A flow sensor exploiting magnetic fluids

Flow sensors are widely used in several applications. In this paper a novel sensing approach to implement a low cost flow sensor is presented. The proposed methodology is based on the use of a spike shaped mass of ferrofluid to convert the static (slow varying) flow rate into a measurable displacement. The ferrofluid movement is detected by an inductive readout strategy. In the following the proposed methodology is described along with theoretical considerations and simulations of the device behavior. A laboratory prototype and experimental results assessing the suitability of the developed sensing strategy are also illustrated.