Tri-clamp Thermal Gas Mass Flowmeter
Hygienic thermal mass flow measurement for pharmaceutical, biotech, and food-grade gas systems—316L stainless steel tri-clamp construction with electropolished surfaces delivers ±1% to ±2% accuracy for nitrogen blanketing, compressed air, CO₂ dosing, and sterile gas delivery. Direct mass measurement eliminates P/T compensation errors while sanitary design ensures CIP/SIP compatibility and FDA compliance.
- Ultra-low flow sensitivity – Detects flow rates down to 0.1 Nm³/h
- Flow Accuracy: ±1% to ±2% of reading (mass flow)
- Wide measurement range – Accurate across a 100:1 turndown ratio
- CIP/SIP compatible – Withstands 130°C steam sterilization cycles
- Sanitary tri-clamp design – 316L stainless steel with Ra ≤0.4 μm electropolished surfaces
Request QuotationTechnical Consultation
Whether you need precise nitrogen blanketing for API reactors or sterile air measurement for bioreactor aeration, the Tri-Clamp thermal gas flowmeter delivers exceptional accuracy, sanitary compliance, and low maintenance for pharmaceutical and food-grade gas applications.
- ±1-2% mass accuracy regardless of pressure or temperature variations
- 100:1 turndown ratio—measure from purge flow to process demand
- FDA 21 CFR compliant—validated for pharmaceutical gas applications
- <1 second response—immediate feedback for process control loops
Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
Measurement Principle | Thermal mass flow (heated sensor cooling effect) |
Application | Sterile gas delivery, pharmaceutical gases, food-grade applications |
Measured Gases | Air, N₂, O₂, CO₂, Ar, He, H₂, CH₄, biogas, process gas mixtures |
Pipe Size Range | DN15 – DN100 (½" – 4") |
Mass Flow Accuracy | ±1% of reading (calibrated gas) | ±2% of reading (similar gases) |
Repeatability | ±0.2% of reading |
Flow Range | 0.1 – 500 Nm³/h (sensor size and gas dependent) |
Turndown Ratio | 100:1 (typical) |
Body Material | 316L Stainless Steel (1.4404) |
Surface Finish | Electropolished Ra ≤0.4 μm (15 μin) on product contact surfaces |
Sensor Material | 316L SS, platinum RTD elements |
CIP/SIP Rating | 130°C steam sterilization compatible |
Compliance | 3-A Sanitary Standards, FDA 21 CFR 177.2600, EC 1935/2004, EHEDG, ASME BPE |
Power Supply | 24V DC ±10% (standard) | 85-265V AC (optional) |
Output Signals | 4-20mA (isolated, 2 channels), 0-10V, Pulse, RS485 Modbus |
Communication | Modbus RTU, HART (optional), Profibus DP (optional) |
Display | LCD or OLED: mass flow, volumetric flow, temperature, totalizer |
Protection Rating | IP65 (electronics), IP67 (sensor) |
Data Logging | 10,000+ records internal memory (optional) |
Calibration | Factory calibrated for specific gas, multi-gas capable with conversion |
Quality Certifications | CE |
Why Thermal Mass Flow for Sanitary Gas Measurement
vs. Volumetric Meters (Turbine, Vortex):
- Direct mass measurement (no P/T compensation)
- 100:1 turndown (vs. 10:1 typical)
- Detects micro-flows volumetric meters miss
- No moving parts (turbine bearings wear)
- Works at low pressure (volumetric inaccurate <0.5 bar)
vs. Differential Pressure (Orifice, Venturi):
- No pressure drop (energy savings)
- Direct mass flow (DP requires compensation)
- Better low-flow accuracy
- No impulse lines to purge
- Faster response time
vs. Coriolis Mass Flowmeters:
- 70-80% lower cost
- Simpler installation (no vibration isolation)
- Lighter weight (easier mounting)
- Lower pressure drop
- Gas-only (Coriolis measures liquids + gases)
Best Applications for Thermal:
- Low-pressure gas systems (<10 bar)
- Wide flow range requirements (100:1 turndown)
- Sterile/sanitary gas delivery
- Leak detection and micro-flow measurement
- Mass flow critical (fermentation, packaging)
Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Gas Systems
- Nitrogen blanketing (API tanks, reactors)
- Compressed air (instrument quality, breathing air)
- Sterile filter integrity testing
- Cleanroom pressurization control
- Nitrogen purging (isolators, glove boxes)
- Oxygen enrichment (fermentation)
Biopharmaceutical & Cell Culture
- Bioreactor aeration (DO control)
- CO₂ overlay (pH control, cell culture incubators)
- Nitrogen sparging (mixing, stripping)
- Oxygen supplementation (high-density culture)
- Sterile gas delivery to single-use systems
- Biogas measurement (anaerobic fermentation)
Food Processing & Packaging
- Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP)
- CO₂ carbonation (beverages)
- Nitrogen flushing (package headspace)
- Oxygen removal (extended shelf life)
- Compressed air (food contact, CIP/SIP)
- Pneumatic conveying (ingredients, powders)
Brewery, Winery & Dairy Operations
- CO₂ recovery and reuse
- Nitrogen tank blanketing
- Beer carbonation control
- Wine tank inerting
- Dairy processing compressed air
- ermentation CO₂ generation monitoring
Precision Gas Flow Measurement Starts Here
Optimize your sanitary gas applications with accurate, maintenance-free thermal mass flow measurement. Contact our engineers today to configure the right tri-clamp solution for your system.
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.
View moreContact Us
info@hbmeter.cc
(+86) 152-3780-0315
(+86) 152-3780-0315
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