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Brand: Kawaki
Kawaki SF-MA Flow Switch and SF-M Flow Meter, Drag Plate Type
Description
A drag-plate flow meter and flow switch for oil and unclear liquids
The Kawaki SF-MA flow switch, with its SF-M flow meter version, is built for liquids such as cooling water and lubricating oil, and Kawaki positions the SF type for high-temperature and high-pressure liquids that are unclear, for example oil. The manual says it performs better than many other liquid flow meters on slurries and dirty water and can measure comparatively viscous fluids. Three versions are listed: the SF-M instantaneous flow rate indicator, the SF-MA with a lower-limit or upper-limit contact, and the SF-MA(A) as printed in the manual and product guide.
The flow rate acts on a resistance plate set at right angles to the flow. The manual explains that the plate turns up to about 32 degrees, and a linkage turns an internal magnet by roughly 80 degrees; an external magnet follows it through the casing and moves a pointer over the scale. Because wetted parts and indicator are joined by magnetic coupling, there is no shaft seal to leak.
Technical specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Types | SF-M flow meter; SF-MA flow switch with lower (upper) limit contact; SF-MA(A) |
| Principle | Drag (resistance) plate in the flow, magnetic coupling to pointer |
| Bore | 3/8B to 12B flange type; RC3/8 to RC1-1/2 screw type |
| Pressure | Standard 1.0 MPa; special order 3.0 MPa and above |
| Temperature | Standard 80 degrees C or less; special order 300 degrees C or less |
| Accuracy | Each indication scale plus or minus 3 percent |
| Contact rating (micro switch, by bore and flow) | 15 A or 5 A at 125 or 250 VAC, 0.5 A at 125 VDC, 0.25 A at 250 VDC; 10 A at 125 or 250 VAC |
| Main unit material | FC250, CAC406, SS400, SUS304, SUS316, SUS316L and others |
| Main section material | C3604B, SUS304, SUS316, SUS316L and others |
| Options | Externally variable contact; totally waterproof IP67 case; earthquake-resistant type; high temperature and pressure on request |
| Manual reference | KWK73-50, established 14 February 2005, revised 15 July 2010 |
Contacts, installation and care
In the SF-MA the pointer shaft carries a cam that operates a micro switch. Contacts are micro switches with NC, COM and NO terminals on a terminal block: NC to COM closes at the lower limit and NO to COM at the upper limit. The contact position can be moved over the full scale by turning the contact adjusting knob after loosening the screw, and Kawaki advises adjusting only through the switch mounting plate and never by bending the set pointer. The standard contact is internally adjustable; an externally adjustable type is also made when contacts are changed often.
Mount the unit with the flow arrow cast on the side of the body pointing the right way, flush the pipework well first because the measuring section can collect debris, and check by hand that the pointer moves and the contact operates before fitting. Open valves slowly at first start, since a sudden large flow can deform the resistance plate. For slurry service, dismantle and brush the measuring section from time to time, and protect an indoor-type case from rain if used outdoors.
Selecting the SF type
Give the bore and connection (flange or RC screw thread), the fluid, its temperature and pressure, the flow range for the scale, whether you need only the meter or also a lower or upper limit contact, the contact rating needed and the body material. Higher temperature up to 300 degrees C and higher pressure are special-order items, as are the totally waterproof IP67 case and the earthquake-resistant type for places with frequent vibration. Because the English page and the Japanese manual quote different upper pressure figures for the special versions, confirm the limit with Kawaki before relying on it.
How the Kawaki SF-MA works
The flow pushes on a plate set at right angles to it. The plate turns more as the flow rises, and a linkage turns a magnet inside the casing. A second magnet outside the casing follows and moves the pointer over the scale.
Where the SF-MA is used
- Cooling water lines
- Lubricating oil lines
- Slurries
- Dirty water
- High-temperature and high-pressure liquids
Selection checklist for the SF-MA
- Meter or switch version
- Bore size
- Flange or screw connection
- Pressure
- Temperature
- Contact rating
- Body material
- Lower or upper limit contact
Installation, commissioning and maintenance notes for the SF-MA
Fit the unit in the pipe with the flow direction as marked. Set the contact to the limit the duty needs and wire the terminal block. Check the pointer, the contact and the casing at regular intervals.
Requesting a quotation for the Kawaki SF-MA
Please send the liquid, the bore, the pressure and the temperature. Seven Star LLC serves industrial customers in Oman and the GCC and replies with a quotation based on the information provided.
