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Welcher Durchflussmesser bietet die beste Chemikalienbeständigkeit?

Eigentlich gibt es keinen „besten“ Durchflussmesser.

Die Chemikalienbeständigkeit ist immer relativ zu betrachten, da es eine enorme Vielfalt an Chemikalien gibt. Außerdem umfasst der Begriff „der beste“ in der Regel weit mehr Aspekte als nur die chemische Beständigkeit.

Die Flowmeister BV konzentriert sich auf nichtmetallische Durchflussmesser und kann für nahezu jede chemische Anwendung eine oder mehrere geeignete Lösungen vorschlagen.

Was bedeutet „der beste“?

Wenn die Chemikalienbeständigkeit im Vordergrund steht, sollten die wichtigsten Auswahlkriterien für einen Durchflussmesser berücksichtigt werden.

Dieser Beitrag ist zu kurz, um alle möglichen Auswahlkriterien und Lösungsansätze im Detail zu behandeln. Daher konzentrieren wir uns auf die häufigsten Aspekte und geben einige praktische Beispiele.

Im Zusammenhang mit diesem Thema steht die Chemikalienbeständigkeit an erster Stelle. Darüber hinaus betrachten wir Genauigkeit, Viskosität und Kosten.

Beste Chemikalienbeständigkeit

Wenn in Ihrem Prozess Chemikalien eingesetzt werden, ist es selbstverständlich, dass die verwendeten Komponenten chemisch beständig sein müssen.

Aus Gründen der Sicherheit und Zuverlässigkeit ist die Werkstoffauswahl von entscheidender Bedeutung. Um festzustellen, welche Instrumente grundsätzlich für eine bestimmte Chemikalie geeignet sind, verwendet Flowmeister BV eine umfangreiche Datenbank mit Hunderten von Chemikalien. Diese zeigt die Beständigkeit von mehr als 20 technischen Kunststoffen gegenüber unterschiedlichen Medien.

Da Temperatur und Konzentration das Ergebnis häufig beeinflussen, fragen wir immer nach dem Temperaturbereich Ihrer Anwendung.

Das Ergebnis dieser Analyse ist in der Regel eine oder mehrere bevorzugte Werkstoffoptionen, beispielsweise PFA. Auf dieser Grundlage und unter Berücksichtigung des erforderlichen Durchflussbereichs können wir die kommerziell verfügbaren Messgeräte gezielt eingrenzen.

Die beste Lösung aus der Vorauswahl

Aus der Liste geeigneter Instrumente erstellen wir anschließend ein Gesamtranking unter Berücksichtigung von Genauigkeit, Viskosität und Kosten.

Genauigkeit und Viskosität hängen eng zusammen – die physikalischen Eigenschaften des Mediums bilden die Grundlage jeder Auswahl.

Für wasserähnliche Flüssigkeiten mit geringer Viskosität sind Turbinen-Durchflussmesser oft eine wirtschaftliche und zuverlässige Lösung. Medien mit höherer Viskosität erfordern häufig einen Ovalradzähler oder lassen sich sehr gut mit Ultraschall-Durchflussmessern messen.

Wenn Ihre Anwendung eine Gesamtgenauigkeit von ±2 % des Messwertes verlangt, stehen zahlreiche geeignete Instrumente zur Verfügung. Die Auswahl wird jedoch kleiner, wenn eine Abweichung von nur ±1 % oder sogar ±0,5 % zulässig ist.

Die Kosten sind weniger absolut und ergeben sich aus den zuvor definierten Anforderungen. Unabhängig vom Preis können Sie sicher sein, dass die vorgeschlagene Lösung auf den entscheidenden Kriterien basiert: Chemikalienbeständigkeit, Messbereich und Genauigkeit.

Ist die Investition höher als erwartet? Dann kann es sinnvoll sein, die Genauigkeitsanforderungen zu überprüfen und eine In-situ-Kalibrierung in Betracht zu ziehen. Die Kosten hierfür sollten selbstverständlich mit der ursprünglichen Investition verglichen werden.

