Heavy-Duty Pivoted Flow Switch Construction
Designed for Violent Flows, Heavy Paddles & Extended Stem Applications
Power Engineering & Equipment Company (PEECO) offers a specialized pivoted flow switch construction engineered for applications involving violent flow conditions, heavy paddles, or extended stem lengths where conventional designs are not suitable.
This robust mechanical design ensures reliable, repeatable flow actuation even in the most demanding industrial environments.
Purpose-Built for Severe Service
In high-energy flow applications, traditional stem-supported designs can experience excessive stress, wear, or inaccurate actuation. PEECO’s pivoted construction overcomes these challenges by transferring mechanical loads away from the sensing mechanism and into a reinforced pivot point.
This design is ideal for turbulent, pulsating, or high-velocity flows, as well as applications requiring large or heavy paddle assemblies.
Advanced Pivoted Mechanical Design
The heart of this construction is a pivot located at the base of the flow switch:
- The stem and paddle hang freely on the pivot, reducing bending stress
- Above the pivot, the stem terminates in a precision socket
- The socket engages a ball attached to the upper operating arm
- Paddle movement is smoothly translated into controlled micro-switch actuation
This arrangement delivers accurate flow detection while protecting internal components from excessive mechanical loading.
Ideal for Long Stem Extensions
For applications requiring stem extensions greater than 24 inches, this pivoted design is mandatory. The pivoted geometry maintains stability, responsiveness, and durability where rigid or cantilevered designs would fail. Note: Due to its geometry, this construction cannot be used in small tee installations and is intended for larger piping configurations.
Flow & Reverse Flow Capability
This construction is suitable for both:
- Flow detection
- Reverse flow detection
The pivoted mechanism allows the paddle to respond naturally to changes in flow direction, making it ideal for bidirectional flow monitoring, safety interlocks, and process verification.
Paddle Design Flexibility
To match specific process requirements, PEECO offers a wide range of paddle options compatible with the pivoted construction, including:
- Solid cylindrical paddles
- Hollow cylindrical paddles
- Perforated paddles
- Bar-style paddles
- Custom or application-specific paddle designs
Each paddle configuration is engineered to provide the correct sensitivity, durability, and response characteristics for the application.
Typical Applications
- High-velocity or turbulent flow systems
- Slurry and particulate-laden flows
- Large-diameter piping
- Extended reach installations
- Heavy media or high-density fluids
- Flow and reverse-flow safety monitoring
Why Choose PEECO Pivoted Construction?
- Designed specifically for violent flow conditions
- Handles heavy paddles and long stem extensions
- Reduces mechanical stress and wear
- Accurate, repeatable actuation
- Custom paddle and stem configurations
- Proven performance in severe industrial service
When standard flow switch designs are pushed beyond their limits, PEECO’s pivoted construction delivers the strength, stability, and reliability required for extreme applications.