Mass Flow Controllers: Precision Management of Gas and Liquid Flow in Modern Industry
In industrial processes, laboratory experiments, and high-tech manufacturing, accurate control of gas and liquid flow is crucial. The Mass Flow Controller (MFC) is a precision device that plays a pivotal role in measuring and controlling the flow of gases and liquids in various applications, ensuring process stability, repeatability, and safety.
What Is a Mass Flow Controller?
A Mass Flow Controller (MFC) is an electronic device used to precisely measure and control the flow rate of gases or liquids in industrial processes. Unlike volumetric flow controllers, which measure flow based on volume per unit time, MFCs measure the mass flow rate — the mass of fluid passing through per unit time, typically in units like grams per minute (g/min) or kilograms per hour (kg/h).
This capability allows MFCs to provide accurate flow control regardless of changes in pressure or temperature, making them essential in critical processes where exact flow control is mandatory.
How Does a Mass Flow Controller Work?
A typical Mass Flow Controller consists of three primary components:
Flow SensorIt measures the mass flow rate by detecting the temperature difference caused by fluid flow using thermal, Coriolis, or differential pressure sensing techniques.
Control ValveBased on the desired setpoint, the MFC’s control valve adjusts its opening to maintain the correct flow rate.
Electronics & ControllerAn embedded microprocessor analyzes the sensor’s data and adjusts the control valve in real time to match the user-defined setpoint, providing closed-loop control.