Praxisbeispiele

Die Ultraschall-Durchflussmesser der Flowmax®-Serie haben sich in chemischen Dosiersystemen vielfach bewährt.

Sie überzeugen durch ihre robuste Konstruktion und eine breite chemische Beständigkeit dank verfügbarer Werkstoffe wie PFA, HDPE 500, PSU und PP. Besonders interessant sind die standardmäßig verfügbaren Analog- und Impulsausgänge.

Für niedrigviskose Flüssigkeiten und kleinere Durchflussmengen stellen die Turbinen-Durchflussmesser von Digmesa eine kosteneffiziente Lösung dar. Die chemikalienbeständigen Ausführungen besitzen keine metallischen medienberührten Teile. Allerdings ist eine Dichtung vorhanden, die je nach Anwendung einen potenziellen Risikofaktor darstellen kann.

Im Mikrofluidik-Bereich decken die thermischen Durchflussmesser von Biotech Fluidics Anwendungen von nahezu 0 bis 650 ml/min ab.

Niemals raten

Wenn Chemikalienbeständigkeit eine entscheidende Rolle spielt, sollten Sie niemals davon ausgehen, dass das teuerste Messgerät automatisch die beste Lösung ist.

Kontaktieren Sie Flowmeister BV und erhalten Sie eine objektive Empfehlung – inklusive aller relevanten Aspekte und möglicher Aufmerksamkeitspunkte für Ihre Anwendung.

Chemical resistance flowmeter

Which flowmeter has the best chemical resistance?

Actually, there is no such thing as ‘best’ flowmeter.
Chemical resistance is a relative aspect, since there’s a huge number of chemicals.
Besides that, ‘best’ will usually include more aspects than just chemical resistance.
Flowmeister BV concentrates on non-metal flowmeters and is able to propose one or more suggestions for each chemical application.

Chemical resistance flowmeter

Define ‘best’,

Keeping in mind the primary aspects in flowmeter selection when chemical resistance matters.

This blog is far too short to zoom in on each of the possible selection-criteria and the multiple ways to meet these criteria.
Therefore we will highlight the most common aspects and give examples of solutions.
Chemical resistance is the first and most important aspect in the context of this blog.
Secondly, we will address accuracy, viscosity and cost.

Best chemical resistance

When your process involves a chemical, it is obvious that the hardware will need to be chemically resistant.
For reasons of safety and reliability, the material selection matters most of all.
To determine which selection of instruments can theoretically deal with the chemical, Flowmeister BV uses an extensive table with hundreds of chemicals.
This table shows the performance of 2o engineering plastics to each chemical.
Often the temperature and concentration affect the outcome, therefore we will always ask for the temperature-range of your process.

The outcome of this screening is usually one of more preferred materials, for example PFA.
With this basis, and the known flowrange, a first selection in the folder of datasheets brings forward the commercially available options.

Best of the pre-selected options

Form the shortlist of possible instruments, we determine the overall ranking, considering properties like accuracy, viscosity and cost.
Accuracy and viscosity go hand-in-hand. Physics is the most absolute aspect and comes first.
For water-like liquids with a low viscosity, a turbine-meter is a good and economic solution. More viscous liquids will require an ovalgear flowmeter, or will work well in an ultrasonic instrument.
If your process requires an overall accuracy within 2% of measured value, we have more capable instruments to chose from. This selection get smaller when we need to meet a 1 or 0.5% allowed deviation.
Cost is less absolute and is a consequence of previous needs.
Whatever the cost is, you may trust it’s the best outcome, based on hard demnads as chemical resistance, measuring-range and accuracy.
Is the needed investment too high? Please consider a different accuracy and implement an in-situ calibration.
The cost of that needs to be compared to the CAPEX-investment of course……

Examples

To conclude, we’d like to refer to some recent solutions.
In general, the ultrasonic Flowmax® flowmeters are well-received in chemical dosing systems.
A robust design and a wide coverage of chemicals with the selectable materials such as PFA, HDPE 500, PSU and PP.
Interesting feature is the default analogue and pulse-output signal.

