Industrial sight flow indicators play a critical role in fluid handling systems. By providing immediate, real-time insight, these components help improve operational efficiency, support preventative maintenance, and enhance system safety across a wide range of industries.

What is a Sight Flow Indicator?

Sight flow indicators are designed to view material flow, direction, color, and clarity in fluid processes. Industrial sight flow indicators come in various sizes, indicator types, and seals to meet the needs of the application.

What Industrial Sight Flow Indicators Does Dixon Offer?

Dixon currently offers two industrial sight flow indicators: 14-Series and 15-Series. Both series have a 316 stainless steel body and feature a reliable O-ring lens seal, a maintenance-free design, and are easy to install. They are available with FNPT or 150 lb flange connections.

There are three different indicator types available on the sight flow indicators: propeller, flapper, and plain. A propeller indicator is standard, showing unidirectional flow. A flapper indicator is bi-directional to show the direction of flow. A plain sight glass means there is no indicator. This style is used to identify the color and transparency of liquid with bi-directional flow.

14-Series Sight Flow Indicators

Dixon’s 14-Series sight flow indicators have tempered soda lime glass, a Delrin^® indicator, and neoprene seals. The maximum pressure rating is 200 PSIG at 150°F (65.6°C), and the maximum temperature rating is 250°F (121.1°C) at 135 PSIG.

15-Series Sight Flow Indicators

Although they are similar in appearance, Dixon’s 15-Series sight flow indicators are made of different materials and have different specifications. This is especially important when considering chemical solvents in ethanol and their effect on sight glasses.

The 15-Series sight flow indicators have tempered borosilicate glass, a Ryton^® indicator, and FKM seals. The maximum pressure rating is 400 PSIG at 150°F (65.6°C) and the maximum temperature rating is 400°F (204°C) at 160 PSIG.

Common Applications and Industries

Industrial sight flow indicators can be used in a wide variety of applications and industries, including:

• Chemical Processing: Monitor chemical movement, identify inconsistencies, check for reactions, and ensure proper mixing
• Water and Wastewater Treatment: Monitor chemical dosing, verify flow in filtration, treatment, and distribution lines, and ensure pumps and valves are operating correctly
• Oil and Gas: Confirm flow through pipelines, check for particulates, and inspect media
• HVAC: Verify coolant/lubricant flow to machines, engines, and compressors, detect condensation in steam lines

How to Choose the Right Sight Flow Indicator?

 Selecting the proper sight flow indicator for the application is imperative for safety and efficiency. The acronym STAMPED can help with the selection process.

Size: What are the size requirements? Will the overall length, width, and height of the sight flow indicator fit into the desired assembly?

Temperature: What is the temperature range of the media (product) flowing through the assembly? What is the temperature range of the environment that surrounds the outside of the assembly? 

Application: How is the assembly actually being used? Is it a pressure application? Is it a gravity flow application? Are there any special requirements that the assembly is expected to perform? Are there any pulsations or vibrations acting on the assembly?

Media: What is the media/material that is flowing through the assembly? Being specific is critical. Check for abrasive materials, chemical compatibility, etc.

Pressure: What is the maximum pressure including surges that the assembly will be subjected to? Always rate the maximum working pressure of your assembly by the lowest rated component in the system.

Ends: What type of end connection is required?

Dixon: Dixon recommends all assemblies be permanently marked with the designed working pressure and intended media. We also recommend all assemblies be tested frequently.

Summary

Industrial sight flow indicators are essential components for monitoring fluid processes and ensuring system performance across a multitude of industries. Dixon’s 14-Series and 15-Series sight flow indicators offer reliable construction, ease of use, and multiple indicator options to meet varying operational needs. For more information, visit dixonvalve.com or call 877.963.4966.