Digital Mass Flow Controllers & Meters

More About Digital Mass Flow Controllers

SmartTrak controllers and mass flow meters provide researchers, systems integrators, and OEMs with digital mass gas flow control and measurement for nearly any type of application requirement.

• Measure mass flow instead of volumetric flow, providing more accurate readings and improved measurement and control
• Sierra’s controllers feature local/remote display with push button interface, plus access to a free user interface software app

Additional Features

• Localized and Global Support: Sierra’s experienced team operates out of more than 150 locations and can provide sales, installation, calibration, and other services no matter where you’re located.

• Commissioning: Product specialists are available for installation and any other commissioning services you might need.

• Lifetime Support: The Sierra support team is here for your product and application needs via our tech support hotline and on-site vists.

Digital Gas Mass Flow Control FAQ

Q: How Does a Digital Mass Flow Controller for Gases Work?

A: A digital mass flow controller automatically controls a specific gas flow rate at a given set point. Control is based on direct mass flow, not volumetric flow.

Direct thermal mass flow controllers offer customers direct mass flow without pressure or temperature equipment or flow computers. Direct mass flow meters and mass flow controllers count and control every gas molecule flowing through the instruments and are immune to changes in process temperature or pressure. Digital mass flow controllers for gases operate on the capillary thermal principle of operation. This principle is based on heat transfer and the first law of thermodynamics.

During operation, the process gas enters the inlet of the instrument’s flow body. The flow is split into two paths. The vast majority of the gas flow passes through the Laminar Flow Element (LFE) bypass. A very small portion of the total flow is diverted through a small “capillary” sensor tube with an ID between .007 to .028 inches, which has an upstream and downstream RTD.

As the gas flows through the capillary sensor, the temperature profile shifts downstream, which is measured by the RTDs. The temperature difference is measured by digital electronics and converted to a mass flow signal. This signal is directly proportional to the total mass flow through the mass flow controller. The capillary sensor of the digital mass flow controller communicates all the data the control valve needs to actively control the given set point.  Discover The Swiss Army Knife of Mass Flow Controllers

Q: What Calibration Options are Available for Sierra's Digital Mass Flow Controllers?

A: Whether you want to take advantage of our industry-leading calibration services or calibrate your meters in-house, Sierra Instruments can support all your calibration needs.
 

Quality Calibration: SmartTrak’s NIST traceable accuracy is backed by our 10-point, primary standard calibration over the entire flow range.  SmartTrak digital gas mass flow meters have a strong and flexible control valve with accessible PID valve tuning.

These features assure the best speed and reliability. Custom valve orifice sizing yields full-range stability.  If you need something special, Sierra customizes often free of charge.

DIY Calibration: If you prefer to calibrate your own digital flow meters and gas controllers in-house, Sierra provides all necessary software and training and even the flow calibration standards required for the job.

Digital Mass Flow Resources 

• Discover the Swiss Army Knife of Flow Controllers: Learn more about SmartTrak®, Sierra’s precision line of digital mass flow controllers.

• A User’s Guide About Thermal Mass Flow Controllers: Download a whitepaper on capillary tube thermal mass flow meter operation and best practices.

• How Capillary Thermal Mass Flow Meter Technology Works: Watch a short video explaining the technology behind capillary thermal mass flow meters.