Mass Flow Controllers (MFCs) are useful for measuring and controlling the flow of liquids and gases. Commonly employed across a wide range of semiconductor, industrial and laboratory applications, MFCs offer low flow accuracy, repeatability and relative immunity to temperature and pressure fluctuations within the inlet flow. Here, Fluid Controls explains how Mass Flow Controllers work and spotlights our leading MFC suppliers.
A Mass Flow Controller, or MFC for short, is a type of flow control and measurement device that is designed for measuring and controlling a specific type of liquid or gas at a particular range of flow rates. All Mass Flow Controllers feature an inlet port, outlet port, a mass flow sensor and a proportional control valve.
They are fitted with a closed loop control system, which is assigned an input signal by the operator that the MFC compares to the value from the mass flow sensor. It then adjusts the valve to achieve the required flow. Low pressure can cause an MFC to fall short of its setpoint, while high pressure can result in erratic flow rates.
Mass Flow Controllers can be assigned a setpoint from 0 to 100% of its full scale range. However, they typically operate in the 10 to 90% of full scale, which is where the best accuracy is achieved.
Fluid Controls stocks high-performance Mass Flow Controllers from some of the leading MFC manufacturers in the industry. Each of our marquee suppliers brings something different to the table in terms of their MFC technology. This means you are sure to find the ideal MFC for your application here at Fluid Controls.
Malema offers advanced flow controllers based on Coriolis and Ultrasonic flow measuring technologies. The patented Coriolis flow sensor used in their Coriolis Mass Flow Controller is immune to changes in fluid conditions, such as density and viscosity. Thanks to a unique sensor design and advanced firmware that uses innovative signal processing and control algorithms, faster control, response and accuracy are ensured.
Bürkert offers a range of compact Mass Flow Controllers for controlling the mass flow of gases. Bürkert MFCs control a pre-set flow rate reference value – regardless of disturbance variables, such as pressure fluctuations or temporary occurring flow resistances. Bürkert MFCs consist of a flow sensor, electronics (with signal processing, regulation and valve control functions) and a solenoid control valve as an actuator.
View our Bürkert Mass Flow Controllers
Porter’s Mass Flow Controllers deliver extremely quick response times and are available in numerous configurations and flow rates to satisfy a whole range of demanding flow control applications. Porter’s mass flow products offer an accurate, reliable and cost-effective solution for all your mass flow applications. New to this range is the ‘All in one panel mount gas flow control system’, which reduces size, cost and complexity.
View our Porter Mass Flow Controllers
For more information about our range of Mass Flow Controllers, or to discuss your application requirements in more detail, please contact Fluid Controls today on +44 (0)118 970 2060 or email fluid@fluidcontrols.co.uk.