RoadTest: Flusso FLS110 Mass Flow Sensor Evaluation Kit
Author: hajami
Creation date:
Evaluation Type: Evaluation Boards
Did you receive all parts the manufacturer stated would be included in the package?: True
What other parts do you consider comparable to this product?: None in this price point
What were the biggest problems encountered?: Readings required use of the USB interface and GIU software. Would prefer an option for an analog signal (mV, V, ...)
Detailed Review:
Calling all makers and builders, if you need a compact flow meter, this is the solution for you!
I work daily process instrumentation used to measure pressure, flow and level in industrial applications. This is my first test with a compact instrument geared towards the maker community.
The Flusso FLS110 Mass Flow Sensor is compact, measuring about 1.5" square. The compact size makes it a great unit to use in small builds, as compared to thermal flow meters that wouldn't even fit in the box the Flusso arrived in.
The test application was using the FLS110 to measure water flow into an irrigation system with control valves and an industrial PLC. The first hiccup I ran into was getting the flow readings, the USB interface and GUI was the only option. Industrial PLCs prefer analog signals (4-20mA, 1-5V, ...). I had to switch to a software based PLC to use the USB data.
Overall performance was within limits, response time was within the control valve's response so we didn't get the wild sine-wave swings. A DP transmitter connected inline measured similar readings.
I don't see using this flow sensor for high flow applications, pipe size limits that anyways.
Next steps are to test it with different liquids to compare accuracy to plain water.
