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Datasheet Thermal Mass flow sensor for gases - Inline/CTA principle

THERMAL MASS FLOW SENSOR FOR GAS

Inline / Direct-through / CTA principle

CTA is the abbreviation of Constant Temperature Anemometry, which is also named ‘direct through-flow measurement’ or ‘inline measurement’. Therefore, this principle has no bypass sensor. Amongst various flow measurement techniques the thermal mass flow measurement based on the CTA principle is used for both gases and liquids. Mass flow meters based on the CTA principle cover a wide range of measurement and control applications in almost every industry sector.

Thermal CTA/inline principle

Constant Temperature Anemometry working principle

The Constant Temperature Anemometry - CTA - gas flow sensor consists of two stainless steel probes, the first being a heater and the second being a temperature sensor. A constant temperature difference (ΔT) is created between the probes.

Regardless of the actual flow rate CTA is aiming to keep this delta-T or temperature difference (ΔT) between both sensor pins at a constant level.

The flow rate and the heater energy required to maintain this constant ΔT are proportional and thus indicate the mass flow of the gas. The actual mass flow rate is calculated by measuring the variable power required to maintain this constant temperature difference as the gas flows across the sensor.

Compared to traditional thermal Mass Flow Meters and Mass Flow Controllers with bypass, the construction of the direct measuring CTA principle is less sensitive to humidity and contamination.

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What is a thermal mass flow meter?

What is a thermal mass flow meter?

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Thermal mass flow meters are used to measure mass flow of low gas flow. A mass flow controller is a flow meter combined with a control valve.

Bronkhorst High-Tech designs and manufactures innovative instruments and subsystems for low-flow measurement and control for use in laboratories, machinery and industry. Driven by a strong sense of sustainability and with many years of experience, we offer an extensive range of (mass) flow meters and controllers for gases and liquids, based on thermal, Coriolis and ultrasonic measuring principles. Our global sales and service network provides local support in more than 40 countries. Discover Bronkhorst®!