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Need suggestions for a part

R_Phoenix

Hello all.

 

I am looking for the best option to detect when water is in a pipe. In a nut shell I 'm looking for a way to know when water is available inside a 3/4" pipe.

 

I thought of a pressure switch but I can't seem to find anything that is simple and in expensive and also there won't always be pressure on the switch, for instance when the water is flowing threw the pipe.

 

Then I thought of a flow meter, but again the water won't always be flowing to detect motion.

 

Now I am thinking of reading the capacitance/resistance of the water. I have a few options but I was wondering what else might be out there that I haven't stumbled on yet.

 

Thanks everyone.

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  • Hi R,

     

    I think you're over thinking this. Since water conducts electricity, all you need is two conductors (non-corroding nails, or something that won't rust an contaminate the water supply). The two conductors form a switch, when no water is present the switch is open and no current flows. When water starts flowing in the pipe it will touch the two conductors and will allow current to flow from one to the other closing the switch.

     

    Two conductors and a pull-up resistor will give you a simple yes/no signal that you can feed to a microcontroller.

     

    hth,

    Jorge Garcia

  • in reply to Jorge_Garcia

    Thanks for the suggestion, I have in deed thought of that - however, it needs to be something I can bring to market. i.e. I can't just run 2 screws into a pipe image

     

    As you suggested, currosion is a problem, even with Stainless steel. I have some ideas on this as well, but before I spend time and money into prototyping, I want to evaluate any and all ideas.

     

    And hopfully find something that is already available.

     

    Thanks

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  • in reply to Jorge_Garcia

    Thanks for the suggestion, I have in deed thought of that - however, it needs to be something I can bring to market. i.e. I can't just run 2 screws into a pipe image

     

    As you suggested, currosion is a problem, even with Stainless steel. I have some ideas on this as well, but before I spend time and money into prototyping, I want to evaluate any and all ideas.

     

    And hopfully find something that is already available.

     

    Thanks

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