MAX-TRAK WINS GASES & TECHNOLOGY'S GASSY AWARD FOR BEST FLOW CONTROLLER AND FLOW CONTROL MAGAZINE'S INNOVATION WARD FOR THE MOST INNOVATIVE FLOW CONTROLLER IN 2006.

Now customer's can buy a single compact integrated gas mass flow controller to solve industrial flow control problems. Max-Trak eliminates the cost and headache of creating a robust and accurate integrated system comprising a separate industrial MFM & Valve.

THE GASSY'S

In the Gas and Technology Industry, winning a Gassy is the top achievement that can be earned by a flow company. Our Max-Trak MFC was judged against other Mass Flow Controllers on the market by an independent committee of seven experts representing science, academia, and users in industry.

Each product was judged specifically on its innovation, cost effectiveness, speed/throughput improvements, quality, ease of use, maintainability, and environmental responsibility.

FLOW CONTROL'S INNOVATION AWARD

The Winner of Flow Control's Innovation Award is determined by the readers. Readers were encouraged to vote for a number of nominees in a variety of categories to determine what product was the best for the various fluid handling product categories. Max-Trak was judged against other Mass Flow Controllers on the market and chosen as the winner.

Nominees for the award were chosen based on its innovation, cost effectiveness, speed/throughput improvements, quality, ease of use, maintainability, and environmental responsibility.

WHY THE MAX-TRAK WON

•Tough: Industry's only NEMA 6/IP67 industrial MFC.

•Compact: Measure & control gas mass flow rates up to 400 slpm in a 5-inch long flow body (Patented Flow Inlet Technology).

•MAXimum Protection: Only fully enclosed valve design in the industry to minimize leak-in paths.

•Only Industrial MFC with Dial-A-Gas, creating great flexibility.

•Sierra has broadest offering of industrial thermal MFM's and MFC's (Both Capillary & Immersible Thermal Technology)

MORE INFORMATION ON THE MAX-TRAK™

Sierra Instruments' Max-Trak™ Model 180 Industrial Flow Controller is the industry's only NEMA 6 (IP67) compliant gas mass flow controller. Made for wash-down environments, the Max-Trak™ features the only fully enclosed valve design to drastically minimize leak-in paths for MAXIMUM protection.

Previously, mass flow controllers have been available with a NEMA 4X or IP65 rating. But, for applications where wash down is necessary, such as in pharmaceutical manufacturing and testing, previous instruments have developed a reputation for leaking. Users reported that the resulting damage frequently left the instruments beyond repair. Sierra Instruments' new Model 180 Max-Trak™ with the higher NEMA 6 (IP67) rating (effectively water-proof) is able to be washed repeatedly with no penetration of water to the sensitive electronics inside.

But Max-Trak™ is more than simply durable. It has an accuracy of +/- 1% of full scale, and a repeatability of +/- 0.2% to ensure process stability under changing conditions. Max-Trak™ also includes Sierra's patented Dial-A-Gas™ technology allowing users to select from up to 10 gases in one instrument—so one device can replace many. Max-Trak™ measures and controls gas mass flow rates from 0 to 200 slpm (up to 400 slpm upon request) in a flow body a little over 5 inches long. For added convenience, the Max-Trak™ includes both digital and analog communication, genuine 50:1 turndown, operation at low differential pressures, and the ability to view and change critical parameters in the field without returning the instrument to a service center.

Now all the modern features of a digital mass flow controller can migrate from the laboratory into harsh industrial environments. From the company with a proven history of industrial thermal mass flow measurement comes an industrial MFC—Max-Trak™!

ST Series Mass Flow Meters Combine

Precision, Accuracy & Economy

Air/Gas Measurement In Oil/Gas, Chem Processing, Electric Power, Water/Waste

Designed with an innovative thermal dispersion mass flow sensing element and leading-edge transmitter electronics, the ST98, ST75 and ST50 Flow Meters from Fluid Components International provide highly accurate air and gas flow measurement in a versatile family of devices offering high performance, ease of installation, low maintenance, long life and a low life cycle cost.

The ST Series Flow Meters are designed for rugged environments typically found in the oil/gas, chemical, electric power, pulp/paper and wastewater treatment industries and applications. Their no-moving parts, non-clogging flow sensing element provides direct mass flow output and features built-in temperature compensation. They are ideal for use in a wide range of process and plant gas applications, including compressed air, hydrocarbon gases and inert gases.

ST98 Flow Meter The rugged ST98 Flow Meter sets the industry standard for performance and value with a reliable thermal mass flow sensor in a smart electronics package. The ST98 operates over a wide flow range from 0.21 to 172 NMPS in air with a standard flow accuracy of +1 percent of reading, +0.5 percent of full scale. It is ideal for a wide range air/gas flow measurement applications, including natural gas or methane monitoring, compressed air metering, industrial HVAC systems, nitrogen blanketing and combustion air.

With the addition of Profibus communications featuring Device Type Manager (DTM), the ST98 is easier than ever before to set-up, configure, trouble-shoot and maintain. The ST98's transmitter electronics accept universal AC (85 to 260 V) or 24 Vdc input power. It is housed in an IP66-rated enclosure with optional ATEX/FM/CSA/CENELEC system approved explosion-proof electrical enclosures.

