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Precision Thermal Mass Flow Meter — LONN-GMFC Professional Gas Mass Flow Meter Series | LONNMETER

The LONN-GMFC thermal mass flow meter delivers direct mass flow measurement for industrial gases without temperature or pressure compensation. Using advanced constant temperature difference technology, this thermal gas flow meter achieves wide turndown ratios from 0.5 to 100 Nm/s. Available in both insertion and inline configurations, the LONN-GMFC series supports pipe sizes from DN15 to DN6000, making it ideal for compressed air, natural gas, biogas, and process gas measurement applications.

  • Measurement Principle: Thermal Mass (Constant Temperature Difference)
  • Fluid Type: Various gases (except acetylene)
  • Accuracy: ±1.5% – 2.5% FS
  • Flow Velocity Range: 0.5 – 100 Nm/s
  • Operating Temperature: Sensor: -40°C to +200°C (standard), +450°C (high temp)
  • Operating Pressure: <4.0 MPa (inline), <2.5 MPa (insertion)
  • Response Time: 1 second (adjustable)
  • Output Signal: 4-20mA, RS-485, HART, FF, Pulse
  • Display: 4-line Chinese LCD
  • Protection Class: IP67 (integral), IP68 (remote)

Product Overview

The LONN-GMFC thermal mass flow meter represents a breakthrough in gas flow measurement technology. Unlike traditional volumetric flow meters that require separate temperature and pressure compensation to calculate mass flow, this mass flow meter for gas measures mass flow directly using thermal principles.

Working Principle

The thermal mass flow meter operates on the constant temperature difference method:

  1. Sensor Configuration: Two precision platinum resistance temperature detectors (RTDs) form a Wheatstone bridge circuit
  2. Temperature Measurement: One sensor measures the actual gas temperature (reference)
  3. Heating Element: The second sensor maintains a constant temperature differential above the gas temperature
  4. Flow Calculation: The electrical power required to maintain this temperature difference is directly proportional to the mass flow rate
  5. Output Generation: Processed signals transmit via 4-20mA, RS-485 Modbus, HART, Foundation Fieldbus, or pulse outputs

This thermal gas flow meter technology ensures accurate measurement across varying process conditions without additional compensation calculations.


Technical Specifications

Performance Parameters

Parameter Specification
Measurement Range 0.5 – 100 Nm/s velocity
Turndown Ratio 100:1 typical
Accuracy ±1.5% – 2.5% of reading
Repeatability ±0.5%
Response Time 1 second standard (adjustable)
Temperature Drift <0.05%/°C
Pressure Effect Negligible (mass flow directly measured)

Temperature Specifications

Component Standard Range High Temperature Option
Sensor -40°C to +200°C -40°C to +450°C
Transmitter/Converter -20°C to +60°C -20°C to +60°C
Ambient (Display) -20°C to +60°C -20°C to +60°C

Pressure Specifications

Installation Type Maximum Pressure
Inline (Flanged) <4.0 MPa
Insertion (Wet-tap) <2.5 MPa

Electrical Specifications

Output Type Details
Analog 4-20mA, 2-wire or 4-wire, isolated
Digital RS-485 Modbus RTU, baud rate 9600-115200
HART HART 7 protocol over 4-20mA
Fieldbus Foundation Fieldbus (FF) optional
Pulse Open collector, configurable scaling
Power Consumption <20W

Physical Specifications

Feature Specification
Display 4-line Chinese/English LCD
Display Content Flow rate, total flow, standard volume, accumulated time
Enclosure Material Die-cast aluminum (explosion-proof)
Probe Material 316L stainless steel
Sheath Options 316L, Hastelloy C, Ceramic
Process Connection Flange (inline), Ball valve assembly (insertion)
Ingress Protection IP67 (integral), IP68 (remote sensor)

Product Variants

Type 1: Compact Insertion Thermal Mass Flow Meter

Application: DN65 to DN1000 pipe sizes

The insertion thermal flow meter design features a retractable probe assembly with ball valve installation, enabling hot-tap installation without process shutdown. The depth scale (10-15 markings visible on probe) ensures accurate centerline positioning for optimal measurement accuracy.

Key Features:

  • Hot-tap installation capability
  • Adjustable insertion depth with visual scale
  • Isolation valve for maintenance without shutdown
  • Ideal for large diameter pipes and ducts

Type 2: Inline Thermal Mass Flow Meter (Small Bore)

Application: DN15 to DN80 pipe sizes

The inline thermal mass flow meter configuration provides a complete flanged meter body with integral flow conditioning. This design ensures optimal sensor positioning and eliminates installation sensitivity.

Key Features:

  • Flanged connection (ANSI/DIN/JIS standards)
  • Factory-calibrated for specific pipe size
  • No upstream/downstream straight run requirements
  • Suitable for small bore applications

Type 3: Inline Thermal Mass Flow Meter (Large Bore)

Application: DN100 to DN4000 pipe sizes

For medium to large pipe applications, this inline thermal mass flow meter variant provides robust construction with heavy-duty flanges and extended sensor probes to ensure representative flow measurement across the full pipe diameter.


Key Features & Benefits

True Mass Flow Measurement

The thermal mass flow meter measures mass flow directly, eliminating the need for separate temperature and pressure compensation. This simplifies installation, reduces system cost, and improves measurement accuracy across varying process conditions.

