In addition to hydraulic fuses we have developed a leak detection method that utilizes a flowmeter (Flowmassters®) with a microcontroller to monitor flow conditions and send a shut-off signal to (an) electronically controlled valve(s). Any hydraulic circuit can be disabled when the predetermined flow conditions are not met. For example, a circuit can be turned off when a flow leak is detected or can be switched to a back-up system. This method can also monitor the circuit volume and can shut off the circuit if the total volume has been exceeded. Refer to Schematic 6 and Schematic 7 below.

NOTE: The Flowmassters® flowmeter is patented and manufactured by Fluid Controls. It has instantaneous response (reads at a 1 millisecond interval) when sensing the flow rate. Flow loss may be detected before the system pressure decays or before there is any noticeable loss in performance.