A modular gas flow controller enabling economical customisation over the number of flow channels has been released for OEM integration. Bürkert's Type 8735 compact, multi-channel mass flow controller/meter (MFC/M) provides free flexibility over the number of flow channels without the cost of customisation.
The controller features high accuracy and repeatability for laboratory analysis equipment and bioreactors.
The compact controller/meter for gases is aimed at applications requiring multiple control loops and high volumes, such as spectroscopy and gas chromatography. The Type 8735 achieves nominal flow ranges from 0.01 Nl/min to 20 Nl/min with a low physical footprint. Bürkert's Type 8735 is available as an MFC with a proportional control solenoid valve, PI controller and mass flow sensor or as an MFM with the mass flow sensor alone.
The device's standardised modular system includes a choice of two- or three-channel pre-engineered blocks. These can be combined to create full flexibility over the number of channels without the requirement for additional development. Supplementary modules including collector/distributor, on/off, pressure control and multiplexer also add to the controller/meter's integration flexibility. Combined, this removes the need for customisation and significantly reduces the time and cost of development for OEMs.
The Type 8735 provides highly accurate and repeatable results with rapid response to set-point changes. Developed with microelectromechanical (MEMS) technology, the platform uses a mass flow thermal sensor. Situated directly in the gas flow, it measures the differential voltage between two temperature sensors symmetrically positioned upstream and downstream of a heating resistor which is supplied with a constant voltage. This sensor technology achieves maximum precision and consistency with quick reaction times.
For OEM integration flexibility, communication can take place over PROFINET, PROFIbus, Ethernet and Modbus/TCP via Bürkert's büS, or alternatively I²C can be used. Meanwhile, configuration and parameterisation are quickly achieved using the Bürkert Communicator software, which also enables diagnostics as well as registration, monitoring and storing of process data.
Particularly relevant to the bioreactor/fermenter markets, the Type 8735 can be supplied with USP Class VI chapter "87 in vitro" and "88 in vivo" approval on request, as well as FDA – Code of Federal Regulations Title 21 Paragraph 177 (CFR 21 177.2600) approval.
