Product Overview

The SICK i10 Lock safety switch is a calorimetric flow sensor designed for accurate speed and volume flow measurement in industrial pipelines. It operates using a calorimetric principle to detect fluid motion, making it ideal for applications requiring precise process monitoring. The device supports multiple media types including water, oil A/B, and taught-in fluids with specific measuring ranges tailored to each medium. With a robust design featuring IP67 protection and compliance with the Pressure Equipment Directive 2014/68/EU, the i10 Lock ensures reliable performance in demanding environments. Its ability to measure both speed and volume flow enables real-time process control while maintaining high accuracy across varying operating conditions.

Key Features and Technology

The i10 Lock utilizes a calorimetric measurement process to detect fluid velocity, providing precise and stable readings without mechanical contact. The sensor measures speeds from 3 cm/s up to 300 cm/s for water and up to 600 cm/s for oil A/B, depending on the medium. It offers temperature measurement with an accuracy of ±1 °C and a resolution of less than 0.1 °C, responding in under 5 seconds. The device supports three output zones (3 x DN) and operates in relative speed (%), volume flow, and total volume modes. With a response time of less than 2.5 seconds and repeatability below 1 cm/s, it delivers consistent performance even under dynamic process conditions.

Technical Characteristics

The i10 Lock has a measuring range from 3 cm/s to 300 cm/s (water) or up to 600 cm/s (oil A/B), with taught-in media maintaining the same limits. It operates within a process temperature range of –40 °C to +150 °C and withstands process pressures from –1 bar to 100 bar, depending on the T-connector size: up to 40 bar with DN15/DN25, 25 bar with DN40, and 20 bar with DN50. The device features a resolution of 0.01 m/s for speed, 0.1 L/min for volume flow, and 0.1% relative via IO-Link. Measurement accuracy is ±7% from measured value plus 2% of the measuring range end value. Temperature drift remains below 0.5 cm/(s·K), ensuring stable readings under thermal variation.

Configuration and Integration

The i10 Lock integrates seamlessly with industrial systems via IO-Link (V1.1) and COM3 at 230.4 kbit/s, enabling real-time data exchange and diagnostics. It supports relative speed (%), volume flow, and total volume modes, allowing flexible configuration for different process needs. The device features reverse polarity protection and overload protection on all connections, with short-circuit protection on Q1 and Q2 outputs. A 9 V DC to 30 V DC supply voltage range ensures compatibility with various power sources. For optimal performance, the probe tip must be placed in the center of the pipe as per SICK’s recommended installation practice. The device operates at less than 2 W when powered at 24 V DC without output load and complies with UL61010-1 for energy-limited circuits.

Operating Environment

The i10 Lock is designed to operate reliably in environments ranging from –40 °C to +150 °C, with a process pressure range of –1 bar to 100 bar. For temperatures above 100 °C, the distance between the housing base and top of the process connection adapter must be at least 25 mm; otherwise, the probe cannot be used due to insufficient spacing. This requirement applies specifically when using a SICK process connection adapter with the 60 mm probe. The device is rated for protection class III and operates under good engineering practice as defined by Article 13 of the Pressure Equipment Directive 2014/68/EU for media group 2 (other substances). Installation should follow reference conditions: vertical pipe, fully-filled without air bubbles, inlet zone >30 cm, outlet zone >30 cm, and ambient temperature at 26 °C ±1 °C.

Industrial Applications

The i10 Lock is suitable for use in a wide range of industrial processes involving liquids such as water, oils, and taught-in media. It is commonly applied in flow monitoring systems where precise speed or volume measurements are required, including pumping stations, fluid transfer lines, and process control loops. Its ability to operate across various temperatures and pressures makes it ideal for both continuous and intermittent operations. Applications include chemical processing, food & beverage production, and energy sectors requiring reliable flow detection. The device’s high accuracy, fast response time, and robust design ensure safe and efficient operation in environments where process integrity is critical.