9 Advantages of Thermal Mass Flow Metering for Gases

One of the most common questions we get at Sage Metering, Inc. is from people wanting to know what the benefits are of using thermal mass flow meters versus using other technologies.

To determine whether to use a thermal mass flow meter (TMFM) or another measurement technology for your particular application, you first need to understand the differences.

The main difference between the two is TMFMs directly measure mass flow, versus volumetric flow based on heat transfer.

Next, you should know the benefits that thermal mass flow meters provide over other measurement technologies.

Here is a list of nine beneficial features thermal mass flow meters offer.

1. Thermal mass flow meters have a high turndown ratio of at least 100 to 1, meaning that they accurately and repeatably measure a substantially greater range of flow rates than other flowmeter technologies.
2. They have extremely low pressure-drop (measuring in inches of water).
3. Most thermal mass flow meters have extreme low-end sensitivity, capable of detecting even a pilot light in a natural gas line.
4. Thermal mass flow meters have no moving parts. The technology depends on the heat transfer passing a pair of resistance temperature detectors (RTDs) comprising stable platinum wound sensors protected with a stainless-steel sheath.
5. They are easy to install, particularly the Sage Metering insertion models, which simply require a weld-o-let or half coupling to accept the Sage isolation valve assembly. There is no cutting into the pipe to insert spool sections.
6. Thermal mass flow meters offer extraordinary repeatability and reproducibility with negligible maintenance over a broad flow range.
7. Some thermal mass flow meters, like the Sage Metering Paramount and Prime, offer a simple calibration verification routine and electronics check to reassure the user that the meter is performing accurately without removing the flow meter from the installation.
8. They are economical, mainly because they eliminate the cost of installation of ancillary temperature and pressure transmitters and are easier to install since welding eliminates cutting the line and installing flanges.?

To find out more about our mass flow meters, visit SageMetering.com or give us a call at 1-813-242-2030.