Name: SFAH-0.5U-Q4S-PNLK-PNVBA-L1 Festo Flow sensor - INOSAKI
SKU: Festo-8058463
Price: 265.72 USD
Availability: InStock

Technical Overview

The Festo SFAH-0.5U-Q4S-PNLK-PNVBA-L1 is a high-precision unidirectional flow sensor designed for monitoring compressed air and nitrogen. Utilizing a thermal measuring principle based on heat transfer, this sensor provides accurate mass and volumetric flow rate data. It features a versatile IO-Link interface, switchable PNP/NPN outputs, and an integrated multi-color illuminated LCD display for real-time monitoring of various flow units. Its compact design is optimized for low-pressure drop and high-performance automation environments.

Key Features

Unidirectional flow direction monitoring
Thermal measuring principle via heat transfer
IO-Link protocol version 1.1 with Smart sensor profile
Multi-color illuminated LCD display for status and measurements
Switchable electrical outputs (PNP, NPN, Analog, IO-Link)
Window comparator, threshold value comparator, and auto difference monitoring
Short circuit current rating and overload protection
RoHS-compliant materials and silicon-based contact surfaces
IP40 protection class and Class 4 cleanroom suitability
Support for multiple units: g, g/min, l, l/h, l/min, scft, scft/h

Technical Specification Matrix

Parameter	Value
Symbol	00995795
Approval	RCM trademark c UL us listed (OL)
CE mark	To EU EMC Directive In accordance with EU RoHS Directive
UKCA marking	To UK RoHS instructions
Certificate issuing authority	UL E322346
Note on materials	RoHS-compliant
Measured variable	Mass flow rate Volumetric flow rate
Flow direction	Unidirectional
Measuring principle	Thermal
Measurement method	Heat transfer
Start value for flow rate measuring range	0.01 l/min
End value for flow rate measuring range	0.5 l/min
Operating pressure	-0.9 bar ... 10 bar
Operating medium	Compressed air to ISO 8573-1:2010 [6:4:4] Nitrogen
Media temperature	0 °C ... 50 °C
Ambient temperature	0 °C ... 50 °C
Nominal temperature	23 °C
Accuracy of flow rate	± (2% o.m.v. + 1% FS)
Repetition accuracy offset in ± %FS	0.2 %FS
Repetition accuracy span in ± %FS	0.8 %FS
Temperature coefficient span in ± %FS/K	Typ. 0.15%FS/K
Pressure influence span in ± %FS/bar	1 %FS/b.
Switching output	2 x PNP or 2 x NPN, switchable
Switching function	Window comparator Threshold value comparator Auto difference monitoring
Switching element function	N/C or N/O contact, switchable
Max. output current	100 mA
Analogue output	0 - 10 V 4 - 20 mA 1 - 5 V
Flow characteristic curve start value	0 l/min
Flow characteristic curve end value	0.5 l/min
Max. load resistance current output	500 Ohm
Min. load resistance voltage output	20 kOhm
Short circuit current rating	yes
Overload protection	Available
Protocol	IO-Link®
IO-Link, Protocol version	Device V 1.1
IO-Link, Profile	Smart sensor profile
IO-Link, Function classes	Binary data channel (BDC) Process data variable (PDV) Identification Diagnostics Teach channel
IO-Link, communication mode	COM2 (38.4 kBaud)
IO-Link, SIO-Mode support	Yes
IO-Link, Port class	A
IO-Link, Process data length IN	3 bytes
IO-Link, Process data content IN	1 bit BDC (volume monitoring) 14 bit PDV (measured flow value) 2 bit BDC (flow monitoring)
IO-Link, Service data IN	32-bit volume/mass measurement
IO-Link, Min. cycle time	4 ms
IO-Link, Data storage required	<500 Byte
Operational voltage range	DC 22 V ... 26 V
No-load supply current	≤25 mA
Reverse polarity protection	For all electrical connections
Electrical connection 1, connection type	Plugs
Electrical connection 1, connector system	Connection pattern L1J
Electrical connection 1, number of connections/cores	4
Electrical connection 1, connection pattern	00995428
Type of mounting	With accessories
Mounting position	optional
Pneumatic connection	For tubing O.D. 4 mm
Pneumatic connection, outlet direction	Straight
Product weight	60 g
Material housing	PA-reinforced
Material in contact with the medium	Silicon Silicon nitride High-alloy stainless steel
Display type	Illuminated LCD, multi-colour
Displayable units	g g/min l l/h l/min scft scft/h
Setting options	IO-Link® Teach-in Via display and keys
Protection against tampering	IO-Link PIN code
Degree of protection	IP40
Pressure drop	<5 mbar
Protection class	III
Corrosion resistance class CRC	2 - Moderate corrosion stress
LABS (PWIS) conformity	VDMA24364-B2-L
Cleanroom suitability	Class 4 according to ISO 14644-1
Pollution degree	3

Industrial Applications

1. Micro-Component Vacuum Pick-and-Place Verification

In semiconductor manufacturing, verifying the presence of microscopic chips on extra-small vacuum suction nozzles is challenging because pressure changes are negligible. The SFAH-0.5U flow sensor is installed in the vacuum line to monitor the continuous air flow. When a micro-part is successfully picked up, the ultra-low volumetric flow (0.01 to 0.5 l/min) drops. Utilizing the sensor's window comparator function and its rapid 4 ms IO-Link minimum cycle time, the robotic controller can instantly and reliably verify part presence, preventing mis-picks and equipment damage.

Problem Solved

Reliably detecting the grip state of ultra-small components on miniature vacuum nozzles where traditional pressure sensors lack the sensitivity to measure the tiny pressure differentials.

-0.9 bar ... 10 bar0.01 l/min ... 0.5 l/minWindow comparatorIO-Link, Min. cycle time 4 msVolumetric flow rate

2. Microfluidic Device Leak-Tightness Testing

Medical devices such as microfluidic chips and IV catheters must be rigorously tested for leaks. During testing, the component is pressurized with clean compressed air up to 10 bar. The SFAH-0.5U is deployed to measure any escaping air through microscopic defects. It excels in this application because it can detect minute flow rates starting at just 0.01 l/min with a high accuracy of ± (2% o.m.v. + 1% FS). Connected via 4 mm O.D. pneumatic tubing, it transmits 14-bit PDV (Process Data Variable) high-resolution flow data over IO-Link to the PLC, enabling automated go/no-go quality sorting.

Problem Solved

Identifying microscopic leaks in low-volume medical or pneumatic components where conventional pressure decay methods are too slow, insensitive, or susceptible to thermal drift.

± (2% o.m.v. + 1% FS)Compressed air to ISO 8573-1:2010 [6:4:4]14 bit PDV (measured flow value)For tubing O.D. 4 mmMass flow rate

3. Localized Nitrogen Purging for Cleanroom Optics Assembly

The assembly of highly sensitive micro-optics and localized reflow soldering often requires a precise inert nitrogen atmosphere to prevent oxidation. The SFAH-0.5U flow sensor meters the continuous, delicate nitrogen flow (up to 0.5 l/min) through a straight 4 mm outlet, ensuring enough gas is supplied without causing turbulence that might displace microscopic parts. Its Class 4 cleanroom suitability ensures zero particle contamination in the environment. If the flow drops below safe levels, the threshold value comparator triggers the multi-colour illuminated LCD display to flash red, providing an immediate visual warning.

Problem Solved

Accurately regulating and verifying ultra-low nitrogen flow rates for inert blanketing in highly controlled environments without introducing particle contamination.

NitrogenClass 4 according to ISO 14644-1Illuminated LCD, multi-colourThreshold value comparator0.5 l/min