Could a water flow sensor sense gas flow?

[seanspotatobusiness]

Could a water flow sensor like this one be expected to detect gas flow also? I don't need an accurate measurement; just whether or not there is gas flowing. If not, why?

 

[kellys_eye]

No. Density of the material being measured.

 

[PAFMElb]

My answer is YES. The sensor is not optimised for gas flow, but you can so easily test it by blowing into the end!! Previous reply re density is correct, and how well gas flow would work for you depends on how sensitive you want it to be. If you have sufficient gas flow it will work. Blowing into the end sure made it spin, and blowing hard turned it into a veritable turbine, complete with humming noise.

My application was for water, but who could resist trying it out by blowing first?

It's worth a try - unless your gas flow rate is very small.
Cheers PAFMelb

 

[Alec_t]

Be wary if the gas is flammable. The rotor seals may be liquid-tight but not gas-tight.