Mass Flow controllers
Mass flow controllers (MFCs) are precision instruments for measuring and controlling the mass flow rate of gases (and some high-vapour-pressure liquids) in flow chemistry systems — independent of upstream pressure fluctuations or downstream pressure variation. Unlike volumetric flow meters that measure volume per unit time (which varies with pressure and temperature), mass flow controllers measure and deliver a true mass quantity per unit time, making them essential for stoichiometric gas delivery in reactions such as hydrogenation, oxidation, carbonylation, ozonolysis, and gas-phase reactions where the gas is a reactant rather than merely a carrier. Thermal mass flow controllers — the most common type in flow chemistry laboratories — operate on the principle of heat transfer: a small fraction of the gas flow passes through a heated capillary sensor tube, and the temperature differential between upstream and downstream sensors is proportional to the mass flow rate (since thermal conductivity and heat capacity of the gas determine the relationship). A proportional control valve in the main flow path modulates the gas flow to maintain the setpoint mass flow. The control range of a typical MFC is 2% to 100% of full-scale flow, with an accuracy of ±1% of full scale and repeatability of ±0.5%.
For high-flow gas delivery at pilot and production scale, thermal bypass or Coriolis MFCs are used. Coriolis MFCs measure the Coriolis force on a vibrating tube through which the fluid passes — providing true mass flow measurement independent of gas composition, temperature, or pressure. Multi-gas MFCs can be programmed for different calibration curves covering common process gases (H₂, N₂, CO₂, CO, O₂, Cl₂, HCl, SO₂, NH₃, CH₄) and calculate the actual delivered mass flow from a stored calibration database. Safety features include built-in leak test, automatic valve closure on overpressure, and electropolished internal surfaces for corrosive gas service (HCl, Cl₂, F₂).
- Measurement Principle Thermal bypass capillary or Coriolis vibratin…
- Full-Scale Flow Range 0–0.5 sccm (micro) to 0–5000 slm (production)
- Accuracy ±1.0% of full scale (thermal); ±0.1% (Coriolis)
- Repeatability ±0.5% of setpoint
- Control Range 2–100% of full-scale flow
- Response Time <2 seconds to 98% of setpoint (standard); <0.…
Key Features
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True mass flow control — independent of upstream pressure variation
True mass flow control — independent of upstream pressure variation
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Multi-gas programmable — single unit covers H₂, N₂, CO₂, CO, and more
Multi-gas programmable — single unit covers H₂, N₂, CO₂, CO, and more
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Corrosive gas wetted materials for HCl, Cl₂, HF, and SO₂ service
Corrosive gas wetted materials for HCl, Cl₂, HF, and SO₂ service
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Coriolis designs for highest accuracy at pilot and production scale
Coriolis designs for highest accuracy at pilot and production scale
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Integrated leak test and auto-close valve on overpressure
Integrated leak test and auto-close valve on overpressure
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Fast response (<0.5 s) for dynamic flow profiling in reaction optimisation
Fast response (<0.5 s) for dynamic flow profiling in reaction optimisation
System Components
Modular assemblies engineered for reliable integration, service access, and scale-up from laboratory to pilot plant operation.
Applications
- H₂ delivery for continuous catalytic hydrogenation in tubular or loop reactors
- O₂ / air metering for aerobic oxidation reactions
- CO delivery for carbonylation and hydroformylation synthesis routes
- CO₂ metering for continuous supercritical CO₂ reactions or carboxylation
- HCl gas metering for continuous hydrochlorination reactions
- Ozone metering for ozonolysis continuous flow sequences
- Oil & gas processing
- Water treatment
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Measurement Principle | Thermal bypass capillary or Coriolis vibrating tube |
| Full-Scale Flow Range | 0–0.5 sccm (micro) to 0–5000 slm (production) |
| Accuracy | ±1.0% of full scale (thermal); ±0.1% (Coriolis) |
| Repeatability | ±0.5% of setpoint |
| Control Range | 2–100% of full-scale flow |
| Response Time | <2 seconds to 98% of setpoint (standard); <0.5 s (fast MFC) |
| Wetted Materials | SS 316L, Hastelloy C-276, PTFE (for corrosive gases) |
| Gas Compatibility | H₂, N₂, O₂, CO, CO₂, Cl₂, HCl, NH₃, SO₂, inert gases |
| Process Connection | Swagelok face seal, VCR, compression fitting |
| Communication | RS232, RS485, Modbus, DeviceNet, EtherCAT, analogue 0–5V / 4–20 mA |
| Performance Advantage | An MFC controls hydrogen delivery to a continuous hydrogenation reactor within ±1% of the stoichiometric requirement — preventing the two most common failure modes in batch hydrogenation: hydrogen starvation (incomplete conversion) and hydrogen excess (over-reduction of sensitive functional groups). |
Related Products
FAQ
What capacity range is available for Mass Flow Controllers?
We offer project-specific sizing from laboratory benchtop scale through pilot and production volumes. Contact our engineers with your batch size and process requirements for a tailored recommendation.
Can this unit be integrated with existing plant automation?
Yes. All systems support standard instrumentation signals and can interface with DCS, PLC, or standalone controllers. Custom I/O and recipe control packages are available.
What material options are available?
Borosilicate glass, glass-lined steel, stainless steel, and specialty alloys including Hastelloy can be specified based on your process chemistry, temperature, and pressure requirements.
Do you provide installation and commissioning?
Global Lindus provides on-site installation supervision, commissioning, operator training, and optional IQ/OQ documentation for regulated industries.
What is the typical delivery lead time?
Standard configurations ship in 4–8 weeks. Custom skid assemblies and large production units may require 12–16 weeks depending on scope and material availability.