Instrumentation for Flow and Level Measurements

Panel meters, controllers and other measuring instruments for use with flow meters and other devices for measuring flow and level

Technical Learning

What is a mass flow meter and how does it work?

What is a mass flow meter and how does it work?

A thermal mass flow meter measures the flow rate of gas mass based on the convective heat transfer of a heated surface to the flowing fluid. The components of a basic thermal mass flow meter include two temperature sensors with an electric heater between them. The heater can protrude into the fluid stream or can be external to the pipe.

In the past, mass flow was often calculated from the outputs of a volumetric flow meter and a densitometer. Density was either directly measured, or was calculated using the outputs of process temperature and pressure transmitters...


Understanding Sensor Output Signals

Understanding Sensor Output Signals

Have you ever wondered why there are a multitude of sensor output signals that can be configured on pressure, temperature, humidity, or gas sensing instrumentation used in process or HVAC applications? Most of these offerings were originally set up to allow sensor manufacturers to better align with the inputs offered by manufacturers of programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and direct digital controllers (DDCs), which are used for controlling processes for both automation and HVAC control.

I’d like to focus on two of the most commonly used output signals and zero in on the advantages and disadvantages...