Support Center: Guides & FAQs

Find guidance on installation, product selection, technical concepts, and troubleshooting.

This Knowledge Base provides clear answers about compressed air monitoring and SUTO iTEC products. Topics include installation, choosing the right instruments, and solving common issues. We update this section regularly with new content. If you cannot find the information you need, please contact us.

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Product Selection & Applications (1)

Why can a insertion type flow meter be used in different pipe sizes without needing a new calibration?

Insertion flow meters measure flow velocity at a defined point in the pipe. This principle allows use across different pipe sizes without requiring new calibration.

Insertion type flow meters, such as thermal mass flow meters and pitot tube flow meters, can be used in different pipe sizes without needing new calibration because they are designed to measure the flow of fluid within a pipe without being affected by the size or shape of the pipe. Both these types of flow meters measure the velocity of fluid, which is then paired with the cross-sectional area of the pipe to calculate the volume flow.

A thermal mass flow meter works by measuring the temperature difference across a heated sensor element inserted into the pipe. The flow of fluid through the pipe causes heat to be transferred from the sensor element to the fluid. By measuring the heat transfer, the flow rate of the fluid can be determined by using the fluid’s thermal properties and the known cross-sectional area of the pipe.

A pitot tube flow meter works by measuring the pressure difference across a tube that is inserted into the pipe. The tube is positioned so that the fluid flows around it and creates a pressure difference across the tube, which is proportional to the fluid velocity. By measuring the pressure difference, the flow rate of the fluid can be determined by using the fluid’s velocity and the known cross-sectional area of the pipe.

In both cases, the measuring principle is based on the determination of the fluid velocity in the pipe, which is then paired with the pipe cross-section, results in the volume flow, which is independent of the pipe size. This is the reason why these types of flow meters can be used in different pipe sizes without the need for new calibration.

Tags: calibration, pipe sizes, pitot tube flow meter, thermal mass flow meter

Technical Concepts (1)

What is a Thermal Mass Flow Meter?

Thermal mass flow meters use heat transfer to measure gas flow directly. They offer accurate, stable and low-maintenance performance in clean, dry gas applications.

A thermal mass flow meter measures compressed air and gas using convective heat transfer. It contains a heated sensor and a temperature sensor. As gas flows past, it cools the heated sensor, and the meter calculates mass flow based on how much heat is removed.

Thermal mass flow meters offer direct mass flow measurement, fast response time, wide rangeability, low pressure drop, and no moving parts, making them reliable and low maintenance.

They are sensitive to changes in gas composition, not suitable for wet or contaminated air, and work best with clean, dry gases.

Overall, they provide accurate and stable flow measurement for many industrial compressed air and gas applications.

Tags: compressed air, thermal mass flow meter