Flow sensor and gas sensor for heat pumps with R290

With the increasing use of the environmentally friendly but highly flammable refrigerant R290 in heat pumps, the need for innovative safety technologies is growing. SIKA Dr Siebert & Kühn GmbH & Co. KG offers a powerful solution for detecting gas bubbles and leaks with its combination of vortex flow sensor and SKR290 gas sensor. Manufacturers, engineers and decision-makers benefit from maximum safety, optimised efficiency and sustainable system technology - a clear technological advantage over conventional solutions.

Vortex flow sensor: Integrated gas bubble detection for stable operation

Gas and air bubbles in the heating circuit are an underestimated challenge in heat pump systems. They can reduce efficiency, disrupt heat transport and cause long-term damage to heat exchangers. The vortex flow sensors of the VVX series from SIKA offer a double safety function here:

• Inline monitoring in real time:
The sensor not only precisely measures the volume flow, but also detects gas bubbles in the heating circuit.

• Early fault detection:
Leaks or air pockets are recognised immediately so that countermeasures can be taken.

• Low pressure loss:
The sensor technology works particularly efficiently and helps to optimise the coefficient of performance (COP).

• Digital integration:
Thanks to the LIN bus interface, diagnostic and monitoring functions can be seamlessly integrated into control systems.

SKR290 gas sensor: maximum safety thanks to precise leakage detection

Although modern heat pumps are becoming increasingly efficient, refrigerant leaks remain a safety-critical problem, especially with R290 (propane). The SKR290 gas sensor from SIKA provides reliable protection against risks:

• Highly sensitive NDIR technology detects even the smallest quantities of escaping propane.

• Early warning of leaks before they become a hazard.

• Certified to IEC 60335-2-40,the highest safety standards for heat pump systems.

• 15-year maintenance-free service life, ideal for long-term use.

The combination of vortex flow sensor and SKR290 gas sensor creates an end-to-end safety chain for OEMs and heat pump manufacturers. It ensures that systems run optimally both during commissioning and in continuous operation and are protected against unexpected risks.

Technological lead

While other systems require the use of several flow sensors, SIKA solves the challenge of gas bubble detection with just one vortex flow sensor.

1. Inline monitoring (vortex sensor) prevents operating faults caused by air bubbles at an early stage.
2. Outline safety (SKR290 gas sensor) provides reliable protection against uncontrolled refrigerant leaks.
3. Smart integration with LIN bus and Modbus enables in-depth connection to modern control systems.

This double protection ensures maximum operational reliability - a real added value for heat pump manufacturers who rely on reliable and sustainable technology.

Sustainability and future-proofing with SIKA

With increasing demand for climate-friendly heating systems, the importance of innovative sensor technology is coming into focus. SIKA's precise gas bubble and leakage detection helps to reduce energy losses, increase system efficiency and reduce the CO2 footprint of heat pumps.
SIKA relies on high-quality, durable measurement technology - developed and produced in Germany. Heat pump manufacturers and system integrators receive a reliable complete solution that meets the highest safety requirements and sustainably optimises the efficiency of heating systems.