STEC Soap Film Flow Meter

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STEC LAUNCHES TRACEABLE STANDARD FILM FLOW METER

A revolutionary high precision soap film flow meter is launched by STEC.

The SF-2 instrument, which automatically adjusts for temperature and atmospheric pressure, was originally developed by STEC to calibrate the company's own range of high performance mass flow controllers.

Providing a traceable standard, the SF-2 can be used anywhere there is a need to accurately measure the flow of gas.

Stuart Knight, European sales manager, explains the technology: "The SF-2 film flow meter creates a soap film which moves up a precision tube at a rate relative to the flow of gas. Two optical sensors measure the time taken to travel the fixed distance. Integrated atmospheric pressure and temperature sensors together with a powerful microprocessor instantly calculate and report the equivalent flow rate in standard units i.e. 25°C and 760mm Hg".

"Conventional systems work using similar methodology but use a mechanical piston. The mechanical piston systems are typically not portable and use a mercury seal, which can be a maintenance nightmare. In most cases the user will have to manually measure and compensate for pressure and temperature fluctuations before the actual gas flow reading can be recorded.

Mr Knight says the SF-2 will be used in a variety of sectors including mass flow controller/meter calibration, the gas industry and university research establishments.

"Wherever there is a need for a traceable standard for volumetric gas flow, this product is ideal," he said.

The SF-2 is light and compact. A convenient handle and optional Ni-Cad battery pack allow for complete portability. The product can also be controlled remotely with an optional RS-232C port.

Main applications are flow rate measurement, flow rate calibration for flow rate controllers, air flow rate measurement and quality control for filters and hollow type valves and leakage measurement.

Four volumetric tube sizes allow a flow measurement range from 0.2ml/min to 10l/min with precision of down to ± 0.5 per cent of reading scale. The device can operate between 5°C and 40°C with the guaranteed precision range between 15°C and 35°C.

Measured gases include Air, AR, CH4, C3H8, CO, H2, N2, O2 and other similar gases. Water soluble or corrosive gases cannot be measured.

Accessories include the D-5 series flow diverter featuring a high performance laminar flow element that diverts the measurement sample at a constant 5:1 ratio at 1% accuracy which allow flows up to 50 l/min to be measured.

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STEC LAUNCHES TRACEABLE STANDARD FILM FLOW METER
A revolutionary high precision soap film flow meter is launched by STEC. The SF-2 instrument, which automatically adjusts for temperature and atmospheric pressure, was originally developed by STEC to calibrate the company's own range of high performance mass flow controllers. Providing a traceable standard, the SF-2 can be used anywhere there is a need to accurately measure the flow of gas. Stuart Knight, European sales manager, explains the technology: "The SF-2 film flow meter creates a soap film which moves up a precision tube at a rate relative to the flow of gas. Two optical sensors measure the time taken to travel the fixed distance. Integrated atmospheric pressure and temperature sensors together with a powerful microprocessor instantly calculate and report the equivalent flow rate in standard units i.e. 25°C and 760mm Hg". "Conventional systems work using similar methodology but use a mechanical piston. The mechanical piston systems are typically not portable and use a mercury seal, which can be a maintenance nightmare. In most cases the user will have to manually measure and compensate for pressure and temperature fluctuations before the actual gas flow reading can be recorded. Mr Knight says the SF-2 will be used in a variety of sectors including mass flow controller/meter calibration, the gas industry and university research establishments. "Wherever there is a need for a traceable standard for volumetric gas flow, this product is ideal," he said. The SF-2 is light and compact. A convenient handle and optional Ni-Cad battery pack allow for complete portability. The product can also be controlled remotely with an optional RS-232C port. Main applications are flow rate measurement, flow rate calibration for flow rate controllers, air flow rate measurement and quality control for filters and hollow type valves and leakage measurement. Four volumetric tube sizes allow a flow measurement range from 0.2ml/min to 10l/min with precision of down to ± 0.5 per cent of reading scale. The device can operate between 5°C and 40°C with the guaranteed precision range between 15°C and 35°C. Measured gases include Air, AR, CH4, C3H8, CO, H2, N2, O2 and other similar gases. Water soluble or corrosive gases cannot be measured. Accessories include the D-5 series flow diverter featuring a high performance laminar flow element that diverts the measurement sample at a constant 5:1 ratio at 1% accuracy which allow flows up to 50 l/min to be measured.