LONN-MFC Thermal Mass Gas Flow Meter — Precision Gas Mass Flow Controller | LONNMETER

The LONN-MFC thermal mass gas flow meter is a high-precision instrument engineered for accurate mass flow measurement and control of industrial gases. Featuring proprietary thermal sensing technology combined with optimized algorithms and precision manufacturing processes, this thermal mass gas flow meter delivers industry-leading measurement stability with ultra-low zero drift and temperature drift characteristics—even under extreme operating conditions.

Whether monitoring compressed air consumption, controlling natural gas distribution, measuring biogas production, or managing specialty gas flows in semiconductor and pharmaceutical applications—the LONN-MFC thermal mass gas flow meter provides reliable, real-time mass flow data without requiring pressure or temperature compensation. The 316L stainless steel body construction with customizable sealing materials ensures compatibility with inert gases, corrosive gases, and specialty industrial gases across a wide range of process conditions.

With military-grade reliability achieved through precision ceramic processes and aerospace-grade materials, this thermal mass gas flow meter has passed rigorous environmental testing to ensure long-term stable operation under high pressure, high corrosion, and high dust conditions. Multiple output options including RS-485 Modbus RTU, EtherCAT, 4-20mA, 0-10VDC, ProfiNET, and ProfiBUS enable seamless integration with modern industrial automation systems.

Short Description: LONN-MFC thermal mass gas flow meter delivers ±1.0% accuracy for gas mass flow measurement with 0-150 L/min range. Features RS-485/EtherCAT/4-20mA outputs, 316L stainless steel construction, 3MPa pressure rating. Contact anna@xalonn.com for pricing.

Why Choose LONN-MFC for Gas Mass Flow Measurement?

Proprietary Thermal Sensing Technology

The LONN-MFC thermal mass gas flow meter employs self-developed thermal sensing technology combined with exclusive optimization algorithms and precision manufacturing processes. This proprietary approach ensures measurement errors remain at industry-leading levels, with ultra-low zero drift and temperature drift characteristics that maintain exceptional stability and accuracy even in extreme operating conditions.

Wide Flow Range Coverage

Supporting flow rates from SCCM-level micro-flows to SLM-level industrial flows (0–150 L/min N₂ equivalent), the LONN-MFC thermal mass gas flow meter adapts to diverse applications from laboratory R&D to full-scale industrial production. The wide dynamic range eliminates the need for multiple flow meters across different process stages—reducing inventory complexity and standardizing on a single reliable platform.

Superior Accuracy and Linearity

With ±1.0% of setpoint accuracy for flows above 30% of full scale and ±0.3% of full scale for lower flows, the LONN-MFC delivers the precision required for critical process control and custody transfer applications. The ±0.5% F.S. linearity and ±0.2% F.S. repeatability ensure consistent, traceable measurements that meet ISO and regulatory requirements for calibration and verification.

Fast Response for Dynamic Control

The <3 second response time (software-configurable) enables real-time flow control in rapidly changing processes. Whether adjusting gas mixtures in batch reactors, maintaining precise stoichiometric ratios in combustion systems, or responding to demand changes in compressed air networks—the LONN-MFC’s fast response ensures stable process parameters and optimal efficiency.

Multiple Output Protocols

The LONN-MFC thermal mass gas flow meter supports RS-485 Modbus RTU, EtherCAT, 4-20mA, 0-10VDC, 0-5VDC, ProfiNET, and ProfiBUS outputs—providing flexibility for integration with legacy analog systems and modern digital fieldbus networks. This multi-protocol capability simplifies system upgrades and ensures compatibility with existing PLC, DCS, and SCADA infrastructure. The RS-485 Modbus flow meter configuration enables seamless integration with industrial automation networks, while the EtherCAT flow meter option provides high-speed deterministic communication for real-time control applications.

Robust Construction for Harsh Environments

The 316L stainless steel body with customizable sealing materials (selected based on gas compatibility) withstands corrosive gases, high pressures up to 3MPa (standard) or 15MPa (high-pressure option), and extreme temperatures from 5°C to 55°C. The ≤1×10⁻¹² Pa·m³/sec helium leak rate ensures gas purity and safety in critical applications such as semiconductor manufacturing and pharmaceutical production.

Key Benefits

Technical Specifications

Applications

1. Compressed Air Systems & Energy Management

Monitor compressed air consumption across production lines to identify leaks, optimize compressor operation, and allocate energy costs. The LONN-MFC thermal mass gas flow meter’s direct mass flow measurement eliminates compensation errors—delivering accurate flow data for demand-side management and efficiency programs. As a compressed air flow meter, it provides the precision needed for ISO 50001 energy management compliance.

2. Natural Gas & Fuel Gas Distribution

Control natural gas flow to burners, boilers, and process heaters with the precision required for combustion optimization and emissions control. The LONN-MFC natural gas flow meter configuration maintains optimal air-fuel ratios across varying load conditions—improving efficiency and reducing NOx emissions.

3. Semiconductor Manufacturing

Deliver ultra-high purity process gases (N₂, O₂, Ar, H₂, specialty gases) with the leak integrity and precision required for wafer fabrication. The ≤1×10⁻¹² Pa·m³/sec helium leak rate and 316L stainless steel flow meter construction maintain gas purity while the <3 second response enables real-time process control.

4. Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology

Control fermentation gas flows, inert gas blanketing, and sterilization processes with the accuracy and reliability required for GMP compliance. The normally closed valve design provides fail-safe operation—preventing uncontrolled gas release in critical processes.

5. Laboratory & R&D

Calibrate gas analyzers, control reactor gas feeds, and measure gas consumption in research applications. The wide flow range (SCCM to SLM) and multiple output protocols integrate with laboratory data acquisition systems and process controllers.

6. Environmental Monitoring & Emissions

Measure biogas production from anaerobic digesters, track landfill gas recovery, and monitor stack gas flows for emissions reporting. The LONN-MFC’s corrosion-resistant construction handles moist, aggressive biogas streams while maintaining measurement accuracy.

Installation Requirements

Mounting Orientation

Select the appropriate mounting configuration based on gas type and application requirements:

• Horizontal (T): Standard configuration for most gases
• Vertical Top-In Bottom-Out (HV): For liquids or condensing gases
• Vertical Bottom-In Top-Out (HA): For gases with particulates
• Side-Mount (L/J): For space-constrained installations
• Any Orientation (X): For gases where direction is not critical

Electrical Connection

Ensure proper grounding and shielding for signal cables to minimize electromagnetic interference. For RS-485 and EtherCAT installations, follow network topology guidelines for termination resistors and cable routing to ensure reliable communication.

Gas Purity & Filtration

Install appropriate filtration upstream of the flow meter to protect the sensor and valve from particulate contamination. For ultra-high purity applications, use electropolished tubing and VCR connections to maintain gas quality.

Pressure Considerations

Verify that operating pressure remains within the rated range (≤3 MPa standard, ≤15 MPa high-pressure option). Install pressure relief devices if upstream pressure could exceed the maximum rating. Ensure adequate pressure differential (default 3 bar, configurable 1.5–58 bar) for proper flow control.

Warm-up Procedure

Allow ≥3 minutes warm-up time after power-on before relying on flow measurements for process control. During warm-up, the thermal sensor stabilizes at operating temperature and the control algorithm initializes for optimal performance.

Ordering Information

Example Part Number: TP150-100L-RS-24D-SK12-DP3-T-RS-N₂
= TP150 series, 100 L/min range, RS-485 output, 24VDC, SK12 connection, 3 bar differential, horizontal mount, rubber seal, N₂ calibrated

FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions

1. What gases can the LONN-MFC measure?

The LONN-MFC is compatible with most industrial gases including compressed air, nitrogen (N₂), oxygen (O₂), argon (Ar), carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), natural gas, and specialty gases. The sealing material is selected based on gas compatibility—FKM for standard applications, FFKM for aggressive gases, and metal seals for ultra-high purity requirements. Contact LONNMETER technical support for gas-specific recommendations.

2. How does thermal mass flow measurement work?

The LONN-MFC uses the thermal dispersion principle: a heated sensor element is maintained at a constant temperature differential above the gas temperature. As gas flows past the sensor, it carries away heat at a rate proportional to its mass flow. The electronics measure the power required to maintain the temperature difference—this power is directly proportional to mass flow rate, eliminating the need for pressure and temperature compensation.

3. What is the difference between SCCM, SLM, and L/min?

These are different units for expressing gas flow rates:

• SCCM (Standard Cubic Centimeters per Minute): 1 SCCM = 1 cm³/min at standard conditions (0°C, 1 atm)
• SLM (Standard Liters per Minute): 1 SLM = 1 L/min at standard conditions
• L/min: Liters per minute at reference conditions (typically 0°C or 20°C, 1 atm) The LONN-MFC displays and outputs flow in your preferred units—configured via software or Modbus registers.

4. Can I use the LONN-MFC for liquid flow measurement?

No. The LONN-MFC is designed exclusively for gas flow measurement. The thermal dispersion principle and sensor design are optimized for gas thermal properties. For liquid flow applications, consider the LONN-700CM tuning fork density meter or LONN-GF gear flow meter from LONNMETER.

5. How do I select the correct flow range for my application?

Choose a flow range where your typical operating flow falls between 30% and 80% of full scale for optimal accuracy. The LONN-MFC maintains ±1.0% accuracy above 30% F.S., but selecting a range too large for your application reduces resolution at low flows. If your application has wide flow variation, consider the 100:1 turndown capability or contact LONNMETER for multi-range options.

6. What maintenance does the LONN-MFC require?

The LONN-MFC is designed for minimal maintenance with no moving parts in the flow path. Periodic visual inspection of connections for leaks and verification of calibration accuracy (annually recommended for critical applications) are typically sufficient. If the sensor becomes contaminated, gentle cleaning with appropriate solvents may restore performance—contact LONNMETER for cleaning procedures specific to your gas type.

Request a Quote

Looking for a thermal mass gas flow meter for your application? Contact LONNMETER with the following details:

•  Gas type (air, nitrogen, natural gas, specialty gas, etc.)
•  Flow range (max flow rate in L/min or SCCM/SLM)
•  Operating pressure (max pressure in MPa or bar)
•  Output requirement (RS-485, EtherCAT, 4-20mA, ProfiNET, etc.)
•  Connection type (VCR, tube fitting, quick connect)
•  Sealing material (standard FKM, FFKM, metal seal)
•  Installation orientation (horizontal, vertical, any)
•  Quantity and project timeline

Fill out our RFQ form   Email: anna@xalonn.com  Phone: +86-180-9211-4467  Website: www.smartmeasurer.com 

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