In this case, the measurement is taken using the bypass principle. A laminar flow element in the main channel generates a slight pressure drop, which drives a small proportion of the full flow through the actual sensor tube. Two heating resistors are wound on thin stainless steel tubes and are interconnected to form a measurement bridge. When the medium passes through the tube, heat is transported in the direction of the flow and this misaligns the previously balanced bridge.
Measurement, indirect, in the bypass flow
Sketch of a bypass sensor block
