Thermal Mass Flowmeters

Thermal Mass Flowmeters

Thermal mass flowmeters provide direct mass flow measurement by quantifying heat transfer from a heated sensor element to the flowing medium. The meter maintains a defined thermal condition (constant power or constant temperature difference) and interprets the energy required as a function of mass flow. This approach is widely applied for industrial gas measurement - especially compressed air - and is also used in select aqueous applications where thermal techniques are appropriate.

A major benefit is strong turndown with very low pressure loss, making thermal meters an attractive alternative when energy cost and wide operating ranges matter. Typical objectives include process control, consumption and supply tracking, leak detection, and distribution network monitoring. Insertion-style sensors extend the same principle to very large pipelines and rectangular ducts where inline spools may be impractical.

Applications commonly include compressed air consumption and distribution, carbon dioxide service in beverage production and chilling, argon in steel production, and nitrogen/oxygen production flows. Thermal measurement is also used on natural gas for burner and boiler feed control, as well as air and biogas measurement in wastewater treatment. These services illustrate the technology’s fit for both utilities and process gas management.

Performance depends on aligning the meter’s calibration assumptions with the actual gas properties and operating envelope. Gas composition shifts, high moisture content, or heavy contamination can change heat-transfer behavior and should be addressed through configuration, conditioning, or application-specific calibration. Installation practices emphasize stable flow profiles, avoidance of liquid carryover, and protection against sensor fouling - especially in insertion deployments.

Endress+Hauser’s thermal mass offerings include the Proline t-mass family, with inline and insertion variants such as t-mass F 300 and t-mass I 300. Applied correctly, thermal mass meters support gas-efficiency programs by turning distribution networks into measurable, continuously optimized assets while maintaining low pressure losses.

At Eastern Controls, We are proud to be the exclusive authorized sales and service representative for Endress+Hauser.