Water intake flow indicator

[DeLam]

I get worried about the engine water flow being stopped by plastic bags etc.
I know that there are exhaust temp. warning indicators but I think these may warn you too late .So, does anyone know of a flow indicator that can be installed in the intake hose,say, that would warn of low flow or no flow . It´s not necessary to know the true flow and the unit should be reasonably priced.
Thanks.

 

[hlb]

Whats up with the temperature guage and a buzzer??

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Haydn

 

[johna]

I have a flow indicator called FLOTS (frequent looks over the stern)

John

 

[Joe_Cole]

I suppose you could fit a log with paddle wheel?
Seems a bit pricey though.
Joe

 

[steel_slug]

flow switches for insertion in the water pipes used to be available from Aquafax at Luton. They are Wholesale but have been known to sell direct. Best to find a Chandler with their catalogue, it used to list several switches.

HTH

 

[airbubble]

i MUST say i find this a very, very creative solution, honestly, no puns intended.
Indeed a bit pricy and elaborate, but effective and straightforward.
Some solutions I have come across use pressure or the difference in it; they fitted a vaccum meter to the inlet side or a pressure gauige to the pumping (exhaust) side. Any change from normal will show to the alert skipper.
A normal exhaust temp alarm will do however, as the alarm will sound long, long before any damage is done or danger of fire occurs

 

[pete]

Water flow switches are quite common on combination central heating boilers,I fitted one only last week,brass body half inch male BSP connections with a small paddle inside for a Ferolli 77 FF boiler but the connections make on water FLOW . £37+vat

hope this helps

pete
hope this helps

 

[Jean]

Temperature sensor and buzzer tends to prompt a reaction (from the crew) rather than prompt a proactive action before the impellor damage is done. The simple central heating boiler device mentioned above works OK in a closed system (relatively clean water) but may soon get contaminated when exposed to seawater. A non-intrusive static device (pressure or ultrasonic for example) is likely to be more reliable.

 

[dickh]

These are readilly available from places like RS or Farnell. There was an article in PBO about 2/3 years ago detailing this system - basically as soon as you stop having flow an alarm sounds, only prob that I could see was the alarm sounded as soon as switched on but stopped as soon as the engine started.
If you are interested PM me with your address and I will send a copy to you.
Much cheaper than the exhaust Temp warnings and obviously much quicker to react to stopped water flow.
It is a job I intend to do myself this winter.

dickh
I'd rather be sailing...

 

[WayneS]

I intend to fit one of these in the off-season

http://www.farnell.com/datasheets/7601.pdf

£10 for the switch and I already have the alarm.

Wayne

 

[philip_stevens]

Where do you intend to fit it into the cooling water system?? Before or after the pump.

I ask as the only places I could fit one, is either before or after the strainer, but before the pump - unless I go to the extent of modifying the flexible pipe after the pump.

I take it that the model of flow switch you intend to fit is the FS15 or FS15T

The engine is a Bukh MD20.


regards,
Philip

 

[dickh]

Philip, the flow switch is fitted in the hose after teh inlet strainer and before the pump. The model mentioned is the Douglas Randall FS22 or Farnell Code No 730-890 - RS also do a similar switch. Anotehr make is from CT Platon Ltd at Basingstoke - Tel No 0345 125743.
I am sending this info to another poster today, if you like I can also send to you if you PM me with your address.


dickh
I'd rather be sailing...

 

[HaraldS]

Have one called Aqualarm. Costs €130
Seems to work fine. See

http://www.svb.de/pdf/s_159.pdf

 

[DeLam]

Thanks everyone for the help. The "FLOTS" doesn´t work with me due to my
laziness.
I saw the article in either PBO or YM but could not find the sensor in the
Farnell site but thanks to directing me to the right page I can now take it
from here.
I did see the Aqualarm in West marine´s catalogue but it seemed a bit expensive
though.
Thanks again

 

[DeLam]

Thanks everyone for the help. The "FLOTS" doesn´t work with me due to my
laziness.
Isaw the article oin either PBO or YM but could not find the sensor in the
Farnell site but thanks to directing me to the right page I can now takeit
from here.
I did see the Aquaalarm in West marine´s catalogue but it seemed a bit expensive
though
Thanks again

 

[Sammy]

Glue a small button type temperature sensor to the exhaust elbow just where the water enters and if the flow stops even for a few seconds the sensor will trigger. wire it in to a buzzer and your ignition and its done. Much cheaper than flow meters which do not normally like salt water.


www.BoatsThames.com

 

[Miker]

I am also interested and shall PM you. When I put too much antifouling over my water intake, I switched off the engine when the alarm went off but it was too late. The engine compartment was full of steam and the impellor shredded.

 

[nedmin]

Electromail tel uk 01536204555 do a thermal switch part no.331.578 this makes a contact at 100deg.C araldite this on your water cooled exhaust as it comes out of the engine dont make to good a job of the araldite until you have had a fast run as you might just get a hot spot if so move it round a little. Make contact sound a 12v. alarm and bingo It wont save your impeller but it will your engine and all for under a tenner.