SF-MA device type
It is a drag-plate flow switch.
SF-MA maker
It is made by Kawaki.
SF-MA meter version
The SF-M is the flow meter version.
SF-MA indicator version
The SF-M is an instantaneous flow rate indicator.
SF-MA switch version
The SF-MA has a lower-limit or upper-limit contact.
SF-MA versions
Three versions are listed in the manual.
SF-MA unclear liquids
It is positioned for high-temperature and high-pressure liquids that are unclear.
SF-MA viscous fluids
It can measure comparatively viscous fluids.
SF-MA resistance plate
The plate turns up to about 32 degrees.
SF-MA linkage
The linkage turns the internal magnet by roughly 80 degrees.
SF-MA magnetic coupling
The pointer is joined to the wetted parts by magnetic coupling.
SF-MA seal
There is no shaft seal to leak.
SF-MA bore range
Flange bores run from 3/8B to 12B.
SF-MA screw type
Screw types run from RC3/8 to RC1-1/2.
SF-MA standard pressure
Standard pressure is 1.0 MPa.
SF-MA special pressure
Special orders cover 3.0 MPa and above.
SF-MA standard temperature
Standard temperature is 80 degrees C or less.
SF-MA special temperature
Special orders cover up to 300 degrees C.
SF-MA micro switch
A cam on the pointer shaft operates a micro switch.
SF-MA terminals
The terminal block has NC, COM and NO terminals.
SF-MA lower limit contact
NC to COM closes at the lower limit.
SF-MA upper limit contact
NO to COM closes at the upper limit.
SF-MA contact rating
Ratings include 15 A or 5 A at 125 or 250 VAC.
SF-MA DC contact rating
DC ratings are 0.5 A at 125 VDC and 0.25 A at 250 VDC.
SF-MA options
Options include an externally variable contact and an earthquake-resistant type.
Flow records for the SF-MA
Record the contact setting, the liquid and the date of each check.
Choosing the right SF-MA version
Choose the meter for indication and the switch when a limit contact is needed.
Documents and quotation
The Kawaki instruction manual is attached to this page; it is in Japanese. Seven Star LLC is an independent supplier in Muscat, and we can request a quotation if you send the model, bore, connection, fluid, temperature, pressure, flow range and contact requirement. Related items are in Flow Indicators and Switches.
Datasheets & Documents
- Manual Kawaki SF-M / SF-MA / SF-MA(A) instruction manual KWK73-50 (Japanese) Download
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About brand
A sight flow indicator answers a simple question at the pipe: is liquid moving or not. Kawaki is listed in our catalog for sight flow indicators and flow instruments. Seven Star LLC, an independent supplier in Muscat, lists one Kawaki item for process and utility plants in Oman and the GCC, the FS-II sight flow indicator with flapper and ANSI 150 lb raised face flanges.
Kawaki FS-II sight flow indicator
The FS-II on our site is a flanged, flapper type indicator: flow lifts a hinged flap behind a glass window, so an operator can see that liquid is moving. Distributor data for the Kawaki FS series lists the FS-I without flapper, the FS-II with flapper, the FS-B with a ball and further types with nozzle or wiper, in flanged and screwed bodies. Pressure, temperature and material limits should be taken from the nameplate or the manufacturer's datasheet for the size ordered.
Ordering Kawaki flow indicators: what we need
Send the model, the line size, the flange standard and rating, the body material, the glass type and the gasket material. Add the liquid, its pressure and temperature, and the flow direction. For glasses and gaskets as spares, give the model and size from the nameplate along with a photo.
Browse Kawaki products by category: Flow Indicators & Switch.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How does the SF-MA sense flow?
A resistance plate in the stream turns under the dynamic pressure, and its movement is transferred by magnets to a pointer and a cam-operated micro switch.
Is there a shaft seal that can leak?
The manual describes a magnetic coupling between the wetted section and the indicator, so the pointer is driven without a rotating shaft seal.
What liquids is the SF type meant for?
Kawaki lists cooling water and lubricating oil in the manual and promotes the SF type for oil and other unclear liquids at higher temperature and pressure.
How is the alarm point set?
By adjusting the switch mounting plate with the contact adjusting knob, over the full scale, then re-checking that the switch operates at the chosen position.
Is the manual in English?
No. The instruction manual provided by Kawaki is in Japanese, so this page summarises it and uses the English product guide for the specifications.
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