Flow Meter

Thermal Mass Flow Meter

Direct Mass Flow Measurement for Industrial Gas Applications

In industrial gas measurement, inaccurate compensation, pressure fluctuation, and density correction often lead to unreliable flow data. The Instrava Thermal Mass Flow Meter eliminates these variables by directly measuring mass flow based on thermal dispersion principle, without the need for temperature or pressure compensation.

Designed for industrial gas systems, it delivers high accuracy, stable performance, and long-term reliability in compressed air, natural gas, nitrogen, oxygen, biogas, and mixed gas applications.

Why Choose Instrava Thermal Mass Flow Meter?

  • Direct Mass Flow Measurement – No external temperature or pressure compensation required

  • High Accuracy – Up to ±0.1% measurement accuracy

  • Wide Temperature Range – Sensor up to 300°C

  • Digital Output & Communication – 4–20mA, Pulse, Frequency, HART, MODBUS

  • Explosion-Proof Available – Ex db IIC T6 Gb

  • Compact & Easy Installation – Integrated or remote type

For plant engineers and system integrators, this means reduced installation complexity and stable long-term performance.

  Flow Meter Description  

Thermal Flow Meter Key Advantages

Direct Mass Flow Measurement

  • No pressure or temperature compensation required

  • Measures true mass flow rather than volumetric flow

  • Also provides standard volumetric flow output

High Measurement Accuracy

  • Accuracy up to 0.1% / 0.15%

  • Excellent repeatability and stability

  • Suitable for both single gases and mixed gases

Wide Process Adaptability

  • Sensor temperature range: -40°C to 300°C

  • Pressure rating: ≤ 1.6 MPa

  • Pipe size range: DN15 – DN150

  • 316L stainless steel construction

Flexible Output & Communication

  • 4–20 mA analog output

  • Pulse and frequency output

  • HART communication

  • MODBUS RS-485

  • Supports PLC, DCS, and SCADA systems

Industrial-Grade Design

  • Integrated or remote transmitter options

  • LCD display with local keypad operation

  • IP65 / IP67 protection rating

  • Explosion-proof certification: Ex db IIC T6 Gb

  • Power supply: 220 VAC or 24 VDC

Inline thermal mass flowmeter with LCD display for industrial gas measurement
Flanged thermal flowmeter with digital transmitter for gas flow monitoring

Thermal Mass Flowmeter Measurement Principle – Constant Temperature Difference Method

The thermal mass flow meter operates based on the thermal diffusion principle using two platinum RTD sensors:

  • One sensor continuously measures medium temperature (T1)

  • The second sensor is heated above medium temperature (T2)

When gas flows across the heated sensor, heat is carried away. To maintain a constant temperature difference (ΔT = T2 – T1), the system increases heating power.

The required power is directly proportional to the mass flow rate of the gas.

This constant temperature differential method ensures:

  • Direct mass flow measurement

  • High repeatability

  • Stable performance in fluctuating process conditions

Thermal Flowmeter Functional Capabilities

  • Mass flow measurement

  • Standard volumetric flow measurement

  • Totalized flow accumulation

  • Digital display and parameter configuration

  • Multi-signal output for automation integration

Industrial thermal mass flowmeters for gas flow measurement and control
Thermal mass flow meter with flanged connection for industrial gas pipelines

Thermal Mass Flow Meter Selection Guidance

When selecting a thermal mass flow meter, engineers should evaluate:

  • Gas composition (single or mixed gas)

  • Operating temperature range

  • Pipe diameter

  • Required communication protocol

  • Hazardous area classification

Instrava provides technical evaluation support for proper sizing and configuration.

  Flow Meter Parameter  

Thermal Mass Flow Meter Technical Specifications

ParameterSpecification
StructureIntegrated / Remote
Applicable GasSingle Gas / Mixed Gas
Pipe DiameterDN15 – DN150
Process Pressure≤ 1.6 MPa
Process ConnectionFlange (Thread optional ≤ DN50)
Sensor Temperature-40°C ~ 300°C
Transmitter Temperature-20°C ~ 60°C
Material316L
Protection GradeIP65 / IP67
DisplayLCD with keypad operation
Measurement FunctionsMass Flow, Standard Volume Flow, Totalizer
Output4–20mA, Pulse, Frequency
CommunicationHART / MODBUS RS-485
Accuracy±0.1% / ±0.15%
Power Supply220VAC / 24VDC
Explosion ProofEx db IIC T6 Gb

  Instrava OEM/ODM

Reliable Instruments. Solutions That Fit Your Application.

Instrava is focused on delivering reliable industrial solutions through carefully curated products, application-driven optimization, and flexible customization. We select proven instruments from trusted manufacturers to ensure consistent quality, optimize solutions based on real working conditions to solve practical challenges, and provide tailored configurations to meet specific application needs.

By combining selection expertise with application understanding, Instrava helps customers reduce risk, improve efficiency, and achieve dependable results in complex industrial environments.

symbolizing trust and the beginning of a long-term partnership

Thermal mass flow meters directly measure mass flow using the constant temperature difference method. Unlike volumetric flow meters, they do not require pressure or temperature compensation, reducing system complexity and improving accuracy in gas applications.

They are suitable for compressed air, nitrogen, oxygen, natural gas, biogas, and many industrial mixed gases. Proper calibration ensures optimal performance for specific gas compositions.

Yes. The sensor can operate up to 300°C, making it suitable for industrial furnace gas, process exhaust, and high-temperature gas monitoring applications.

Yes. It supports 4–20mA, pulse, frequency outputs, and digital communication via HART or MODBUS RS-485 for integration into PLC, DCS, and SCADA systems.

Explosion-proof models with Ex db IIC T6 Gb certification are available for use in hazardous industrial environments.

Key factors include gas type, pipe diameter, operating temperature, pressure, and required communication protocol. Instrava provides engineering support for proper sizing and configuration.

Why Choose Instrava

Built on Consistency, Not Claims

Focused on Industrial Applications

We specialize in industrial analysis and detection, with a clear understanding of real-world operating environments and requirements.

Strict Product Selection Criteria

Every instrument is evaluated based on performance, stability, and application suitability—not just specifications or pricing.

Reliable Supply & Quality Consistency

We work with trusted manufacturers to ensure stable supply, consistent quality, and dependable delivery.

Practical, Experience-Based Support

Our recommendations are grounded in application understanding, helping customers avoid common issues and achieve reliable results.

Instrava is built to reduce uncertainty—so every decision you make is clearer, safer, and more reliable.

Industrial measurement scene showing a worker using a precision measuring instrument to measure and mark material on a workbench, demonstrating the practical application of measuring instruments in manufacturing and processing.

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