Flow Measurement with Orifice Plates

Dwyer Instruments offers many types of flow measuring products including orifice plates, which are used as a flow sensing element with a differential pressure monitor.

Orifice Plates

Orifice plates are a primary flow element, detecting the flow of a fluid passing through the plate by sensing the pressure drop across the plate. When a fluid flows through a restriction in a pipe, it creates a pressure difference between upstream and downstream of the restriction. This pressure difference is proportional to flow rate according to Bernoulli’s principal, similar to a Pitot tube.  Orifice plates are commonly used as they are simple to use, low cost, work with gases or liquids, and require low maintenance.  Adversely, they do have large pressure losses with about 50% of the pressure drop not recoverable.  Continue reading “Flow Measurement with Orifice Plates”

What is Wastewater, and How is it Treated?

Every day, billions of gallons of wastewater are collected from our homes, businesses, and industries. Wastewater is exactly what it sounds like: water that has already been used and disposed of via a tub, toilet, sink, or storm drains. Because it is full of contaminants that make the water no longer suitable for use, it is collected in the sewer system and delivered to plants for treatment to make the water safe to be returned to the environment. Continue reading “What is Wastewater, and How is it Treated?”

What is Radon, and Why are We Testing for it in Our Homes?

For anyone who has recently purchased or sold a home, they may have noticed a radon inspection clause in the purchasing agreement. What is radon, and why are we testing for it in our homes?

Radon is an odorless, colorless gas that is naturally released into the environment as a decay byproduct of radium. Radium is a decay byproduct of uranium which can be found in certain types of rock, soil, or water. Some areas have higher concentrations of radon due to the soil composition which leads to additional testing for radon. Continue reading “What is Radon, and Why are We Testing for it in Our Homes?”

What is Deadband? Switch Actuation and Deactuation

Electrical Switch Products

Dwyer Instruments offers many electrical switch products that make or break a contact based on sensing a parameter such as pressure, temperature, level, and so on.

Most switches are single pole double throw, often referred to as SPDT. This type of switch has one normally open contact and one normally closed contact.  Switches can also be double pole double throw, or DPDT, that have two normally open and two normally closed contacts.  Single pole single throw switches with just one contact are also available and are specified to be either normally open or normally closed.

Continue reading “What is Deadband? Switch Actuation and Deactuation”

How to Program a Switch for Manual Reset

Compact Low Differential Pressure Switch with Manual Reset, Series 1900MR

Several applications require manual reset switches, which are switches that need to be physically reset by an individual for a process to continue or restart. A manual reset is often needed when an area has to be inspected prior to equipment restart. This can help to ensure the safety/inspection of both equipment and other individuals in the area.

Some switches have a mechanical manual reset (such as the Dwyer Series 1900, 1831, and 1800). However, there may be a need to have a manual reset for applications beyond what these switches are designed for. If a pump is allowed to run with a clogged filter, for example, this may severely damage the pump. Continue reading “How to Program a Switch for Manual Reset”