The Thermal Mass Probe Flowmeter accurately measures gas, liquid, or slurry flow rates in various applications. Unlike other models, our probe is designed with no clog-prone apertures, ensuring reliable performance. Enclosed in a sealed tube, our sensors can be easily inserted or removed during operation. We offer a mechanical retractor option if needed. Probes are crafted from durable materials like 316 SS, with options for corrosion-resistant alloys like Hastelloy C and Monel. Protective coatings such as Carbide, Fluorocarbon, Teflon, and Sulfinert enhance longevity and performance.

What is Thermal Mass Flowmeter and How does it operate?

Thermal Mass Flowmeters operate based on the principle of thermal dispersion, also known as the heat transfer principle. In this method, a heated sensor element is inserted into the fluid stream, and its temperature is maintained constant. As the fluid flows past the sensor, it carries away heat from the sensor. The rate at which heat is removed from the sensor is directly proportional to the mass flow rate of the fluid. This change in temperature is detected by one or more temperature sensors, usually thermistors or resistance temperature detectors (RTDs), located within the flow meter. By measuring this temperature change, the flow meter can accurately determine the mass flow rate of the fluid.

Imagine you’re making a cup of hot coffee on a chilly day.

As you pour milk from the container into your mug, you notice steam rising from the surface. The steam carries heat away from the milk, causing it to cool down slightly.

Similarly, in a thermal mass flowmeter, a sensor is heated to a constant temperature, and as fluid flows past it, it carries away heat, causing the sensor’s temperature to change. By measuring this temperature change, the flowmeter can tell how fast the fluid is flowing, just like you can gauge how quickly your milk is pouring by observing its temperature change.

A Wire Anemometer, or hot-wire anemometer, operates on the principle of convective heat transfer. The basic principle involves heating a wire to a constant temperature above the ambient temperature. As air flows over the wire, it cools the wire, causing its resistance to change. By measuring the change in resistance, the velocity of the airflow can be determined. This is achieved using an electrical circuit that monitors the resistance of the wire and converts it into a corresponding airflow velocity measurement.

How Wire Anemometer Works?

A wire anemometer typically consists of a thin wire made of a material with a high temperature coefficient of resistance, such as platinum. The wire is heated to a constant temperature above the ambient temperature using a small electrical current. As air flows over the wire, it cools the wire, causing its resistance to change. The change in resistance is measured using a Wheatstone bridge circuit or similar electronic circuitry. The airflow velocity is then calculated based on the known relationship between the wire resistance and the velocity of airflow.

Wire anemometers are commonly used in various applications, including meteorology, environmental monitoring, HVAC systems, and aerodynamics research.

These instruments are crucial in various fields such as environmental monitoring, HVAC systems, aerospace engineering, and industrial processes. Studying them helps students understand fundamental principles of fluid dynamics and heat transfer, applicable across numerous disciplines.

INSERTION PROBE THERMAL MASS FLOW METERS

Model 62-9

Airflow Measurement for ducts and compressed air lines
Natural Gas measurement to boiler
Waterflow measurement for cooling operations

The Thermal Mass Probe Flowmeter is inserted directly into the flow stream to measure the flow rate of gases, liquids, or slurries in piping, irregularly shaped lines, and process ducts. Unlike other probe flow meters, we offer a model that has no apertures that can be clogged with particles or distorted by wear. Our sensors are enclosed in a sealed tube which can be inserted or removed through a gate valve or a packing gland while conduit is in use.

We also offer a mechanical retractor if required for your application. Our probes are manufactured using 316 SS as a standard, but corrosion resistant materials such as Hastelloy C, Monel, Inconel, Tantalum, and Carpenter 20 are also available. In addition, our Thermal Mass Flow Meters are available in a variety of protective coatings including Carbide, Fluorocarbon, Teflon, and Sulfinert.

APPLICATIONS:

INLINE THERMAL MASS FLOW METERS

Model 600-9SAN

Food & Beverage Applications
Pharmaceutical CIP Applications
Available in a wide variety of OD sizes
316L SS Standard Material of construction
15Ra Flow Wetted Surface finish
3A Sanitary Approval
Flow sensors can hold up to the demands of “CIP” conditions

Thermal Instrument offers diverse flow meters tailored to clients’ needs. Our Model# 600-9 SAN flow sensor mirrors the benefits of our #600-9, catering to sanitary process conditions. Crafted from 316L SS with a 15 Ra flow wetted surface finish, it ensures durability.

Featuring tri-clamp and tube end connections, each unit includes redundant Flow and Temperature RTD sensors. Delivering 4-20 mA outputs for flow and temperature information, our sensors are calibrated for various liquids and gases, including those in food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries.

We specialize in fuel and water flow meters, calibrated for air, carbon dioxide, DI water, food additives, dairy products, and more.