
   2. Fill the product configurator form out.
   3. When you are finished, click “submit”. You will be emailed a copy of the specifications sheet. We will contact you shortly from sales@thomasprod.com regarding price & lead times.

You may reference our official catalog for all the details on our level switches.

What are custom level sensors?

Custom level sensors are a type of float switch perfect for applications where you have a one-of-a-kind setup and require a specialized device to detect your fluid level. In our custom level switches a magnet equipped float moves directly with the surface of the liquid to actuate the hermetically sealed reed switch within the stem. These level sensors are commonly used as an level indicator in the wastewater industry, automotive, and in applications such as gauging a level of a fuel tank. Other applications include oil level gauges, water level sensing, low level sensing, high level sensing, and sensing of coolant level. Thomas Products introduces its Custom 4000 Level Switch product line bringing to you premium switches specially designed to your specifications. Our custom 4000s are ideal for various applications including tanks, wells, liquid containers, sump pumps.

What can be customized?

With our customized switches you have the ability to customize any aspect of the custom level sensor. Some of the customizations you can perform include the length of leads, type of cable, and connector termination. If you require a level sensor with 2 levels, that can be quickly done using our custom level builder form. Our custom level switches can be configured to support up to 6 levels for your fluid control applications. Grip rings are offered as a standard item at no extra charge to you. Custom 4000 level switches can be built in a variety of material types specifically suited for the chemical compatibility of the fluid you are running. Mountings are cast and precision machined out of stainless steel and brass. Magnetic floats are available in brass, buna, 316 stainless steel. PVC options are also available for certain custom models.

How to mount your custom level switch?

Various mounting locations are possible using Thomas Products level switches. Custom 4000s be mounted in tanks located outdoors and indoors. Mounting locations for tanks include external tank mountings, outside of tank, from bottom of tank, and from top of tank. Custom 4000 level switches also have the ability to be manufactured to work at a specified angle.

Thomas Products Premium Level Offering

Since the 1970s we’ve been supplying 1000s of customers across the world with dependable level switches that provide decades of work out in the field in applications ranging from medical to wastewater or oil and mining. Thomas Products level sensors are a premium product that go head to head against other methods of level sensing such as ultrasonic, capacitance, and non-contact level sensing. In order to maintain water level in your tank between two points using low and high level float switches, it is suggested to use a level switch with 2 levels. Custom 4000s can be build exactly for this purpose. We can design high and low level float switches for your tank so you can maintain a set water or fluid level in your tank without causing your water pump to intermittently turn on and off whenever fluid is being used from your storage tank. Our custom 4000s are built to be electrically compatible with a variety of off the shelf control boxes and other relay equipped panels. Wiring level switches to indicators is also possible through the use of standardized reed switches within our parts.

PUMP CONTROLS

Pump controls are found in any application where it is necessary to monitor and regulate aspects of pump operation and liquid flow — such as pressure and volume — through a pump. Pump controls can act as switches, turning flow or injection on or off, or can be used to govern and control flow rates on a constant basis. A high-quality pump control must be constructed from high-quality components because quality and reliability are vital to ensuring that the pump control operates as required.

WHY ARE HIGH-QUALITY PUMP CONTROLS IMPORTANT?

The failure or malfunction of a pump control can cause numerous serious outcomes. These include:
• Injury to users of a pump or those near it
• Damage or destruction of other equipment, such as valves or pipes
• Damage to the surrounding area
For these reasons, it is essential to select a superior pump control that meets or exceeds the standards of your application.

PUMP CONTROL APPLICATIONS

Pump controls are found in any industry and application where liquid flow must be regulated or where liquid levels must be monitored. Uses include:
• Level pump control — These types of pump controls monitor the level of a liquid in a vessel and trigger a pump to start once a certain level is reached. A vast number of industries use these controls, including manufacturing, waste removal and HVAC.
• Pump control switch — A pump control switch is used to start or stop the function of a pump based on the liquid level. A standard application of this switch is to stop the pump once all liquid has been removed, so it isn’t damaged through dry operation. Pump control switches are found in applications such as wells and sewage infrastructure.
• Flow regulation — Pump controls also can be used to facilitate flow rate and direction in order to achieve laminar flow through a pipe or valve. This ensures greater accuracy and more reliable flow.

WORKING WITH THOMAS PRODUCTS LTD

While pump controls are ubiquitous across nearly all industries, they aren’t all alike. Differences in quality, construction and customization can have a major impact on the operation of pump controls — and their supported components as well. Thomas Products LTD uses only the highest-quality materials to ensure reliability, and works closely with our customers to provide the solution they need, from standard to fully customized products. Search our inventory to find the pump control that’s right for your application.

