Thermal Mass Flow Controllers & Meters for the Harshest Environments

Thermal Mass Flow Controllers (MFCs) play a crucial role in process control applications by precisely and accurately controlling gas flow rates in various processes. They are used across multiple industries and applications to ensure stable, repeatable, and efficient process conditions. Some of the critical areas where Thermal MFCs are applied include:

1. Semiconductor Manufacturing: In semiconductor fabrication processes, such as chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and plasma etching, MFCs control the flow of process gases to maintain accurate gas ratios and reactant concentrations, ensuring consistent wafer quality.
2. Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology: MFCs apply in processes such as fermentation, cell culture, and gas chromatography, where they regulate the flow of gases like oxygen, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen to maintain optimal growth conditions for biological cultures or to separate and analyze various compounds.
3. Chemical Processing: In chemical synthesis and reaction control, MFCs manage the flow of reactants and carrier gases to maintain the proper stoichiometry and reaction conditions, ensuring high-quality product yields and safe operations.
4. Solar Cell Manufacturing: MFCs apply in processes such as thin-film deposition and chemical etching, where they control the flow of process gases to create uniform layers and achieve precise etching profiles for high-efficiency solar cells.
5. Fuel Cell Development: In fuel cell research and manufacturing, MFCs regulate the flow of hydrogen, oxygen, and other gases to maintain optimal conditions for efficient energy production and long-lasting performance.
6. Environmental Monitoring: MFCs are used in air quality monitoring and emissions testing systems to control the flow of calibration gases, ensuring accurate measurements and compliance with environmental regulations.
7. Laboratory Research: In various research applications, such as mass spectrometry, gas chromatography, and flow chemistry, MFCs provide precise control over gas flow rates for accurate analysis and experimental conditions.

Thermal Mass Flow Controllers are essential components in process control systems, providing the accuracy, precision, and repeatability required for maintaining optimal process conditions and ensuring high-quality results across diverse industries and applications.

Brooks Instrument SLAMf Series Thermal Mass Flow Controller

The Brooks Instrument SLAMf Series Thermal Mass Flow Controller is an innovative and cutting-edge solution for accurately controlling and measuring gas flow in a wide range of industries and applications. This state-of-the-art flow controller meets the highest performance, reliability, and flexibility standards, ensuring seamless integration into your process control systems.

The SLAMf Series boasts several unique features that set it apart from its competitors. With its patented MultiFlo™ technology, users can easily configure the controller for multiple gases and flow ranges without sacrificing accuracy or requiring recalibration. This results in a highly versatile device capable of meeting the demands of diverse applications.

Another standout feature of the SLAMf Series is its ultra-fast response time, facilitated by the advanced sensor design and high-speed digital signal processing. It ensures that your processes are consistently controlled with precision, minimizing the risk of variations and improving overall efficiency.

The robust construction and corrosion-resistant materials used in the SLAMf Series make it suitable for even the most challenging environments. Its compact design allows easy installation in tight spaces, making it an ideal choice for various industries, such as semiconductor manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, chemical processing, and research facilities.

Typical applications for the Brooks Instrument SLAMf Series Thermal Mass Flow Controller include gas mixing and blending, gas delivery, process control, and environmental monitoring. With its unparalleled performance, adaptability, and durability, the SLAMf Series is the ultimate choice for professionals seeking the best in flow control technology.

Miller Energy, Inc.
800-631-5454
https://millerenergy.com

Basics of Mass Flow Controllers (MFCs)

MFCs work by measuring the mass of the process fluid flowing through them and using this information to control the flow rate. They typically use a flow sensor to measure the flow rate and a control valve to regulate the flow. The control valve is usually a variable area flow meter or a valve that can be opened or closed to adjust the flow rate.

MFCs are used in a variety of applications, including chemical processing, semiconductor manufacturing, and environmental monitoring. They are often used to control the flow of gases in chemical reactions, to regulate the flow of fluids in manufacturing processes, and to monitor and control the flow of gases in environmental monitoring systems.

MFCs are highly accurate and precise and can maintain a constant flow rate over a wide range of process conditions. They are also relatively easy to install and maintain and can be integrated into various process control systems.

