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Inline Thermal Mass Flowmeter

Direct mass flow measurement of compressed air, natural gas, and industrial gases—no temperature or pressure compensation required.
Precision mass flow measurement for gases using thermal dispersion technology—heated sensor directly measures molecular mass flow rate in standard units (kg/h, SCFM, Nm³/h) without requiring separate temperature and pressure compensation. Ideal for natural gas billing, process gas control, industrial gas consumption tracking, and air monitoring,
  • Pipe Size: DN6 – DN300 (¼" – 12")
  • Mass Flow Accuracy: ±1% to ±2% of reading
  • Turndown Ratio: 100:1 (measures from 1% to 100% range)
  • Gas Types: Air, nitrogen, oxygen, argon, natural gas, CO₂
  • Temperature: -40°C to +200°C (process gas)
  • Pressure: Up to 10 MPa (100 bar)
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True Mass Flow Measurement Without Compensation Calculations

Eliminate Temperature and Pressure Compensation Errors

Thermal sensor measures molecular mass flow directly—no mathematical conversion from volumetric flow using pressure and temperature readings. Eliminates cascading errors from three separate instruments. Delivers mass flow accuracy regardless of pressure fluctuations, temperature swings, or elevation changes affecting gas density.

  • True mass measurement—no P/T compensation required

Capture Minimum Leaks and Maximum Demand With 100:1 Range

Measure accurately from 1% to 100% of full scale in single installation. Detects compressed air leaks during off-shift (0.5-2 SCFM) and peak production demand (200+ SCFM) with same meter. Eliminates need for multiple meter sizes or manual range switching. Critical for systems with highly variable consumption patterns.

  • 100:1 turndown ratio—10x better than traditional meters

Achieve 10-Year Calibration Stability With Zero Mechanical Wear

Solid-state thermal sensors with no orifices, turbines, vortex shedders, or moving components. No bearing friction, no erosion from particulates, no calibration drift from wear. Maintains ±1-2% accuracy for decade-long service intervals. Pressure drop negligible (<0.5 psi)—reduces compressor energy costs versus restriction-based meters.

  • 10-year calibration interval—minimal maintenance costs

Enable Real-Time Process Control With Sub-Second Response

Thermal sensor responds to flow changes in <1 second versus 5-15 seconds for traditional volumetric meters. Enables closed-loop control of gas blending, purging cycles, combustion air ratios, and batch processes requiring rapid feedback. Detects sudden leaks or demand spikes immediately for alarm triggering and automated shutoff.

  • <1 second response—real-time process control capability
Parameter
Specification
Measurement Principle
Thermal dispersion (constant temperature differential method)
Pipe Size Range
DN6 – DN300 (¼" – 12")
Mass Flow Accuracy
±1% of reading (±2% optional for lower cost)
Repeatability
±0.2% of reading
Turndown Ratio
100:1 (measures 1% to 100% of full scale)
Gas Compatibility
Air, N₂, O₂, Ar, He, CO₂, CH₄ (natural gas), H₂, gas mixtures. etc
Process Temperature
40°C to +200°C (sensor dependent)
Ambient Temperature
-25°C to +60°C (electronics)
Process Pressure
0-10 MPa (0-100 bar, 0-1450 psi)
Sensor Technology
Twin platinum RTD sensors (heated + reference)
Connection Type
Flanged (ANSI/DIN), threaded (NPT/BSP for DN6-DN50)
Output Signals
4-20mA (isolated), Pulse (mass total), Frequency
Communication
RS485 Modbus RTU, HART, Profibus DP (optional)
Display
LCD: mass flow rate, total, temperature, % of full scale
Displayed Units
kg/h, SCFM, Nm³/h, lb/min (mass), m/s (velocity)
Data Logging
10,000+ records internal memory (optional)
Protection Rating
Sensor: IP65/IP67 | Electronics: IP65
Calibration
Factory calibrated for specific gas, multi-gas capable with conversion
Quality Certifications
CE

Why Mass Flow Matters More Than Volume

  • vs. Orifice Plates:

    • No pressure/temperature compensation required
    • 100:1 turndown vs 3:1 (30x better range)
    • No differential pressure transmitter failures
    • Minimal pressure drop (<0.5 psi vs 5-20 psi)
    • No beta ratio calculation errors
    • Higher initial cost (ROI: 2-4 years on energy savings)

  • vs. Turbine Meters:

    • No moving parts (no bearing wear)
    • Works in dirty gas (no blade fouling)
    • 100:1 turndown vs 10:1 range
    • True mass vs volume requiring compensation
    • Slower response time for liquid (gas response comparable)

  • vs. Vortex Shedding:

    • Better low-flow accuracy (1% vs 10% minimum)
    • No bluff body to create pressure drop
    • Works in pulsating flow
    • Immune to vibration interference
    • Requires clean, dry gas (vortex more tolerant of moisture)

  • vs. Coriolis Mass:

    • 70-80% lower cost for gas applications
    • No density errors from gas composition changes
    • Simpler installation (no vibration isolation)
    • Lower accuracy (±1% vs ±0.1% for Coriolis)
    • Gas-specific calibration (Coriolis measures any fluid)

    • Proper installation ensures accuracy and long-term reliability

    Location Selection

     

    • Straight Pipe: Minimum 5D upstream, 3D downstream. Increase to 10D/5D after elbows, valves, or flow disturbances.

     

    • Orientation: Horizontal preferred. Vertical acceptable if flow upward (prevents condensate accumulation on sensor).

     

    • Accessibility: Position for easy sensor inspection and electronics access. Allow space for removal if maintenance required.

    Pipe Preparation

     

    • Cleanliness: Remove pipe scale, welding slag, thread sealant residue before installation. Foreign material can damage sensor.

     

    • Dry Gas: Ensure gas dew point <-20°C at operating pressure. Moisture causes measurement error and sensor corrosion.

     

    • Filters: Install 40-100 mesh filter upstream for dirty gas applications. Protects sensor from particulate damage.

    Mechanical Installation

     

    • Flanged (DN25-DN300): Install between pipe flanges with proper gaskets. Torque bolts in star pattern per flange rating.

     

    • Threaded (DN6-DN50): Use PTFE tape or thread sealant rated for gas service. Support meter weight independently.

     

    • Flow Direction: Verify arrow on meter body aligns with gas flow direction. Reversed flow causes negative readings.

    Electrical Connection

     

    • Power: Connect 24V DC (polarity-sensitive) or 85-265V AC per specifications.

     

    • Outputs: Wire 4-20mA to receiving instruments (observe + and – terminals). Connect pulse/RS485 as required.

     

    • Grounding: Ground meter body to facility ground. Essential for electrical safety and noise immunity.

    Ready to Optimize Your Gas Flow Monitoring?

    Submit your application parameters and receive a professional model recommendation, datasheet, and competitive quotation from our instrumentation specialists.
    info@hbmeter.cc
    (+86) 152-3780-0315
    1 Jingsan North Road, Xiangfu District, Kaifeng, Henan 475004 China

    About HBmeter

    AFT Instruments is a high-tech manufacturer delivering precision flow instrumentation for water, chemical, power, industrial automation, and process industries.
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    info@hbmeter.cc
    (+86) 152-3780-0315
    (+86) 152-3780-0315

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