In modern industrial production, gas flow measurement is no longer a secondary function hidden inside a pipeline. It is a core source of operational data, energy efficiency, process stability, product quality, and safety management. The General Type Thermal Gas Mass Flow Meter AI-FL is designed for industries that require accurate, compact, reliable, and easy-to-integrate measurement of clean gases at small to medium flow rates. Built around a microelectromechanical system flow sensing chip, it provides direct mass flow measurement without the need for additional temperature and pressure compensation in many typical applications.
The AI-FL thermal gas mass flow meter combines a compact mechanical structure, digital communication capability, optional analog output, local LCD display, and stable measurement performance. It is particularly suitable for industrial systems where installation space is limited, where traditional volumetric or differential pressure flow meters are too bulky, or where process engineers need a more convenient solution for monitoring instantaneous and cumulative gas flow. With a minimum measurable flow rate of 5 NL/min and a maximum measurable flow rate of 1000 NL/min, it is suitable for a wide range of small-flow gas measurement scenarios involving clean, dry gases.
This article introduces the product’s operating principle, core features, technical specifications, application value, manufacturing advantages, quality control approach, and advantages over competing flow measurement technologies. It also explains how the product supports industrial digitalization through RS485 communication and the standard Modbus RTU protocol, making it suitable for smart factories, energy management systems, laboratory equipment, process automation, and equipment condition monitoring.
General Type Thermal Gas Mass Flowmete
Product Overview
The AI-FL universal thermal gas mass flow meter is an ultra-compact flow measurement instrument developed for clean gas monitoring and control. Unlike traditional flow meters that may require large straight pipe sections, complex mechanical parts, or pressure compensation devices, this thermal mass flow meter uses a MEMS flow sensing chip to detect gas mass flow with high sensitivity. The result is a practical, precise, and cost-effective instrument for modern industrial environments.
The product operates with a DC24V power supply and a rated power consumption of 2.5W. This low-power design makes it convenient for integration into industrial control cabinets, automated equipment, test benches, and distributed monitoring systems. It supports RS485 communication with the Modbus RTU protocol, enabling connection to PLCs, industrial computers, data acquisition modules, energy management platforms, and supervisory control systems. A 4–20mA current output option is also available for traditional analog signal systems.
The device is designed to measure and display both instantaneous flow and cumulative flow. This dual-display function is valuable because operators often need real-time flow data for process control while also needing totalized data for gas consumption analysis, cost accounting, leak detection, or batch production records. The built-in LCD provides clear local visibility, reducing the need for external indicators and simplifying on-site commissioning.
Its ultra-small dimensions of approximately 90 mm by 35 mm by 127 mm allow installation in compact equipment, small gas panels, portable devices, and automation modules. The standard mechanical interfaces, including G1/2 and G3/4 external thread options, make installation straightforward. The default working pressure rating is up to 1.6 MPa, and higher pressure ratings can be customized for specific requirements.
