The Role of Thermal Mass Flow Meters in Modern Industrial Systems

In industries like petrochemicals, it's important to work efficiently and safely and follow all rules and standards. Measuring and controlling the flow of gases is a key part of maintaining productivity. One useful device for this is the thermal mass flow meter, which directly measures the mass flow of gases. It gives more accurate results than methods that measure volume and then correct for temperature and pressure.

How Thermal Mass Flow Meters Work

Thermal mass flow meters work on the principle of thermal dispersion. They use two platinum sensors: one measures the gas's actual temperature` (T1), and the other is heated to stay at a constant temperature difference (T2).

When gas flows past the heated sensor, it takes away some heat. The meter has to supply more power to keep the sensor warm. This power requirement changes based on how fast the gas is flowing. The meter uses this to calculate the mass flow rate.

This method is safe for gases like natural gas or hydrogen, as it uses very little energy and doesn't affect the flow itself.

Why Choose Thermal Mass Flow Meters?

As a trusted thermal mass flow meter manufacturer, Burak Metering recommends these key benefits:

• Direct mass flow measurement – no need to correct for pressure or temperature
• High sensitivity at low flow rates – perfect for detecting even small flows
• Wide turndown ratio (up to 1000:1) – handles big variations in flow
• Available in inline and insertion types – for all pipe sizes
• No moving parts – reduces maintenance and improves reliability
• Low pressure drop – helps save energy
• More economical than Coriolis meters
• Useful across many industries – flexible installation options

Need Help Choosing the Right Thermal Mass Flow Meter?

Burak Metering is here to help. Whether you need an insertion-type thermal mass flow meter or an inline model, our experts will guide you to the best solution for your plant or system.

Call us today or visit our website, burak.in to talk to a product specialist.

Major Applications – Especially for Flare Gas Monitoring

Thermal mass flow meters are commonly used in flare gas systems, but they’re also helpful in many other areas:

• Emission monitoring – track gases like CO₂ and methane to follow pollution rules
• Leak detection – find hidden leaks in flare stacks
• Fuel gas recovery – measure and reuse waste gases for energy savings
• Process control – connect with systems like DCS for real-time adjustments
• Natural gas monitoring – improve fuel efficiency in boilers and furnaces
• Compressed air audits – spot air leaks and reduce waste
• Biogas measurement – support renewable energy generation
• Wastewater treatment – manage aeration for better cleaning performance
• Industrial burners – monitor combustion air for proper fuel-air mix

Inline vs. Insertion Type Thermal Mass Flow Meters

At Burak Metering, we supply both types to suit your system:

• Inline Meters: Fit directly into the pipeline. Best for smaller pipes. Compact and easy to install.
• Insertion Meters: Installed through a tapping point. Ideal for larger pipes (2” and above). Can be added or removed without stopping operations.

Things to Keep in Mind Before You Choose

To pick the right thermal mass flow meter, think about:

• Type and properties of the gas
• Minimum and maximum flow rates
• Accuracy you need
• Environmental factors – like temperature, humidity, and pressure
• Maintenance and calibration needs
• Your project budget

We offer advanced models with in-situ calibration verification, so you don’t need to send them back to the factory every time.

Conclusion

Thermal mass flow meters are a smart and dependable solution for gas flow measurement in various industries. They help improve safety, save energy, reduce emissions, and support better process control. Whether you're measuring flare gas, natural gas, or compressed air, these meters offer accuracy, ease of use, and long-term savings.

Ready to Upgrade Your Flow Monitoring System?

Get in touch with Burak Metering, one of the leading thermal mass flow meter suppliers in India.
We offer expert guidance, custom-built solutions, and top-quality products for all your flow measurement needs.

Visit burak.in or call us today.