Flow sensors review

Introduction

Those of you who use water cooling system for a long time have a clear understanding than flow speed effects performance of not only each WC components in particular but the whole system in general. Furthermore, in case of pump malfunctioning it can lead to PC hardware failure. Flow meter installation does provide all information concerning flow characteristics, thus, allowing to set automatic PC shut-down if pumps stops operating. Flow meters that are commonly used in WCS are type of turbine meter of liquid flow. These meters have rather primitive operating principles. By passing through flow meter, water flow forces the turbine with an integrated ferromagnetic insert to rotate. Then, Hall sensor tracks turbine rotations and generated electric impulses which are then passed to the controller. The controller has to set to an appropriate impulse per liter value which depends on particular flow meter model.

This review includes three most widely used models of flow meters — Koolance INS-FM17, Flow meter GMR Brass G1/2 and Aqua Computer Flow sensor high flow G1/4.

Koolance INS-FM17

Quite a compact sensor, has one outstanding feature — there is no need to have a specialized controller to monitor flow level. The sensor is connected to the fan connector on motherboard. It is possible to monitoring flow meter readings by means of BIOS or software that can provide fan speed data. Sensor output is in milliliters per minute. Pay attention to flow direction when connecting the flow meter. It is marked on the acrylic case. There is a special switch than has to be set in reference with the inner diameter of tubing that is used in WC system. There are two values — 6 mm and 10-13 mm (the inner diameter of the tubing). Fittings are not included.

Specification:

• Flow rate range: 1.0–15 l/ min (LPM) / 0.26–4 GPM
• Fluid temperature range: 0–70 °C (32–158 °F)
• Maximum pressure 6kgf/cm2
• Dimensions: 2.5cm x 4.8cm x 1.9cm
• Input-output threads: G 1/4 BSP nozzles
• Materials used: nickel-plated brass and acrylic

Flow meter GMR Brass G1/2 outer thread — Highflow

Actually this flow sensor has different labelling — GMR AFS1-B Messing. Pay attention to flow direction when connecting the flow meter, all data is available on manufacturer’s home page. Input-output ports have G1/2 external threads, therefore, additional adapters for G1/4 threaded nozzles are required which standard for LC systems:

Specification:

• Flow rate range without adapters: 0.75–35 l/min
• Flow rate range without adapters: 0.5–10 l/min / 0.13-2.64 GPM
• Operating measurement range: 1.0–35 l/min (LPM) / 0.26-9.24 GPM
• Maximum pressure: 16 Bar with brass case and 10 Bar with acrylic case
• Fluid temperature range: < 90°C max.
• Poll value: 492 impulses per liter (828 impulses per liter with adapter)
• Supply voltage: DC 4.5-24 V, 10 mA
• Orientation: vertical and horizontal
• Input-output threads: G 1/4 BSPP nozzles
• Materials used: Brass MS85

Aquacomputer Flow sensor high flow G1/4

This device uses Digmessa Hall sensor, however, working chamber and the impeller are of own manufacturer design.

Specification:

• Flow rate range: 0.67-10 l/min (LPM) / 0.18 – 2.64 GPM
• Tolerance ± 2.0%
• Poll value: 169 impulses per liter
• Supply voltage: DC 5V 5-13 mA
• Input-output threads: G 1/4 BSP nozzles
• Materials used: plastic, stainless steel