For liquids with low viscosity and in lower flowrates, the Digmesa turbine-meters are a cost-efficient solution. The chemical versions have no metal wetted parts, but there is a seal, which could introduce a risk-factor.

In the micro-fluidic range, the thermal flowmeters of Biotech Fluidics serve applications from nearly 0 up to 650 ml/minute. 

Never guess

With a chemical resistance issue in mind, never guess that the most expensive instrument will automatically  be the ‘best’.
Contact Flowmeister BV and get an objective advise, which includes the points of attention.

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Lees verder

Is an ultrasonic flowmeter a good option for low-flow?

Flowmeister is pleased to answer this question with a YES!
Introducing the new Flowmax® 4000i ultrasonic flowmeter — engineered for precision liquid flow measurement in demanding industrial environments.

The Flowmax® 4000i combines advanced ultrasonic technology with an exceptionally compact inline design, and resistant PFA material for the wetted area.
Making it the ideal solution for applications in chemical dosing, flow-reactors, pharmaceutical production, and high-tech systems with UPW cooling circuits.

Its straight flowpath offers several key advantages:
• Minimal pressure drop
• Reduced risk of vibration and turbulence
• Easy integration into compact systems

The most remarkable feature of Flowmax® 4000i is its exceptionally high turn-down ratio of 600:1 (!)
A single instrument can accurately cover a very wide measuring range while maintaining the high accuracy and repeatability that Flowmax® instruments are known for.

The sensor operates completely wear-free thanks to its non-contact ultrasonic measurement principle and the absence of moving parts.
Conductive and non-conductive liquids can be measured reliably and with fast response times.

Every Flowmax® 4000i is individually tested before leaving the factory. Optional 3-point or 8-point calibration certificates are available for applications requiring documented traceability and enhanced accuracy assurance.

Flowmax® 4000i — precision low-flow ultrasonic measurement with maximum flexibility.
Brought to you by Flowmeister!

#FlowMeasurement #UltrasonicFlowmeter #Pharma #ChemicalIndustry #UPW #HighTechSystems #ProcessAutomation #Flowmax #Flowmeister

Is dual-sourcing of a validated Single-Use assembly possible?

Flexible Single-Use solutions for biopharma production

In modern biopharmaceutical manufacturing, flexibility, sterility, and supply security are more important than ever.
During the COVID-pandemic, manufacturers and CMDO’s were faced with supply-chain challenges.
It appeared that moving to a second supplier was possible, but not easy.
That is why Flowmeister BV proudly represents GMPTEC GmbH in the Netherlands, bringing high-quality single-use solutions to pharmaceutical, biotech, and life-science customers.

Single-use technology has become a standard in many upstream and downstream bioprocesses.
From sterile product transfer and filtration to sampling and filling applications, our disposable assemblies help manufacturers to:
– reduce cleaning validation,
– minimize contamination risks and
– improve operational flexibility.

The GMPTEC portfolio ranges from sterile off-the-shelf components to fully customized tubing and bag assemblies.
Depending on the application, assemblies can be supplied ready-to-use, gamma sterilized, or ready for autoclaving.
Typical solutions include tubing sets, filter assemblies, bottle assemblies, manifolds, and bioreactor connections. All is engineered according to your specifications.

In today’s market, availability, pricing, and product quality are increasingly important reasons for companies to consider dual-sourcing.
However, successful dual-sourcing strongly depends on the level of detail in the original specifications.
Especially in the field of validated processes, dual-sourcing is a careful operation
Material selection, tubing dimensions, connectors, sterilization methods, validation data, and packaging requirements all play a critical role.
Together with the experts of GMPtec GmbH, Flowmeister supports customers in defining these specifications clearly and practically.
We help you create robust and future-proof sourcing strategies.

A major advantage of GMPTEC is its brand-independent engineering approach.
Because the company is not tied to one specific component manufacturer, their engineers provide objective advice and select the most suitable combination of components for each process.

Where desired, assemblies can also integrate an ultrasonic single-use flowmeter for accurate, non-contact flow-measurement in demanding biopharmaceutical applications.

How accurate is a compact turbine flowmeter?

