Advances in Thermal Dispersion Mass Flow Meters - Part 1: Principle of Operation

This paper by Sierra founder Dr. John G. Olin, describes an advanced microprocessor-based thermal dispersion mass flow meter that uses four temperature sensing elements in its flow sensor instead of the traditional two elements and has a dry velocity sensor that uses no potting materials instead of the traditional potted velocity sensor. This unique new mass flow meter automatically manages changes in gas selection, gas temperature, gas pressure, and outside temperature. This Part 1 describes the principle of operation of the four-temperature system. Part 2 of this two-part series describes advances in the installation and flow calibration of thermal dispersion mass flow meters.