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.
What is Refractometer Critical Angle Measurement?
Vaisala refractometers use the critical angle measurement principle. A refractometer's three essential components are a light source, a prism, and an image detector.
The light source sends rays to the prism and process interface at different angles. Rays with a steep angle partly reflect at the image detector and partially refract at the process. Low-angle rays reflect entirely on the detector. The angle from which the total reflection starts is called the critical angle.
The CCD camera detects a bright and dark field corresponding to partly reflected and totally reflected light. The position of the borderline between the bright and the dark area correlates with the critical angle, which is a function of the refractive index and correlates with the solution's concentration.
A built-in temperature sensor measures the temperature T on the interface of the process liquid. The sensor converts the refractive index nD and temperature T into concentration units.
Vaisala K-PATENTS refractometer can indicate different scales, for example, Brix, liquid density, or concentration by weight. The diagnostics program ensures that the measurement is reliable.
Miller Energy, Inc.
800-631-5454
On/Off Valves from Schubert & Salzer
Schubert & Salzer on/off valves are available in many configurations and sizes. Application solutions for almost any process are available using pneumatic or motorized actuators. Traditional globe pattern designs are available, as are angle globe seat valves with straight-through flow channels that reduce turbulence. All include a variety of end connections, including ANSI 150/300 flanges, threaded connections, tri-clamps, and weld ends. Valves provide millions of maintenance-free cycles in demanding applications such as steam, gaseous media, and contaminated liquids. Products include 316 stainless steel and bronze bodies, with actuator packages available in all stainless steel (including internals), heavy-duty metals, and lightweight plastics. Many features of motorized actuators include weather and water resistance, a variety of voltages, and fail-safe operation.
Angle seat valves:
Angle seat valves in the open/close or control designs have a particularly compact construction and can execute many switch cycles. In all of its variations, the valve's architecture provides a very efficient flow rate and can even install in mildly contaminated media.
Flange valves:
Flange valves are more accessible to remove from pipes than screwed valves at bigger diameters. This range fits various connection standards associated with angle and straight-flanged seat valves.
Three-way valves:
Three-way valves perform various activities, including mixing and distributing media flows and charging and discharging a functional component (e.g., a pressure cylinder).
For more information about Schubert & Salzer on/off products in NY, NJ, PA, DE, MD and OH contact Miller Energy, Inc. Call 800-631-5454 or visit https://millerenergy.com.
Brooks Instrument GP200 Pressure-based Mass Flow Controllers (MFC): Theory of Operation
Brooks Instrument presents the theory of operation behind their pressure-based mass flow controller (P-MFC) from their GP200 series in this video. This P-MFC has a unique design approach for enhanced process performance without the limitations of today's traditional P-MFCs. A traditional P-MFC system includes:
- An upstream pressure transducer.
- An upstream control valve.
- Two individual pressure transducers.
- Laminar flow element.
The use of an upstream valve has many disadvantages. This design requires high pressure making it sub-optimal for critical low-pressure gases and low full-scale flow rate. It also means matching the two individual pressure transducers perfectly.
Brooks Instrument designed a patented integrated differential pressure transducer, GP200 P-MFC, to address the disadvantages. The GP200 has one actual differential transducer instead of two, eliminating the need to match the two individual pressure transducers, significantly reducing measurement uncertainty, and improving accuracy, particularly for critical low vapor pressure process gases. Its downstream valve architecture will operate at much lower inlet pressures and across a broader range of pressures. The downstream valve also minimizes the bleed-down effect and ensures that the device is insensitive to dynamic outlet conditions.
The GP200 Series P-MFC features a patented architecture that overcomes the limitations of conventional P-MFCs to provide the most precise process gas delivery even when delivering low vapor pressure process gases. It includes several unique design aspects, including an integrated differential pressure sensor coupled with a downstream valve architecture enabling the most precise process gas delivery over the industry's broadest range of operating conditions.
Since GP200 Series supports a broad range of process conditions, it can be used as a drop-in replacement and upgrade for many traditional P-MFCs and thermal MFCs. It reduces the complexity and cost of ownership of the gas delivery system because it eliminates the need for components such as pressure regulators and transducers.
GP200 FEATURES
- True differential pressure measurement
- Lower inlet pressure operation
- Downstream valve architecture
- Matched transient response
- Zero Leak-by Control Valve
- MultiFlo™ technology offers unparalleled flexibility—one device can be programmed for thousands of different gas and flow range configurations without removing the MFC from the gas line or compromising accuracy
- Local display indicates flow, temperature, pressure and network address
- DeviceNet™, EtherCAT®, RS-485 L-Protocol and analog interfaces
GP200 BENEFITS
- By removing the requirement to match and compensate two separate pressure transducers, the GP200 differential pressure technology reduces measurement uncertainty for enhanced accuracy, repeatability and drift performance.
- Safer fab operation at lower inlet pressures is now achievable with a P-MFC due to the GP200 differential pressure sensor that is specifically optimized for low differential pressure measurement.
- The downstream valve architecture ensures accuracy is independent of downstream pressure, enabling flow delivery into pressures as high as 1200 Torr. The fast closing valve addresses non-productive recipe wait times, or "tail effects," seen in upstream MFC valve designs that require additional time to bleed down their internal volume of gas.
- Ultra-fast, highly repeatable ascending and descending flow stabilization time enables tighter process control in advanced high cycle Deposition and Etch processes.
- 100X improvement in valve shut-down
- With MultiFlo™, MFC full scale flow range can be re-scaled down typically by a factor of 3:1 with no impact on accuracy, turndown or leak by specifications, for optimum process and inventory flexibility
- Convenient user display and independent diagnostic/service port aids device installation, monitoring and troubleshooting
For more information about Brooks Instrument products, contact Miller Energy, Inc. Call 800-631-5454 or visit https://millerenergy.com.
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