On behalf of Ron van Dooren, Flowmeister BV

Let’s have a look

On average, a turbine flow meter can be expected to achieve an accuracy of approximately ±2% of the measured value.

To answer this question, let us consider the measurement of water or water-like liquids in machinery and equipment requiring flow rates up to 2.5 l/min.

For the turbine flow meter itself, it makes no difference whether the medium is drinking water, Ultra-Pure Water (UPW), Water for Injection (WFI) or any other.

The performance of a flowmeter depends not only on the sensor itself, but also on installation conditions and variations in flow rate.

For this type of application, Digmesa AG offers a smart and compact solution with the NANO Flex.

With an internal passage diameter of 3 mm, the meter comfortably covers flow rates up to 2.5 l/min.
A dual-supported micro turbine converts the flow rate into a nominal 2580 pulses per liter.

Thanks to its inline design and integrated AVS Römer 8 mm push-in connection, the flow meter can easily be installed into a straight section of tubing or piping.
This not only simplifies installation and improves operational safety, but also benefits the flow-profile and therefore overall measurement performance.

The upper graph illustrates how the measurement deviation develops across the complete flow range from minimum to maximum flow rate.

As a general rule, instrument sizing should allow for some additional measuring capacity above the maximum expected flow rate. In this case, temporary peaks up to 3 l/min are still measured reliably.

The 3 mm internal diameter represents a reduction in the flow path and therefore introduces a certain pressure drop. This is shown in the lower graph.

Conclusion

For water flow measurement in the range of 0.25 to 3 l/min, the NANO Flex from Digmesa AG provides a compact, accurate, and maintenance-free solution for long-term reliable operation in machine and equipment engineering.

Flow update

Wat is het risico bij doseren van Natrium Bisulfiet?

Overdosering bij dechlorinatie: een onderschat risico

Door Ron van Dooren – Flowmeister BV

In industriële waterbehandelingsprocessen wordt natriumbisulfiet ingezet voor dechlorinatie.
Het is een effectieve en relatief veilige manier om restchloor snel te neutraliseren.
Er schuilt een belangrijk risico in de praktijk: overdosering.

Risico op verlaagd zuurstofgehalte

Wanneer meer natriumbisulfiet wordt gedoseerd dan strikt noodzakelijk, verschuift het probleem.
In plaats van een teveel aan chloor ontstaat er een overschot aan reducerend middel.
Dit heeft directe impact op het watermilieu en het proces zelf.
Het meest kritische effect is het verbruik van opgeloste zuurstof. (Dissolved Oxygen, DO)
Een te lage zuurstofconcentratie kan schadelijk zijn voor aquatische organismen en leidt in lozingssituaties mogelijk tot overschrijding van milieunormen.

Nog een risico: corrosie

Daarnaast kan een overmaat bijdragen aan een daling van de pH en verhoogde corrosiviteit van het water.
In gesloten systemen betekent dit extra belasting van leidingen, appendages en meetapparatuur.
Wat begint als een simpele correctie, kan zo uitgroeien tot een bron van procesinstabiliteit en onderhoudskosten.

Risico’s voorkomen

In de praktijk blijkt dat dosering vaak conservatief wordt ingesteld: “liever iets te veel dan te weinig”. Begrijpelijk, maar niet zonder gevolgen.
De sleutel ligt in controle.
Een nauwkeurige flowmeter, die correct blijft meten bij de pulserende flow van een doseerpomp, helpt om het doseerproces beheerst en voorspelbaar te houden en voorkomt daarmee ongewenste onder- of overdosering.
Uiteraard is het altijd verstandig om voor chemiedosering naar een specialist zoals Chemflow BV te stappen

Overige toepassingen van natriumbisulfiet:

  • Conserveermiddel en antioxidant in de voedingsindustrie
  • Zuurstofvanger in ketelwaterbehandeling
  • Reductiemiddel in chemische synthese
  • Stabilisatie van farmaceutische oplossingen
  • Bleek- en reinigingsmiddel in papier- en textielindustrie

Een ogenschijnlijk eenvoudige chemische stap vraagt dus om precisie.
Want juist in de details zit het verschil tussen beheersing en risico.


