NKFA-M Medium-Range Mass Flow Meter/Controller: Working Principle, Technical Parameters & Selection Guide

Direct Answer

The NKFA-M Medium-Range Analog Mass Flow Meter/Controller is a thermal mass flow measurement and control instrument designed for medium-range gas flow applications. The series provides flow ranges from 30 SLM to 150 SLM, with a specified accuracy of ±1.0% FS, and supports analog signals including 0–5 VDC and 4–20 mA.

The NKFA-M series is available in two configurations: NKFA-MM Mass Flow Meter for flow measurement and NKFA-MC Mass Flow Controller for flow measurement and control. The product can be configured according to flow range, pressure rating, signal type, power supply, sealing material, and connection size.

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Key Takeaways

• Measurement principle: Thermal mass flow measurement.
• Flow range: 30 SLM to 150 SLM.
• Accuracy: ±1.0% FS.
• Linearity: ±0.5% FS.
• Repeatability: ±0.2% FS.
• Response time: <2 s for the mass flow controller and <1.5 s for the mass flow meter.
• Analog signals: 0–5 VDC and 4–20 mA.
• Operating temperature: 0–50°C.
• Base material: 316L.
• Connection options: φ6, φ10, 1/4″, and 3/8″.
• Available configurations: Mass Flow Meter and Mass Flow Controller.

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What Is the NKFA-M Medium-Range Analog Mass Flow Meter/Controller?

The NKFA-M is a medium-range analog mass flow measurement and control series designed for gas flow applications requiring flow measurement, monitoring, or control.

The series includes:

• NKFA-MM Mass Flow Meter
• NKFA-MC Mass Flow Controller

The NKFA-M uses a thermal mass flow measurement principle. The product information describes a flow-splitting structure and thermal measurement method. This design provides fast response and is intended for flow measurement and control applications.

The main product features shown in the product specifications include:

1. Thermal measurement principle with fast response and high accuracy.
2. Flow-splitting pipeline structure.
3. Suitable for various low-pressure and high-pressure pipeline applications within the specified pressure range.
4. Short preheating time, low zero drift, and high reliability.
5. Supports analog input/output signals for connection with secondary instruments or flow computers for flow display and control.

The actual operating conditions should be confirmed according to the selected model and application requirements.

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How Does the NKFA-M Mass Flow Meter Work?

1. Thermal Mass Flow Measurement Principle

The NKFA-M uses a thermal mass flow measurement principle.

According to the product information, the measured gas is divided through the flow-splitting structure, with part of the gas flow passing through the sensor measurement section. The sensor detects the thermal changes associated with gas flow and converts the detected change into a flow signal.

The measurement process can be represented as:

Gas Flow → Thermal Change → Sensor Detection → Electrical Flow Signal

This principle is used for gas mass flow measurement within the specified flow range.

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2. NKFA-MM Mass Flow Meter

The NKFA-MM Mass Flow Meter is primarily used for gas flow measurement and signal output.

The measured flow can be converted into an analog signal such as:

• 0–5 VDC
• 4–20 mA

These signals can be used by external display instruments, control systems, PLCs, or flow calculation systems according to the selected configuration.

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3. NKFA-MC Mass Flow Controller

The NKFA-MC Mass Flow Controller combines flow measurement with flow control.

According to the product description, the mass flow controller consists of components including:

• Mass flow sensor
• Flow-splitting / differential-pressure component
• Flow control valve
• Amplification and control circuit

The basic control process can be described as:

Flow Measurement → Signal Processing → Comparison with Setpoint → Valve Adjustment → Flow Control

The control valve regulates the flow so that the actual flow approaches the set flow value.

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Key Parameters｜Technical Specifications

According to the provided NKFA-M product specifications, the main technical parameters are as follows:

Note: The specifications above are organized directly from the provided product information. The actual technical configuration should be confirmed according to the selected model and technical documentation.

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Flow Range

The NKFA-M series is designed for medium-range gas flow measurement and control.

