Thermal Gas Mass Flow Meter: Functions & Applications
2026-07-16
Introduction
A thermal gas mass flow meter is an instrument based on the principle of thermal diffusion that can directly measure the mass flow rate of a gas. Its core advantage lies in obtaining standard volumetric or mass flow rates without the need for additional temperature and pressure compensation, making it particularly suitable for measuring large-diameter pipelines and low-velocity gases. This article explores their working principles, key features, applications, and advantages.
Working Principle
A thermal mass flow meter consists of two parts: a sensor and a signal analysis, processing, and control unit. One part of the sensor measures temperature, while the other part is used for heating. The former monitors the actual process temperature; the latter maintains a constant temperature value, always higher than the actual process temperature and with a constant temperature difference. The larger the gas mass flow rate, the greater the cooling effect, and the greater the energy required to maintain the differential temperature. Therefore, the mass flow rate of the gas being measured can be determined by measuring the energy of the heater.
Key Features
- Measuring the mass flow or volume flow of gas
- Do not need to do temperature and pressure compensation in principle with accurate measurement and easy operation.
- Wide range:0.5Nm/s～100Nm/s for gas.The meter also can be used for gas leak detection
- Good vibration resistance and long service life.No moving parts and pressure sensor in transducer,no vibration influence on the measurement accuracy.
- Easy installation and maintenance.If the conditions on site are permissible,the meter can achieve a hot-tapped installation and maintenance.(Special order of custom-made)
- Digital design,high accuracy and stability
- Configuring with RS485 or HART interface to realize factory automation and integration.
Product Applications
- Compressed air
- Natural gas in boiler rooms or dryers
- Carbon dioxide in breweries
- Biogas and aeration in wastewater treatment plants
- Generative gases (such as argon, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, helium, oxygen)
- Gas leak detection
Advantages
- Displays mass unit
- Ultra-wide measuring range
- Direct relay output available
- Extra-large diameter, direct insertion type for economical use
- Multiple installation options
- Customizable temperature display
Disadvantages
- Cannot be powered by lithium battery; power is insufficient
- Cannot be powered by 24V; requires a dedicated power supply
- Cannot measure bidirectionally; can only measure unidirectionally
- Cannot be used under vibration conditions
- Accuracy is less than 1%
- Cannot display volume units
- Limited by front and rear piping
Conclusion
Thermal gas mass flow meters, with their direct measurement, wide range, low pressure loss, and high reliability, are ideal for gas flow measurement, especially in scenarios involving large diameters, low flow rates, and trade settlement. However, their successful application largely depends on the control of gas composition, cleanliness, and on-site installation conditions.
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Shanghai Cixi Instrument CO.,LTD was founded in 2008 and is located in Shanghai Songjiang industrial park. We are the professional flow meter manufacture who integrate R&D, production and sales as one manufacturers.
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