Flowmeister adviseert u graag objectief over de verschillende mogelijkheden.
In dit specifieke voorbeeld zijn de ultrasone flowmeters van MIB GmbH interessant vanwege:
– uitmuntende chemische bestendigheid
– snelle meting die goed omgaat met pulserende flow
– Bubble-resistant software zodat ook bij gasbellen de meting doorgaat
– Diverse outputs en communicatie beschikbaar
– Prima prijs/performance

Speelt chemie-dosering een rol in uw proces?
We denken graag mee, mail uw uitdagingen aan Flowmeister en houd de mailbox in de gaten.

Summary of unique properties of Flowmax® 242i

Unique properties Flowmax® 242i:

  1. Calibration:
  • Only Single Use flow meter with built-in calibration data in chip
  • Guaranteed calibration accuracy
  • Guaranteed process accuracy, reproducing the calibration accuracy
  • Documentable calibration (crucial for pharma)
  1. Performance:
  • Unmatched reproducibility
  • Significantly better accuracy than other inline ultrasonic flowmeters
  • Significantly better repeatability than others in the market
  • Suitable for fast, precise dosing applications
  1. Specific applications:
  • Ideal for pharmaceutical applications where documentation is crucial
  • Suitable for very small volumes (1 ml vaccine in glass vial)
  • Competitively priced compared to other inline ultrasonic flowmeters

This makes the Flowmax® 242i a wise choice for critical single-use applications in the pharmaceutical industry, especially where accuracy, reproducibility and documentation are essential.

Additional context:

  • Flowmax® is a brand name of MIB GmbH
  • Uses ultrasonic measurement transit-time principle
  • Flowmeister BV is Single Use Branch Manager for MIB GmbH
  • The Flowmax® 242i is their Single Use flow meter and available in a variety of flowranges
  • Flowmax® 242i can be customized to your wishes

Nederlandstalige samenvatting eigenschappen Flowmax® 242i

Flowmax® 242i heeft een aantal onderscheidende kenmerken die het apparaat uniek maken in de markt.
Laat ons de belangrijkste punten samenvatten:

Unieke eigenschappen Flowmax® 242i:

  1. Kalibratie:
  • Enige Single Use flowmeter met ingebouwde kalibratiegegevens in chip
  • Gegarandeerde kalibratienauwkeurigheid
  • Gegarandeerde procesnauwkeurigheid
  • Documenteerbare kalibratie (interessant voor farma)
  1. Prestaties:
  • Onovertroffen reproduceerbaarheid
  • Significant betere nauwkeurigheid dan beschikbare alternatieven
  • Significant betere repeatability dan beschikbare alternatieven
  • Geschikt voor snelle, precieze doseertoepassingen
  1. Specifieke toepassingen:
  • Ideaal voor pharma-toepassingen waar documentatie cruciaal is
  • Geschikt voor zeer kleine volumes (1 ml vaccin in glazen vial)
  • Competitief geprijsd t.o.v. beschikbare alternatieven

Dit maakt de Flowmax® 242i tot een waardevolle keuze voor kritische single-use toepassingen in de farmaceutische industrie, vooral waar nauwkeurigheid, reproduceerbaarheid en documentatie essentieel zijn.

True Plug & Play

Het feit dat de Single Use meetbuis zonder specifieke operator-training te vervangen is, met de volledige zekerheid dat de kalibratie-data geactualiseerd worden, maakt de flowmeter daadwerkelijk Plug & Play.
Op dit aspect wordt verder ingegaan in een volgend artikel.
U kunt hieronder uw eventuele vragen of opmerkingen terugkoppelen.

Flowmeter Compatible with Leviflow

Understanding the Benefits of Flowmax® 242i: A Seamless Ultrasonic Flowmeter alternative for Leviflow devices

When it comes to modern bioprocessing and fluid management, ensuring accurate flow measurement is critical for maintaining process control and efficiency.
Flowmax® 242i, an advanced ultrasonic single-use flowmeter, offers significant advantages in replacing Leviflow devices.
Come and explore how Flowmax® 242i enhances process integration. Read about its unique features that set it apart in bioprocess applications, including TFF processes.