The listed flow range options include:

• 30 SLM
• 50 SLM
• 100 SLM
• 150 SLM

Therefore, the NKFA-M series covers a flow range of:

30 SLM–150 SLM

The appropriate range should be selected according to the actual operating flow requirements.

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How to Choose the NKFA-M Mass Flow Meter/Controller

Selecting the appropriate NKFA-M configuration requires consideration of several key parameters.

1. Select the Product Type

The product selection includes:

• [C] Mass Flow Controller
• [M] Mass Flow Meter

Choose the NKFA-MC Mass Flow Controller when flow regulation is required.

Choose the NKFA-MM Mass Flow Meter when the primary requirement is flow measurement.

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2. Select the Pressure Rating

The product selection information provides:

• [M] 3 MPa
• [Z] 10 MPa — Mass Flow Meter only

Therefore, the pressure rating should be selected according to the actual system pressure and product type.

For the 10 MPa configuration, the product information specifies that it is available for the Mass Flow Meter only.

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3. Select the Flow Range

Available flow range options include:

• [030L] 30 SLM
• [050L] 50 SLM
• [100L] 100 SLM
• [150L] 150 SLM

The selected flow range should match the actual operating requirements of the gas flow system.

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4. Select the Flow Input Signal

The available input signal options shown in the product selection information are:

• [A1] 0–5 VDC
• [A2] 4–20 mA

The appropriate input signal should be selected according to the interface requirements of the control system.

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5. Select the Output Signal

The available output signal options include:

• [B1] 0–5 VDC
• [B2] 4–20 mA

The signal type should be matched with the connected PLC, controller, display instrument, or other control equipment.

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6. Select the Power Supply

The product selection provides:

• [S] ±15 VDC
• [4] 24 VDC

The required power supply should be confirmed according to the selected configuration and system requirements.

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7. Select the Sealing Material

Available sealing material options include:

• [V] Fluororubber
• [T] PTFE
• [N] Chloroprene Rubber
• [Y] Other

The sealing material should be selected according to the compatibility requirements of the measured medium.

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8. Select the Connection Fitting

The product selection information lists the following connection options:

• [B] φ6
• [C] φ10
• [D] 1/4″
• [G] 3/8″
• [Y] Other — Contact the Manufacturer

The connection size should be selected according to the requirements of the gas pipeline system.

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Installation & Operating Considerations

1. Confirm the Working Pressure

The working pressure differs between the NKFA-MC Mass Flow Controller and NKFA-MM Mass Flow Meter.

According to the provided specifications:

• NKFA-MC Mass Flow Controller: 0.05–0.5 MPa
• NKFA-MM Mass Flow Meter: <30 kPa

The actual pipeline pressure should therefore be confirmed before selecting the product.

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2. Confirm the Flow Range

The NKFA-M series covers 30–150 SLM.

Before installation, confirm the actual minimum, normal, and maximum operating flow to select the appropriate flow range.

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3. Confirm the Signal Configuration

Before connecting the instrument, verify:

• Input signal
• Output signal
• Power supply
• DB15 electrical connection

Incorrect electrical configuration may affect normal operation.

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4. Confirm the Connection Size

Confirm that the instrument connection matches the field pipeline before installation.

Available connection options include:

φ6, φ10, 1/4″, and 3/8″.

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5. Confirm the Sealing Material

The sealing material should be selected according to the characteristics and compatibility requirements of the measured medium.

The listed options include:

Fluororubber, PTFE, and chloroprene rubber.

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Common Problems

Why is flow range selection important for the NKFA-M?

For medium-range gas flow measurement, selecting an appropriate flow range helps ensure that the instrument is properly matched to the actual operating conditions.

The NKFA-M provides 30, 50, 100, and 150 SLM flow range options.

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What is the difference between the NKFA-MM and NKFA-MC?

The NKFA-MM Mass Flow Meter is primarily used for flow measurement and signal output.

The NKFA-MC Mass Flow Controller combines flow measurement with flow control and uses a control valve to regulate the flow according to the set value.

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Does the NKFA-M support 4–20 mA?

