Flotect Flow Switches
Series V4 Flotect Flow Switch
Vane-Operated — Field Adjustable — Dependable Protection Against Flow Variation or Stopping in Pipelines
The Flotect Series V4 operates automatically to protect equipment and pipeline systems against damage from reduction or loss of flow. Time-tested and installed in thousands of pipelines and processing plants around the world, the V4 features a unique magnetically actuated switching design that delivers superior performance.
There are no bellows, springs, or seals to fail. Instead, a free-swinging vane attracts a magnet within the solid metal switch body, actuating a snap switch by means of a simple lever arm. Rugged and reliable, the V4 is built to last in demanding industrial environments.
Series V4 Features
- Leak-proof body machined from solid bar stock
- Choice of custom-calibrated vane (Model V4) or field-adjustable multilayer universal vane (Model V4-2-U)
- Weatherproof — meets NEMA 4 (IP65)
- Explosion-proof — UL, CSA, FM, ATEX and SAA listed
- Installs directly into pipeline via threaded branch connection, tee, or flange
- Suitable for pipes 1-1/2" and larger
- Electrical assembly replaceable in-service — no process shutdown required
- High pressure rating: 1000 psig brass body; 2000 psig 316 SS body
- Magnetically actuated — no bellows, springs, or seals to fail
Application Examples
- Protects pumps, motors and other equipment against low or no flow
- Controls sequential operation of pumps
- Automatically starts auxiliary pumps and engines
- Stops liquid-cooled engines, machines and processing when coolant flow is interrupted
- Shuts down burner when air flow through heating coil fails
- Controls dampers according to flow
Actuation & Deactuation Ranges — Universal Vane
Cold Water: As low as 8.8–3.0 GPM (2.0–0.7 m³/hr) in 1-1/2" pipe up to 2900–1100 GPM (659–250 m³/hr) in 20" pipe.
Air: As low as 6.1–25 SCFM (0.03–0.012 Nm³/s) in 1-1/2" pipe up to 14,300–5,900 SCFM (6.7–2.8 Nm³/s) in 20" pipe. Consult factory for detailed flow data.
Series V4 Specifications
| Service | Gases or liquids compatible with wetted materials. |
| Wetted Materials | Vane: 316 SS. Body: Brass or 316 SS standard. Magnet Keeper: 430 SS standard, 316 SS optional. Other materials available on request (e.g. PVC, Hastelloy, Nickel, Monel, Titanium). |
| Temperature Limit | -4 to 275°F (-20 to 135°C) standard. MT high-temperature option rated to 400°F (205°C) — MT option not UL, CSA, ATEX or SAA listed. |
| Pressure Limit | Brass body: 1000 psig (69 bar). 316 SS body: 2000 psig (138 bar). Optional 5000 psig (345 bar) available with 316 SS body and SPDT switch only. |
| Enclosure Rating | Weatherproof (meets NEMA 4 / IP65) and Explosion-proof. UL & CSA listed: Class I Groups C and D; Class II Groups E, F, and G. ATEX CE 0344 EX II 2 G EEx d IIB T6 (KEMA 03ATEX 2383). SAA: Exd C T6 (Tamb=60°C), Zone I. FM approved. |
| Switch Type | SPDT snap switch standard; DPDT snap switch optional. |
| Electrical Rating | UL, FM, ATEX and SAA models: 10A @ 125/250 VAC. CSA models: 5A @ 125/250 VAC; 5A res., 3A ind. @ 30 VDC. MV option: 1A @ 125 VAC; 1A res., 0.5A ind. @ 30 VDC. MT option: 5A @ 125/250 VAC. (MT and MV options not UL, CSA, FM, ATEX or SAA listed.) |
| Electrical Connections | UL and CSA models: 16 AWG, 6" (152 mm) leads. ATEX and SAA units: terminal block. |
| Conduit Connection | 3/4" female NPT. |
| Process Connection | 1-1/2" male NPT. |
| Mounting Orientation | Within 5° of vertical for proper operation. Units for horizontal installation (vertical pipe with upward flow) available — add -V suffix. |
| Set Point Adjustment | Universal vane (Model V4-2-U): five vane layer combinations for field adjustment of actuation point. |
| Weight | 4 lb 8 oz (1.9 kg). |
| Agency Approvals | UL, CSA, CE, FM, SAA and ATEX. |
Popular Series V4 Models
| Model | Description | Body | Switch |
|---|---|---|---|
| V4-2-U | Vane operated flow switch, brass body, universal vane. | Brass | SPDT |
| V4-SS-2-U | Vane operated flow switch, 316 SS body, universal vane. | 316 SS | SPDT |
| V4-2-D-U | Vane operated flow switch, brass body, universal vane. | Brass | DPDT |
| V4-SS-2-D-U | Vane operated flow switch, 316 SS body, universal vane. | 316 SS | DPDT |
Custom-calibrated vane models also available. Contact us with your application details.
Options
| Suffix | Description |
|---|---|
| -D | DPDT contacts. |
| -MV | Gold plated contacts for dry circuits — see electrical rating in specifications. No listings or approvals. |
| -MT | High temperature option rated 400°F (204°C) — see electrical rating in specifications. No listings or approvals. |
| -TRI | Time Delay Relay (increasing flow) — 2 SPDT contacts, adjustable 0–1 to 0–31 minutes. No listings or approvals. |
| -TRD | Time Delay Relay (decreasing flow) — 2 SPDT contacts, adjustable 0–1 to 0–31 minutes. No listings or approvals. |
| -316 | 316 SS Magnet Keeper — replaces standard 430 SS. |
| -V | Vertical Up Flow — for upward flow in vertical pipe. |
| -AT | ATEX listed construction. |
| -IEC | IECEx certified construction. |
| -NH | No housing — no approvals. |