What is a Thermal Mass Flow Meter?

Saeed Lanjekar

12 Jun, 2025

5 minute

Accurate and reliable flow measurement is essential in various industries, from chemical processing and pharmaceuticals to food & beverage, energy, and environmental monitoring. Among the various types of flow meters available in the market today, thermal mass flow meters stand out for their ability to measure the mass flow rate of gases with high precision and efficiency.

In this blog, we’ll explore how thermal mass flow meters work, where they’re used, and how Burak Metering, a trusted flow meter manufacturer, provides state-of-the-art solutions for your gas flow measurement needs.

What is a Thermal Mass Flow Meter?

A thermal mass flow meter measures the mass flow of a gas directly using heat transfer principles. Unlike volumetric flow meters, which measure the volume of fluid moving through a pipe, thermal mass flow meters determine the actual mass of the gas, making them ideal for applications where mass flow (not just volume) is crucial for process accuracy and control.

How Does a Thermal Mass Flow Meter Work?

The basic working principle of a thermal mass flow meter involves two sensors:

A heated sensor
A temperature sensor

Both sensors are placed in the flow stream. The heated sensor warms up using a known amount of energy. As the gas flows past the sensor, it carries away some of the heat. The faster the gas moves, the more heat is carried away. The temperature sensor then detects the cooling effect, and the system calculates the mass flow rate based on the heat loss.

This technology provides direct mass flow measurements without the need for temperature or pressure compensation.

Key Benefits of Thermal Mass Flow Meters

Direct Mass Flow Measurement
No need for separate temperature or pressure compensation, which saves time and cost.
High Accuracy and Repeatability
Suitable for low and high flow ranges with stable and repeatable output.
Low Maintenance
With no moving parts, these meters require minimal maintenance, ensuring long-term performance.
Cost-Effective
Especially in gas measurement, thermal mass flow meters are cost-effective and efficient for continuous process monitoring.
Digital Outputs and Integration
Many models come with digital communication protocols like MODBUS, HART, or 4-20mA output, allowing easy integration with existing industrial systems.

Applications of Thermal Mass Flow Meters

Thermal mass flow meters are used in a variety of gas flow applications:

Compressed air monitoring
Natural gas measurement
Gas blending and mixing
Environmental emissions monitoring
Biogas and flare gas measurement
HVAC systems
Pharmaceutical and food processing

Why Choose Burak Metering for Thermal Mass Flow Meters?

When it comes to selecting a reliable and accurate flow meter, choosing the right manufacturer is just as important as the technology itself. That’s where Burak Metering comes in.

Trusted Flow Meter Manufacturer

Burak Metering is an established name in the field of industrial flow meters, offering advanced, durable, and precise flow measurement solutions for over a decade.

Advanced Thermal Mass Flow Technology

Burak thermal mass flow meters are engineered using high-quality sensors and smart electronics. They offer real-time, highly accurate measurements for a wide range of industrial gases.

Customization and Industry-Specific Solutions

Burak understands that no two applications are the same. That’s why they offer custom-built flow meters that align with specific industry requirements—be it high-pressure gas applications, corrosive gases, or hazardous environments.

Robust and Long-Lasting Design

Built to withstand tough conditions, Burak thermal mass flow meters are made from robust materials and designed to handle demanding industrial environments.

Excellent Customer Support and After-Sales Service

From consultation and selection to installation and maintenance, Burak Metering supports its clients at every stage. Their after-sales support is prompt, and technical issues are handled efficiently.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a dependable, precise, and efficient solution for gas flow measurement, a thermal mass flow meter from Burak Metering is an excellent choice. Whether you operate in manufacturing, energy, HVAC, pharmaceuticals, or water treatment, Burak meters deliver the performance and reliability your operations demand.

As a leading gas flow meter manufacturer, Burak Metering offers the expertise, technology, and customer support needed to streamline your processes and improve accuracy across the board.

Looking for an Accurate Thermal Mass Flow Meter?

Contact Burak Metering today to learn more about their industrial flow meters and how they can help you achieve high-performance mass flow measurement for your business.