How to perform Gas Sampling using Digital Mass Flow Meter
The Vögtlin red-y compact 2 meters is used as the heart of a reliable automatic in the analytical world, low-cost gas sample taking the device. Emission or environment measurements often demand periodic sampling of a fixed amount of gas and collect them in containers or sample bags.
Figure 1 shows a very simplified diaphragm, and the system runs on 24 Vdc. The high and low alarms can be individually programmable for different alarm functions via the Red-y compact two-alarm module with three alarm points. The capability to reset the alarms and totalizer and the timer function also utilized with an I/O input on the alarm module.
Program the Alarm 1 as a totalizer alarm with the sample requires a volume to collect in each sample. This example is 100 SCC (Standard cubic centimeter).
Duration of the alarm between 100msec and 2.78 hours programmed in that alarm function. This time sets the time between the samples. Once the process starts, the solenoid will open, and a pre-set amount of gas will flow into the sample bag or container. Once the defined amount is reached, Alarm 1 will open and close the solenoid, and the gas flow will stop. Because of the programmed Alarm, 1 duration setting, the alarm will stay active for the pre-programmed time, in our example, 1 hour.
Once this hour is over, Alarm 1 is programmed to reset itself automatically, and the counter goes back to zero. The solenoid is activated again, the gas will flow, and the totalizer repeats until the pre-programmed value is reached. Then, the process starts all over again. The process will continue, and every hour one sample of 100 SCC will flow into the sample container.
Diagnostics set in Alarm 3. The alarm will sound if:
- The sample bag/container gets full.
- Water enters the sample line.
- The flow during sampling is too low (blockage of sample line)
- The flow is too high (Too high pressure in the process)
In this case, push the reset button to deactivate the alarm and continue the process. There are many other variations possible. Every system is a bit different. You can find additions like purging, filtering, pressure reduction, gas drying, etc., out in the field.
Many of these systems’ users obtain a battery-powered high accuracy red-y compact 2 meters to verify if the flow meter in the field is working correctly or if it needs calibration or cleaning. The red-y compact 2 has a significant internal diameter flow channel, has a low-pressure drop, is temperature compensated, and measures the mass flow, independent of changes in pressure and temperature.
Flexibility
It is impossible to describe all processes in which these types of flow meters are used, but if you see a VA meter for gas and you want to improve a process, talk to the experienced Vögtlin engineers, and they will be pleased to help you to find a solution.
Conclusion
Customers use the analytical field’s advantages in research and development around the globe in light industrial applications, in semiconductor segments, and other forms. Very often, we hear from the users, “The beauty of the Vögtlin Thermal Mass flow instruments is once you install, set then forget them, as they work so reliable and independently.”
Vögtlin’s worldwide distribution and sales partners network will help you select the correct equipment that matches your specific needs and best for your application.