There are many applications for mass flow controllers (MFCs) in process control. Some examples include:

• Chemical processing: MFCs can be used to control the flow of reactants and catalysts in chemical reactions, ensuring consistent product quality and yield.
• Food and beverage processing: MFCs can be used to control the flow of ingredients in the production of beverages, sauces, and other food products.
• Pharmaceutical manufacturing: MFCs can be used to control the flow of active ingredients and excipients in the production of medications.
• Petrochemical processing: MFCs can be used to control the flow of fluids in the refining and processing of oil and natural gas.
• Environmental control: MFCs can be used to control the flow of gases and liquids in air pollution control systems, water treatment plants, and other environmental applications.
• Semiconductor manufacturing: MFCs can be used to control the flow of gases and liquids in the production of semiconductor devices.
• Aerospace and defense: MFCs can be used to control the flow of gases and liquids in a variety of aerospace and defense applications, including propulsion systems, life support systems, and fuel systems.

For more information about mass flow controllers in NY, NJ, PA, DE, MD and OH contact Miller Energy, Inc. Call 800-631-5454 or visit https://millerenergy.com.

6 Reasons to Choose Brooks SLA Series Mass Flow Controllers

As firms migrate from Fieldbus to Ethernet networks, EtherNet/IP™ and PROFINET are the fastest growing digital communication technologies in industrial automation. They ship the newest industrial ethernet nodes, almost 64% of the market. EtherNet/IP ™and PROFINET enable users to collect relevant data that helps keep essential systems on track by linking devices to a single network. Information sent across EtherNet/IP™ and PROFINET networks provides better diagnostics, deviation alarms, and predictive maintenance, maximizing system uptime and lowering costs. 

As a result of this collaboration, Brooks Instrument has added EtherNet/IP™ and PROFINET protocols to its industry-leading SLA Series mass flow controllers (MFCs). The SLA5800 and SLAMf mass flow controllers support EtherNet/IP™ or PROFINET protocols and include advanced alarm and diagnostic capabilities.

Industry's Leading Ethernet Protocol Adoptions: EtherNet/IP™ and PROFINET 

The value proposition for EtherNet/IP™ and PROFINET is standard Internet and ethernet protocols. 

• Options for star, ring, or daisy chain topologies. 
• Operators can monitor real-time performance and network data by complying with IEEE Ethernet standards. 
• Flexible network architecture compatible with ordinary Cat 5 cabling and routers simplifies network setup and guarantees all devices interact and exchange data. 
• EtherNetIPTM and PROFINETTM enabled devices can provide rich data for process control, monitoring, diagnostics, and predictive maintenance.

REASON 1: OPEN, NON-PROPRIETARY, AND FUTURE-PROOF. 

Because EtherNet/IP™ and PROFINET use the Common Industrial Protocol (CIP™), support exists from a vast ecosystem of solution providers for industrial process automation. EtherNet/IP™ and PROFINET readily connect to a wide range of DCSs and PLCs, including: 

• Allen-Bradley
• Emerson 
• Siemens
• Rockwell

REASON 2: INTEROPERABLE WITH INDUSTRY-LEADING CONTROL SYSTEMS THROUGH ETHERNET/IP™ AND PROFINET

Due to the ability of contract manufacturers and end-users to use the EtherNet/IP™ and PROFINET protocols to: 

• Cut operating costs 
• Boost process efficiency, quality, yield, and output.

REASON 3: PLUG & PLAY INTEGRATION WITH ROCKWELL AUTOMATION (ALLEN-BRADLEY) PLCS. 

Brooks Instrument engineers worked with Rockwell Automation to provide an upgraded device profile that simplifies the setup and integration of the MFC into the Rockwell Automation (Allen-Bradley) PLC. The SLA5800 and SLAMf are now compatible with EtherNet/IP™ from renowned automation manufacturers. 

The upgraded device/add-on profile: 

• Setup or edit any of the attribute tabs or parameters. The user determines which attributes are appropriate for their procedure. 
• Removes the requirement for programming expertise to connect the MFC to the network.

