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Insertion Thermal Mass Flowmeter

Direct mass flow measurement for gases—no pressure or temperature compensation required

Hot-tap installation for large pipes and ducts eliminates process shutdown while measuring compressed air, natural gas, biogas, and industrial gases with ±1.5% accuracy. Cost-effective solution for DN200-DN3000 applications where inline meters require expensive flanged connections—insertion probe installs through ball valve or compression fitting for immediate flow data without pipe modifications.
  • Pipe/Duct Size: DN200 – DN3000 (8" – 120")
  • Flow Accuracy: ±1.5% of reading + ±0.5% of full scale
  • Flow Range: 0.25 – 100 NMPS (normal m/s)
  • Temperature: -40°C to +200°C (process gas)
  • Pressure: Up to 10 MPa
  • Insertion Depth: Adjustable (¼ point, centerline, multi-point)
Request QuotationTechnical Consultation

True Mass Flow Measurement Without Compensation Calculations

Measure True Mass Flow Without Pressure-Temperature Compensation

Thermal sensing directly measures molecular heat transfer—output represents actual mass flow regardless of pressure or temperature fluctuations. Eliminates errors from P/T compensation calculations that plague volumetric meters. Critical for compressed air energy management where pressure varies 20-30% during load cycles.

  • True mass measurement—unaffected by pressure/temperature variations

Reduce Equipment Costs by 60-80% for Large Diameter Applications

Single insertion probe meters pipes from DN200 to DN3000 without scaling costs linearly with pipe size. DN600 inline thermal meter costs $8,000-12,000; insertion probe costs $2,000-3,000 for identical accuracy. For compressed air systems with multiple pipe sizes, cost advantage compounds across installation points.

  • 60-80% cost reduction vs. inline meters on large pipes

Install on Pressurized Systems Without Shutdown or Production Loss

Ball valve or compression fitting enables installation and removal under full operating pressure. No process shutdown, no depressurization, no production interruption. Complete installation in 2-3 hours versus days of downtime for flanged inline meter installation requiring welding and pressure testing.

  • Zero downtime—hot-tap installation on operating systems

Capture Low-Flow Leaks and Peak Demand With 1:100 Turndown

Measures accurately from 0.25 NMPS to 100 NMPS—critical for compressed air leak detection during off-shift hours and peak production monitoring. Identifies waste (leaks consume 20-30% of compressed air in typical facilities) while verifying capacity during maximum demand.

  • 1:100 turndown ratio—detect leaks and measure peak loads
Parameter
Specification
Measurement Principle
Thermal mass flow (constant temperature differential)
Pipe Size Range
DN200 – DN3000 (8" – 120")
Mass Flow Accuracy
±1.5% of reading + ±0.5% of full scale
Repeatability
±0.2% of full scale
Flow Range
0.25 – 100 NMPS (normal meters per second)
Turndown Ratio
1:100 (qmax to qmin)
Process Gas Temperature
-40°C to +200°C (standard), -80°C to +450°C (high-temp version)
Ambient Temperature
-40°C to +85°C (electronics)
Process Pressure
Vacuum to 10 MPa (100 bar)
Measured Gases
Air, nitrogen, oxygen, argon, helium, CO₂, natural gas, biogas, methane, hydrogen, flare gas, process gases
Gas Velocity Range
0.05 – 100 m/s (mass flow equivalent)
Insertion Depths
¼ point (0.25R), Centerline (0.5R), Multi-point averaging (custom)
Probe Length
Standard 300mm, 500mm, 1000mm, 1500mm, 2000mm (custom lengths available)
Installation Methods
Ball valve (hot-tap retractable), Compression fitting, Welded coupling
Ball Valve Size
1" (DN25), 1½" (DN40), 2" (DN50)
Hot-Tap Capability
Yes—install/remove under pressure up to rated limit
Output Signals
4-20mA (mass flow, temperature), Pulse, RS485 Modbus, HART
Display
LCD: mass flow rate, totalized mass, gas temperature, velocity, diagnostics
Calibration
Factory calibrated for specified gas, field recalibration for gas changes
Quality Certifications
CE

When to Choose Insertion Over Inline Configuration

  • Choose Insertion Thermal When:

    • Pipe diameter >DN300 (inline meter cost prohibitive)
    • Multiple large pipes require metering (cost compounds)
    • Hot-tap installation required (no shutdown possible)
    • Temporary measurement may become permanent
    • Budget limited (60-80% cost savings)
    • Accuracy ±1.5-2% acceptable for application

  • Choose Inline Thermal When:

    • Pipe diameter
    • Accuracy ±1% or better required
    • Custody transfer or regulatory metering
    • Clean gas service (no particulates)
    • Permanent installation from new construction
    • Higher repeatability critical for control

    • Direct mass measurement for compressed air systems, gas distribution, and process monitoring

    • Compressed Air Energy Management

      • Plant air consumption monitoring
      • Compressor efficiency verification
      • Leak detection programs (off-hours flow = leaks)
      • Department/zone submetering for cost allocation
      • Demand-side management
      • Energy audit baseline data & energy monitoring

    • Natural Gas Distribution & Custody Transfer

      • Pipeline custody transfer (with AGA-7 compliance)
      • Gas distribution network monitoring
      • Boiler fuel flow measurement
      • Turbine fuel consumption
      • Flare gas monitoring
      • Biogas production metering

    • Industrial Process Gas Monitoring

      • Nitrogen purge and blanketing
      • Oxygen enrichment systems
      • CO₂ injection and recovery
      • Hydrogen production and distribution
      • Argon/helium specialty gas tracking
      • Inert gas systems

    • Stack Flow & Emissions Monitoring

      • Continuous Emissions Monitoring (CEMS)
      • Stack volumetric flow for EPA compliance
      • Flare gas flow measurement
      • Vent stack monitoring
      • Fugitive emissions quantification

    • Power Generation & Utilities

      • Combustion air flow to burners
      • Fuel gas (natural gas) to turbines
      • Oxidation air for emissions control
      • Cooling air systems
      • Duct burner fuel gas

    Ready to Optimize Your Gas Flow Monitoring?

    Improve energy efficiency and process control with high-accuracy insertion thermal mass technology. Contact us for technical consultation, performance data, and fast quotation support
    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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