Wide Turndown Ratio

With a 100:1 turndown ratio and velocity range from 0.5 to 100 Nm/s, this thermal gas flow meter handles everything from low-flow leak detection to high-volume process measurements with a single device.

No Moving Parts

The solid-state sensor design has no moving parts and no pressure sensing elements, ensuring exceptional reliability and long service life even in demanding industrial environments.

Wide Gas Compatibility

The mass flow meter for gas measures virtually any gas or gas mixture (except acetylene), including:

  • Compressed air and plant air
  • Natural gas and LNG vapor
  • Biogas and landfill gas
  • Nitrogen, oxygen, argon
  • Process gases and vent gases

Easy Installation & Maintenance

The insertion design allows installation and maintenance without process shutdown where conditions permit. The digital electronics and modular construction simplify field service and reduce downtime.

Digital Communication

Standard RS-485 Modbus RTU and optional HART/FF protocols enable seamless integration with DCS, PLC, and SCADA systems for industrial automation and process control applications.


Applications

Compressed Air Systems

Monitor compressor efficiency, detect leaks, and allocate costs with accurate thermal mass flow meter measurements that require no pressure compensation across varying system pressures.

Natural Gas Measurement

Custody transfer and process measurement applications benefit from direct mass flow measurement that remains accurate despite temperature and pressure variations in the distribution network.

Biogas & Renewable Energy

Measure biogas production from anaerobic digesters and landfill gas recovery systems. The thermal gas flow meter handles varying gas compositions and moisture content common in these applications.

Chemical & Petrochemical

Process gas measurement, reactor feed monitoring, and vent gas flow measurement in chemical plants and refineries.

Food & Beverage

Carbon dioxide flow measurement for carbonation, nitrogen blanketing flow monitoring, and compressed air system optimization.

Environmental Monitoring

Stack gas flow measurement, flare gas monitoring, and emissions measurement applications.


Installation Requirements

Environmental Considerations

⚠️ Important Installation Notes:

  • Outdoor Installation: Install sunshade protection to prevent direct sunlight exposure and rain ingress
  • Vibration: Avoid installation in locations with strong vibration
  • Corrosive Atmospheres: Do not expose to environments with high concentrations of corrosive gases
  • Electrical Noise: Do not share power supply with variable frequency drives, welding machines, or other electrical noise sources
  • Power Quality: Install dedicated clean power supply if necessary

Insertion Flow Meter Installation

  1. Positioning: Install at pipe centerline for maximum accuracy
  2. Orientation: Align sensor perpendicular to flow direction
  3. Depth: Use depth scale markings to ensure proper insertion depth
  4. Upstream: Minimum 10D upstream straight run recommended
  5. Hot-tap: Use isolation valve for maintenance access

Inline Flow Meter Installation

  1. Orientation: Mount with flow direction arrow aligned with process flow
  2. Support: Provide independent pipe support to prevent stress on meter flanges
  3. Grounding: Ensure proper electrical grounding for explosion-proof installations

FAQ

What is a thermal mass flow meter?

thermal mass flow meter measures gas mass flow rate by detecting the cooling effect of gas flow on a heated sensor. As gas flows past the heated element, it carries away heat proportional to the mass flow rate. The electronics maintain a constant temperature difference and measure the electrical power required, which directly correlates to mass flow.

Why choose thermal mass over other gas flow technologies?

Thermal mass flow meters offer several advantages:

  • Direct mass flow measurement (no T/P compensation needed)
  • Wide turndown ratio (100:1 typical)
  • No moving parts for high reliability
  • Excellent low-flow sensitivity
  • Suitable for large pipe sizes with insertion probes

What gases can the LONN-GMFC measure?

The thermal gas flow meter measures virtually any clean, dry gas including air, nitrogen, oxygen, natural gas, biogas, argon, hydrogen, and process gases. Acetylene is the primary exclusion due to safety considerations.

What is the difference between inline and insertion types?

  • Inline: Complete meter body with flanged connections, factory-calibrated, ideal for DN15-DN200
  • Insertion: Probe inserts through ball valve into existing pipe, cost-effective for DN50-DN6000, hot-tap capable

How does temperature affect measurement accuracy?

The thermal mass flow meter uses constant temperature difference technology that automatically compensates for gas temperature variations. The sensor pair includes a reference temperature sensor and a heated sensor, maintaining accuracy across the specified temperature range.

What output signals are available?

Standard outputs include 4-20mA analog, RS-485 Modbus RTU, and pulse. Optional HART and Foundation Fieldbus protocols are available for advanced control system integration.


Request a Quote

Contact our technical sales team for pricing and configuration assistance:

Fill out our RFQ form  📧 Email: anna@xalonn.com 📞 Phone: +86-180-9211-4467 🌐 Websitewww.smartmeasurer.com 

Please provide the following information for a detailed quotation:

Application Details:

  • Gas type and composition
  • Operating flow rate (normal, minimum, maximum)
  • Operating temperature and pressure
  • Pipe size and schedule

Product Configuration:

  •  Inline type (DN15-DN200)
  •  Insertion type (DN50-DN6000)
  •  Standard temperature (-40~200°C)
  •  High temperature (-40~450°C)

Output Requirements:

  •  4-20mA analog
  •  RS-485 Modbus RTU
  •  HART protocol
  •  Foundation Fieldbus
  •  Pulse output

Additional Requirements:

  •  Explosion-proof certification
  •  Special material (Hastelloy C, Ceramic)
  •  Sunshade for outdoor installation
  •  Calibration certificate

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