Yes. The product selection information includes 4–20 mA as an available analog input/output signal option.

It also provides 0–5 VDC.

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What is the operating temperature of the NKFA-M?

The specified operating temperature is:

0–50°C.

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What is the accuracy of the NKFA-M?

The specified accuracy is:

±1.0% FS.

The product specifications also list:

• Linearity: ±0.5% FS
• Repeatability: ±0.2% FS

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What flow ranges are available?

The NKFA-M series provides:

30 SLM, 50 SLM, 100 SLM, and 150 SLM

flow range options.

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Applications

According to the provided product information, the NKFA-M series can be used in the following application fields:

• Glass industry
• Solar energy
• Atmospheric monitoring
• Industrial manufacturing
• Petrochemical applications
• Combustion and metallurgy
• Gas generation and gas mixing
• Environmental protection
• Instrument analysis

The medium-range NKFA-M series is suitable for systems requiring gas flow measurement, monitoring, and control within the specified operating range.

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Recommended Instrument

NKFA-M Medium-Range Analog Mass Flow Meter/Controller

Product Series: NKFA-M

Product Types:

• NKFA-MM Mass Flow Meter
• NKFA-MC Mass Flow Controller

Key Features

• Thermal mass flow measurement principle
• Medium-range gas flow measurement
• 30–150 SLM flow range
• ±1.0% FS accuracy
• ±0.5% FS linearity
• ±0.2% FS repeatability
• Fast response
• 0–5 VDC / 4–20 mA analog signals
• 316L base material
• Multiple sealing material options
• Multiple connection specifications

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FAQ

Q1: What is the NKFA-M?

The NKFA-M is a medium-range analog mass flow meter/controller series based on a thermal mass flow measurement principle.

Q2: What is the flow range of the NKFA-M?

The NKFA-M covers flow ranges from 30 SLM to 150 SLM, with available options of 30, 50, 100, and 150 SLM.

Q3: What is the accuracy of the NKFA-M?

The specified accuracy is ±1.0% FS.

Q4: What is the difference between the NKFA-MM and NKFA-MC?

The NKFA-MM is a mass flow meter designed for flow measurement, while the NKFA-MC is a mass flow controller designed for both flow measurement and control.

Q5: Does the NKFA-M support 4–20 mA?

Yes. The NKFA-M product selection includes 4–20 mA and 0–5 VDC analog signal options.

Q6: What is the operating temperature?

The specified operating temperature is 0–50°C.

Q7: What connection sizes are available?

The listed connection options are φ6, φ10, 1/4″, and 3/8″, with other options available by contacting the manufacturer.

Q8: What materials are available for the seals?

The listed sealing options include fluororubber, PTFE, and chloroprene rubber, with other options available according to the product selection.

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Conclusion

The NKFA-M Medium-Range Analog Mass Flow Meter/Controller is a thermal mass flow instrument designed for gas flow measurement and control applications in the 30–150 SLM range.

The series provides a specified accuracy of ±1.0% FS, linearity of ±0.5% FS, and repeatability of ±0.2% FS. It supports 0–5 VDC and 4–20 mA analog signal configurations and provides multiple options for power supply, sealing material, and pipeline connections.

The NKFA-M series includes both the NKFA-MM Mass Flow Meter and NKFA-MC Mass Flow Controller, allowing users to select the appropriate configuration according to whether the application requires flow measurement or flow measurement combined with flow control.

For proper product selection, the key parameters to confirm include product type, flow range, working pressure, input/output signal, power supply, sealing material, and connection size.

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RFQ｜Request a Quote for NKFA-M

If you are looking for a medium-range gas mass flow meter or mass flow controller, please provide the following application information:

• Measured gas
• Minimum flow rate
• Normal flow rate
• Maximum flow rate
• Working pressure
• Operating temperature
• Required accuracy
• Input/output signal
• Power supply
• Connection size
• Sealing material requirements

Based on these parameters, the appropriate NKFA-M Mass Flow Meter or Mass Flow Controller configuration can be determined.