Cost-effective solution for precise and dynamic mass flow measurement of gases
At this year’s Hanover Fair, ABB will for the first time be presenting the SensyMaster, the new generation of the thermal mass flowmeter for measuring gases. The new devices are based on the principle of the hot-film anemometer and are noted for having a short response time, a very wide measuring range while at the same time having a simple and robust structure. The measuring medium flows around an electrically heated resistor and cools it. The current required to restore the excess temperature is directly proportional to the mass of the gas flowing past.
This direct mass measurement does not require any additional pressure or temperature compensation in the measurement and offers a wide working range of 1 : 150 starting at almost zero. The very small measuring elements protruding into the flow of gas result in only a minimal loss of pressure and the response time of 0.5 seconds allows a dynamic measurement and therefore precise control of the process. The high accuracy of the measurement of +/- 0.6 percent of the measured value coupled with a high level of repeatability makes the new SensyMaster perfect for a large number of demanding applications in numerous areas of the process industry.
The SensyMaster is the second ABB device family after the Coriolis flowmeters to be based on the new fully digital electronic platform from ABB. It standardizes the appearance, the operation and ultimately also the maintenance of different measuring instruments from ABB. The SensorApplicationMemory permits redundant data storage to increase the level of data security. The EasySetup function reduces the start-up time to just a few minutes. The ApplicationSelector provides up to eight different applications for the flexible use of measuring equipment. An integrated database enables a number of different process gases to be freely selected. Finally, the integrated verification and diagnostics function guarantees a high level of availability along with a minimum outlay on maintenance. The SensorCheck function is used to verify the integrity of the thermal measuring elements.
The platinum thin-film resistors that are used are placed on a ceramic support material and thus ensure excellent long-term stability of the measurements. At the same time, the extremely small mass of the sensors results in very rapid response times and an application temperature of up to 300 degrees Celsius. The fully digital electronics ensure a low level of signal noise and thus greater accuracy. Cable connections over distances of up to 200 meters are possible. With Plug&Play replacement of all the electronics, the configuration is fully preserved by the ApplicationSensorMemory. Parameters no longer need to be entered manually and there is no need to recalibrate the measuring equipment.
Also new is a modular I/O concept with up to five signal outputs. In addition to the three standard outputs, it is possible to install plug-in cards which further increase the communication options and the functionality of the measuring equipment and are automatically recognized by the instrument software. Two expansion cards can be plugged in directly on site. They can include current outputs, digital inputs or outputs, or a 24 V power supply.
The new devices can be supplied with numerous designs and different accuracy levels. A number of accessories and different nominal sizes expand the range of applications. The new devices in the SensyMaster family are of course mechanically backwards-compatible with the previous SensyFlow device series from ABB. As the price of the new device family is considerably below that of the previous devices, depending on the version, the SensyMaster offers a cost-effective alternative while also enhancing the performance capability of the measuring equipment at the same time.
The SensyMaster is available in two series: The devices in the FMT200 series are specifically suited to simple system integration, whereas the devices in the FMT400 series are used in industrial applications. Both series feature devices with different levels of accuracy and functionality, depending on what is required in the particular application.
ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) is a pioneering technology leader in electrification products, robotics and motion, industrial automation and power grids, serving customers in utilities, industry and transport & infrastructure globally. Continuing a history of innovation spanning more than 130 years, ABB today is writing the future of industrial digitalization with two clear value propositions: bringing electricity from any power plant to any plug and automating industries from natural resources to finished products. As title partner of Formula E, the fully electric international FIA motorsport class, ABB is pushing the boundaries of e-mobility to contribute to a sustainable future. ABB operates in more than 100 countries with about 135,000 employees. In 2016, ABB Germany generated sales of EUR 3.28 billion with 10,540 employees. www.abb.de
Note: All specifications are based on US GAAP.
