Integrated flow controller for liquids and liquid/gas mixtures

01 April 2010

The combination of sensor, control electronics and proportional valves in a single compact device assures users of fast and accurate means of measuring and dosing small volumes of liquids or gases with nominal flow rates of 10 to 600ml/min.

Burkert’s new liquid flow controller (LFC) is suitable for applications that require dynamic control or metering of liquids such as de-ionised or de-mineralised water, methanol or low-viscosity oils. Used in combination with Burkert’s mass flow controllers, it can also be used for simultaneous dosing of gases and liquids in atomising or sterilisation processes, particularly where several liquids, or a liquid and a gas must be regulated simultaneously.

Previously this type of control was comparatively complex, involving the use of individual components, which raised issues of cost and interface incompatibility. The LFC overcomes these problems with a design that optimises the differential-pressure process for liquid flow-rate measurements, giving precise, fast and repeatable results.

Other features include flow-rate measurement without moving parts, configuration and diagnosis via a serial interface, and an integrated totaliser for consumption analysis. The unit is also available with the option of IP65 protection.

The LFC is based on Burkert’s proven mass flow controller series. Thanks to its compact design, it is easy to install, and can be located in difficult-to-access positions, such as directly behind angled piping. And, thanks to its narrow width per unit station, it can be sited immediately downstream of angled connections. The device is available either as a closed loop controller with integral, proportional-control solenoid valve (the LFC), or as a flow meter (LFM version).