REASON 4: SLA5800 AND SLAMF FULLY INTEGRATE ETHERNET/IP™ AND PROFINET. 

On the SLA5800 and SLAMf with EtherNet/IP™ or PROFINET, we deliver on our promise to provide value without losing equipment space. Brooks Instrument designed EtherNet/IP™ and PROFINET directly into the mass flow controller, eliminating the need for add-on adapters or modules. The SLA5800 and SLAMf MFCs completely integrate EtherNet/IP™ and PROFINET. The EtherNet/IP™ or PROFINET equipped SLA5800 and SLAMf MFCs have the same footprint as the regular SLA5800 and SLAMf. They also link to your EtherNet/IP™ or PROFINET networks, eliminating the need for additional hardware such as gateways, analog I/O cards, or bespoke cabling and wires. All you need is standard ethernet wiring to get your device running and linked to the network.

REASON 5 : EASY WEB-BASED CONFIGURATION OF ETHERNET/IP™ AND PROFINET NETWORK SETTINGS IN SLA5800 AND SLAMF.

The SLA5800 and SLAMf with EtherNet/IP™ or PROFINET have a user-friendly TCP/IP configuration. A web-based interface connects the MFC to the user's EtherNet/IP™ or PROFINET networks. Once on the network, the user can quickly identify individual MFCs, saving time if the system has several MFCs.

REASON 6: THE LATEST DIAGNOSTICS AND PREDICTIVE FUNCTIONS, SOME EXCLUSIVE TO BROOKS INSTRUMENT MFCS, ARE ENABLED BY ETHERNET/IP™ AND PROFINET PROTOCOLS. 

Intelligent and data-rich mass flow controllers, the SLA5800 and SLAMf with EtherNet/IP™ or PROFINET may improve operational efficiency in equipment automation, metrology, and maintenance. 

For example, limiting the upstream gas input pressure may affect MFC accuracy. The alarm data could be supplied to an operator via the built-in restricted flow alarm.

    

Miller Energy, Inc.
https://millerenergy.com

How Does a 250:1 Turndown Improve Your Bioprocess Performance?

The Brooks Instrument SLA Series Biotech Mass Flow Controller (MFC) with a 250:1 turndown delivers critical benefits to your bioprocess. This biotech-focused MFC provides the added flexibility of a higher controllable range than a traditional MFC, enabling easy scaling and reducing the total cost of ownership by requiring fewer gas lines and mass flow controllers in the system configuration. Performance of the bioprocess also improves by reducing DO noise while fewer overall components simplify system maintenance. 

For more information about Brooks Instrument products, contact Miller Energy by calling 800-631-5454, or visit https://millerenergy.com.

Using Advanced MFC Alarms to Diagnose and Solve Bioprocessing Issues

Losing even a single batch from one of your bioreactors not only impacts your business—it can delay delivery of vital biologics people count on every day.

The best digital mass flow controllers (MFCs) feature alarms and diagnostic tools to give you more complete insight into the quality and efficiency of your biopharma processes.

For more information, contact Miller Energy. Call them at 800-631-5454 or visit their website at https://millerenergy.com.

Mass Flow Controllers for Precise Dosing

Mass Flow Controller - Cutaway View
Image courtesy Brooks Instrument 

There are processing applications that require very accurate flow or dosing control of added constituents. The applications are diverse, ranging from controlled gas flow to precise metering of product fluid components. The ability to accurately and reliably measure and regulate mass flow of a fluid into a process is a common task in process measurement and control.

Thermal mass flow measurement, in basic operation, infers mass flow by measuring the heat dissipation from a heated temperature sensor and comparing it to an unheated reference temperature sensor. The heat dissipation is directly proportional to the mass flow of gas or liquid.

Thermal mass flow meters are very popular for several reasons. They have no moving parts, have a fairly unobstructed flow path, are accurate over a wide range of flow rates, calculate mass flow rather than volume, measure flow in large or small piping systems, and do not need temperature or pressure compensation.

For a process control application, accuracy and real time delivery of measurement data are key factors. Advanced smart controls with a range of communications options that will interface with a variety of devices across a choice of platforms bring high levels of functionality and ease of use to an application. For gas applications, smart technology allows one device to be applied to multiple gas types and ranges without removing the flow meter from the system. Product selection is enhanced by the availability of instruments targeted at a range of applications.