Key Features of Flowmax® 242i

1. Compatibility with Leviflow

In order to be a flowmeter compatible with Leviflow, Flowmax® 242i offers highly configurable outputs.
These ensure that the existing process-control loops remain intact. This feature is essential for maintaining optimal performance in various fluid-handling scenarios, where precision and control are vital.
Whether it’s monitoring critical process parameters or supporting feedback loops, Flowmax® 242i offers a robust interface to keep your process under control.

2. Flexible Physical Integration

One standout feature of the Flowmax® 242i is its versatile physical integration. Unlike many flowmeters that require complex configurations such as Z-shaped offsets in the flow path, Flowmax® 242i can be integrated into any straight-line section of your system.
This eliminates potential bottlenecks and flow disruptions, streamlining the setup process. Additionally, there is no need for straight lengths of tubing before or after the flowmeter.
Firstly, this allows for more compact and flexible installation options in space-constrained environments, Secondly it is strongly reducing hold-up volume!

3. High Pressure Rating

Flowmax® 242i is designed to handle demanding operating conditions. Its robust housing with typical inforcement-ribs, offers pressure resistance up to 7 bar.
TFF, or Tangential flow filtration, often involves high-pressure environments, and the Flowmax® 242i’s robustness ensures reliable performance.
Fact: we realize this without the need for additional metal enforcement cradles.
This simplifies the installation and reduces hardware costs, installation-risks and maintenance requirements.

4. Superior Accuracy with a Calibrated Measuring Tube

Precision is at the core of Flowmax® 242i’s design. The calibrated measuring tube operates with a higher level of accuracy compared to Leviflow flowmeters.
This is particularly important in bioprocessing applications where even minor discrepancies can lead to significant effects on product quality and yield.

5. Biocompatible Wetted Materials

The wetted materials in the Flowmax® 242i flowmeter are made of LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene), which conforms to USP Class VI standards. This makes it highly suitable for applications requiring strict biocompatibility, such as in pharmaceutical production and other life sciences.
LDPE’s resistance to a wide range of chemicals and its compliance with USP Class VI, ensures that Flowmax® 242i can be used confidently in life-science environments.

Additional Advantages of Flowmax® 242i

  • True Plug&Play: there’s only one connector to be used, which every operator can succesfully fit.
    The electronics automatically do the rest
  • Calibration-data on board: The precision-calibrated tube ensures a full reproducibility of the calibration-accuracy into your end-customers’ process.
  • Long lifetime availability: Even when SUS are not in operation for years, this is a comforting aspect.
    The ultrasonic measurement principle inherently has the benefit that the device maintains consistent accuracy over time, eliminating the need for recalibration.
  • Multi-parameter instrument: read more here.

Conclusion

The Flowmax® 242i ultrasonic flowmeter is compatible with Leviflow.
It offers a range of advantages, from easy physical integration to superior pressure resistance and accuracy. Its configurable outputs, ensure that process-control loops remain stable when replacing a Leviflow device.
The robust design makes it ideal for demanding processes like TFF. With materials that conform to stringent biocompatibility standards, Flowmax® 242i represents a flexible, high-performance solution for modern bioprocessing needs.

If you’re looking for an efficient, reliable, and easy-to-integrate flowmeter, Flowmax® 242i should be at the top of your list!

Flowmax® is a brand-name of MIB GmbH

Single Use flowmeter at CPHI

Did we meet at CPHI?
We brought the Flowmax® 242i Single USe flowmeter to the European CPHI’s in:

  • Frankfurt
  • Barcelona
  • Milan


Ask for more if you want to be updated on the #multiparameter aspects of our Single Use flowmeter.
A short mail to Flowmeister will do.

Are you triggered by #Multiparameter #Flowmeter?
Check it here: Portfolio Flowmeister

CPHI Frankfurt flowmeter Flowmax® 242i generation 3.0

TRUE PLUG&PLAY
#MULTIPARAMETER
#CALIBRATED
SINGLE USE FLOWMETER