SIGHT WINDOW VISUAL FLOW INDICATORS

The non-electric sight window flow indicator from Thomas Products LTD offers several options for monitoring the flow rate of water or any other liquid. It is like a sight glass window, in that it displays the status of a liquid without making contact with it. With several high-quality material choices available, this flow indicator switch acts as a flow rate monitor and is built to be durable, reliable and suitable for any liquid flow monitoring task you may require. Features and options of this sight glass liquid flow indicator include:
• A 5.0 GPM flow meter indicator and a 1.0 GPM flow meter indicator option
• A choice of stainless steel or brass housing, with full SST or brass construction based on your selection
• Availability of high temperature modifications
• Minimal pressure drop (less than 1 PSIG)
• The 5.0 GPM fluid flow indicator can be installed in any mounting orientation; the 1.5 GPM flow indicator must be installed horizontally
• Each flow rating is based on use as a water flow indicator — with higher viscosity liquids, the switch will trigger at lower flow rates.
Applications of this liquid flow indicator are broad, as it is suitable in any setting where liquid flow must be monitored with a binary visual indicator of the flow condition. Typical uses include:
• Medical pump flow indication, such as metering or dosing pumps
• Flow indication for utility infrastructure, such as water
• Chlorine pump flow indication
• Chemical pump flow indication
• Irrigation and other agricultural uses
• Emergency water system flow indication

BENEFITS OF A NON-ELECTRIC SIGHT WINDOW VISUAL FLOW INDICATOR

This non-electric liquid flow indicator offers versatility, quality and high performance, with only the best quality materials used. Additional benefits include:
• Versatile and customizable options based on your needs — choose from brass or SST housings and 5.0 or 1.5 GPM flow rate indicators
• Full construction of all wetted parts in your chosen material
• Reliable flow indication at a reasonable cost
• Easy installation, operation and state reading — the red or green indicator quickly shows whether the flow condition is being met
• For the 5.0 GPM indicator, the option for vertical or horizontal installation
• Negligible displacement and disruption to the flow rate
• The ability to operate with any liquid or water condition — clean, dirty, slurry, etc.
• A simple solution when more complex indications or readings are not required

SIGHT WINDOW FLOW INDICATORS FROM THOMAS PRODUCTS LTD

At Thomas Products LTD, we specialize in providing an extensive range of controls, switches and indicators to satisfy all fluid monitoring needs across a wide range of industries. Our breadth of product selection combines with our depth of experience in the field to offer the best products, product combinations and systems to our customers. In addition to our deep inventory, we have extensive experience in fully customized solutions. These include flow indicators, flow switches, pump controls and more. Begin by browsing our inventory selection and options for the right product for your needs, and contact us with any questions or customization inquiries.

SIGHT WINDOW VISUAL LIQUID LEVEL INDICATORS

A tank sight window level indicator quickly and easily shows whether a liquid remains at an acceptable level within a storage vessel, such as a tank. The tank level indicator will show one color of a switch — typically white or green — when the level is at or above the acceptable level. The indicator will display another color — usually red — if the liquid falls below that level. Our dry sight window liquid level indicator products can be easily viewed, even at far distances, giving you an efficient and low-cost way to monitor liquid levels. With a water storage tank level indicator, you can remain assured that storage tanks are not leaking and contain the proper amount of liquid. These indicators are used to monitor levels in emergency water storage tanks, such as fire abatement, as well as tanks and vessels for industrial applications, utilities and more. Level indicators can also be used for other types of liquids, including hazardous materials and environments.

BENEFITS OF A NON-ELECTRIC LIQUID LEVEL INDICATOR SENSOR

A non-electric water level indicator from Thomas Products Ltd. offers several benefits:
• Non-electric construction means easy installation and suitability for any scenario or environment.
• Liquid level indicators used for water, oils, and other fluids can be seen from up to 100 feet away.
• Simple color-based indication makes it easy to determine whether or not the liquid is at an acceptable level.
• Level indicators are suitable for many types of liquids, including viscous liquids and contaminated liquids.
• High-quality construction from top-rated materials means tank liquid level indicators are durable and will always perform up to spec.
• Easy installation — no journeyman pipefitter required, and no need to install special bushings or fittings.
• Non-electric indicators can be put into operation very quickly, with minimal installation time and effort.
• Customizable to any level that you need monitored.
• Thomas Products Ltd. specializes in custom construction and is ready to work with you on any application or installation you may require.

TANK LIQUID LEVEL INDICATORS FROM THOMAS PRODUCTS LTD.

Thomas Products Ltd. prides itself on being a different type of level indicator provider. Many suppliers you may encounter simply repackage and sell indicators made overseas — from lower-quality materials with fewer quality checks in place. However, we believe in American manufacturing and are dedicated to providing only the highest-quality indicator products. We choose quality materials — typically bronze and stainless steel — and, whenever possible, give you the option to customize your construction material. We have decades of experience in the level indicator field and offer unparalleled customization services tailored to your needs. View our extensive inventory of level indicators and flow monitors today, and contact us with any questions.

Flow and Level Switch Selection Guides