Share your flow measurement and control challenges with process measurement and control specialists. Leverage your own process knowledge and experience with their product application expertise to develop effective solutions.

Using Brooks Mass Flow Controllers with LabVIEW™

Coriolis mass flow controller
Image courtesy Brooks Instrument

Brooks Instrument is the manufacturer of highly accurate and repeatable mass flow controllers. LabVIEW™ develops integrated software for building measurement and control systems used in laboratories, universities, and pilot manufacturing plants. The combination of Brooks MFCs and LabVIEW software provides users a great option for measurment, control, data acquisition and data storage for mass flow.

Listed below are some of the more convenient communication methods to tie Brooks MFCs and LabVIEW™ software together.

Analog Signal Interface

In many situations LabVIEW™ software users also use analog to digital
I/O cards. With analog input cards, users can run their mass flow controllers utilizing a standard 0-5 volt or 4-20 mA analog signaling via LabVIEW™. This is a time-tested, traditional approach and is recommended for applications without the availability of digital control systems.

RS485 Digital Interface

Brooks Instrument mass flow devices configured with RS485 communications (must have the ‘S’ communications option) provide RS485 digital communications via a 15-pin D connector. The RS485 digital signal is passed directly to a computer running LabVIEW™ through a serial RS485 converter. Brooks models GF40, GF80 and SLA Series mass flow controllers are available with the ‘S’ communications option.

Its valuable to note that there is also a free set of VI file for use with LabVIEW from Brooks. These can be loaded directly into the LabVIEW™ application and provide the basics required to create a LabVIEW control interface using the S-Protocol digital command structure. The VI files are available for download from the Brooks Instrument website.

Another communications alternative is using Brook’s Smart DDE (Dynamic Data Exchange) software tool to create links between the LabVIEW™ application and the GF40, GF80 or SLA Series flow, control, and configuration parameters. Additionally, the user can leverage Windows applications (Excel, Word, Access) and programming languages ( C++, C#, Visual Basic) and SCADA programs from suppliers such as Allesco and Millennium Systems International. No knowledge of the mass flow device S-Protocol command structure is required. With Smart DDE, the user gets direct access to the required data fields. While not a complete turnkey option, it greatly reduces the amount of code required to communicate between LabVIEW and the mass flow controller.

DeviceNet Digital Signal Interface

Brooks models GF40, GF80 and SLA, configured for DeviceNet digital communications, can also be controlled via the LabVIEW™ application provided a National Instruments DeviceNet interface card, associated drivers, and software are used. These additional items support the development of application interfaces using LabVIEW™ software for Windows and LabVIEW™ Real-Time.

According to the National Instruments website:

National Instruments DeviceNet for Control interfaces are for applications that manage and control other DeviceNet devices on the network. These interfaces, offered in one-port versions for PCI and PXI, provide full master (scanner) functionality to DeviceNet networks. All NI DeviceNet interfaces include the NI-Industrial Communications for DeviceNet driver software, which features easy access to device data and streamlined explicit messaging. Use a real-time controller such as PXI and NI industrial controllers to create deterministic control applications with the NI LabVIEW Real-Time Module.

Share your mass flow measurement and control challenges with application experts, leveraging your own knowledge and experience with their product application expertise.

Thermal Mass Flow Controller - Product Enhancement

Newly Enhanced Thermal Mass Flow Meters
And Electronic Pressure Controllers
Courtesy Brooks Instrument

Brooks Instrument, world recognized leader in thermal mass flow controllers and mass flow meters, has improved upon its premier family of smart digital thermal mass flow controllers and meters. The newly enhanced SLA Series features:

Enhanced temperature stability
Upgraded electronics
Improved accuracy
Zero-drift diagnostics
High turndown ratio

Multiple communication protocol support, and more.

The video included below will show you all the latest improvements on this product line that has thousands of units in its installed base throughout many industries and applications.

Application assistance and detailed information is available from product specialists. Combine their product and application knowledge with your own process expertise to generate a positive outcome.