Chill Water Flow Sensing Using Reed Switches

In industrial equipment, such as sputtering machines, maintaining optimal temperatures for critical components is paramount. Specific areas, including the Magnetron that sputters target material and the Cryo-pumps that evacuate the chamber, require constant cooling with a steady flow of chill water. Without a smart monitoring system, the cooling process relies on manual checks and alarms, which can be prone to human error and delays in response. If the chill water flow is interrupted or reduced, the Magnetron or Cryo-pumps can overheat, leading to potential equipment failure and costly downtime.

The introduction of flow sensors equipped with reed switches addresses these challenges effectively. Reed switches, being highly sensitive to magnetic fields, offer a reliable means to monitor and ensure consistent chill water flow. In a flow sensor, a spring-loaded magnet is incorporated to move in response to chill water flow. As long as water flow through the system is beyond the set rate, the magnet remains in a position that keeps the reed switch activated. This setup allows for continuous monitoring of the cooling water flow and provides immediate feedback if the flow is disrupted.

If the chill water flow stops or drops below a critical level, the magnet is no longer pushed towards the reed switch, causing the circuit to open. This change is detected by the system, which then triggers an immediate response to halt any ongoing processes, preventing potential overheating and damage to the Magnetron or Cryo-pumps.

In conclusion, the application of reed switches in flow sensors significantly enhances the reliability and safety of industrial equipment like sputtering machines. By providing real-time monitoring and automatic shutdown capabilities, these sensors ensure that critical components remain within safe operating temperatures, thereby reducing the risk of equipment failure and costly repairs. Reed switch technology thus plays a crucial role in maintaining the efficiency and longevity of industrial processes.

Application Classification

Applications are classified as Position Sensing, Pulse Counting, Electromagnetic or Relay, Temperature Sensing or Magnet Biasing types. This application is classified as follows and the link gives more information on best practices to help select the most suitable AT band and matching magnet.

Position sensing Type

When an application requires the end position of a movement sensed, or the sensing of a part when it comes into a zone, or when the Continue reading ->

Mar 21, 2025

Recommended Products

The Reed Switches and Sensors used in such chill water flow sensing applications need to be robust, durable and efficient in meeting a high life expectancy. Our engineers work hard in life testing our products under various conditions, and our intention is to ensure end product durability and life. Although we wouldn’t want to restrict any of our products for use in only certain applications, the recommended products for use in this application are listed below.