ST75 Flow Meter The advanced ST75 Flow Meter is a highly accurate, direct mass flow meter for air or gas measurement applications in smaller line sizes from 6 to 51 mm. The ST75's flow range spans 0.07 to 1425 NCMH in air, with an accuracy of +2 percent of reading, +0.5 percent of full scale. It is suitable for service in a wide range of industrial processes, including burner and boiler fuel/air feed lines, industrial furnaces, heat treating gas controls, chiller air flow and dosing/gas injection rate controls.

With FCI's optional wireless IR link, any Palm-OS based PDA can communicate with the ST75, which simplifies configuration updates, calibration downloads and more. Standard "triple" analog outputs include both a fully scaleable 4-20mA and 0-10V, which are user assignable to flow rate and/or temperature, as well as a 0-1kHz pulse output of total flow. Input power can be specified as 24Vdc or 115/230VAC. Electronics are housed in a small, compact all-metal, IP66-rated enclosure. Agency approvals: ATEX, FM, CSA and CRN.

ST50 Flow Meter Small, compact and low cost, the ST50 is an insertion-style mass flow meter for air, compressed air or nitrogen flow measurements. Designed for line sizes from 51 to 610 mm, it installs easily through a single tap point and configuration set-up takes only minutes. The ST50 operates over a flow range of 0.23 to 122 MPS in air, with an accuracy of +2 percent of reading, +0.5 percent of full scale. With its highly reliable thermal dispersion mass flow sensing element, the ST50 is ideal for a wide range of applications, including wastewater treatment, aeration applications, energy audits and efficiency of compressed air systems, nitrogen flow, HVAC duct/damper control and more.

The ST50 also features FCI's optional wireless IR communications. It is designed with dual analog outputs, 4-20 mA and 0-10 Vdc, which are field assignable as flow rate or temperature. All models include a standard RS232C serial I/O link for data communication. Designed for challenging environments, the ST50's electronics are packaged in a rugged, yet compact all metal IP66-rated enclosure.

All ST Series Flow Meters feature an advanced thermal dispersion type mass flow sensing element, which uses two matched, precision platinum resistance temperature detectors (RTDs). One RTD is heated relative to the reference RTD, and the temperature difference between the two is linearized and conditioned to directly measure the gas' mass flow rate. The sensing elements have no moving parts and are non-clogging to achieve excellent long-term reliability with virtually no maintenance.

Fluid Components International is a global company committed to meeting the needs of its customers through innovative solutions to the most challenging requirements for sensing, measuring and controlling the flow and level of air, gases and liquids.

Model AFM Mass Flow Meters are designed to indicate flow rates of gases. Each of these units incorporates an advanced straight tube sensor in conjunction with flow passage elements constructed of stainless steel. LED readouts of command modules are supplied with 0 to 100 percent calibrations. Zero and span adjustments are conviently accessible from outside of the transmitters.

Principles of Operation

Metered gases are divided into two laminar flow paths, one through the primary flow conduit, and the other through a capillary sensor tube. Both flow conduits are designed to ensure laminar flows and therefore the ratio of their flow rates is constant. Two precision temperature sensing windings on the sensor tube are heated, and when flow takes place, gas carries heat from the upstream to the downstream windings. The resultant temperature differential is proportional to the change in resistance of the sensor windings.

A Wheatstone bridge design is used to monitor the temperature dependent resistance gradient on the sensor windings which is linearly proportional to the instantaneous rate of flow. Output signals of 0 to 5Vdc or 4 to 20mA are generated indicating mass molecular based flow rates of the metered gas. Flow rates are unaffected by temperature and pressure variations within stated limitations. AFM mass flow meters are designed to meter flow rates of gases, and are available with flow ranges from 10 sccm to 100 slpm [N2]. Gases are connected by means of 1/4", 3/8", or optional 1/8"compression fittings. These meters may be used as benchtop units or mounted by means of screws in the base. Transducer power supply ports are fuse and polarity protected.

Leak Integrity 1 x 10-9 smL/sec of helium max to outside environment. Mass Flow Systems Complete Mass Flow Systems include Command Modules, transducers and cables. Command modules contain appropriate power supplies, digital panel meters with 3-1/2" digit LED readouts and high precision potentiometers. External RS-232 or RS-485 are optional. Analog outputs are accessible through convenient 9 pin D-connectors.

Rigid metallic construction available flow ranges starting from 0 to 10 sccm up to 0 to 100 slpm maximum pressure of 500 psig (34.5 bars) 0-5 Vdc or 4-20 mA signals leak integrity 1 x 10-9 smL/sec of helium accuracy of ±1% full scale totalizer option circuit protection

Sierra Instruments, Inc. Announces the Release of its New Micro-Trak™ Ultra Low Flow Mass Flow Meter and Controller

MONTEREY, CA – November 27, 2006 -- Sierra announces the release of its new Micro-Trak™ 101 Series High-Performance Digital Mass Flow Meter and Controller for ultra low gas flows.

As today's science and engineering focus more and more on micro technology, the requirement to be able to measure and control extremely low gas mass flows has become very important. With state-of-the-art sensor technology and highly engineered direct acting valve design, Micro-Trak™ accurately measures and controls micro mass flows of gas previously thought by scientists to be too low for a reliable reading.

Micro-Trak™ is specifically designed for flow ranges under 4 sccm (smlm) with a minimum controllable mass flow rate of 0.1 sccm (smlm). Excellent accuracy (+/- 1.0% of full scale) and repeatability (+/- 0.2%) coupled with unsurpassed instrument stability offer customers an instrument they can depend on, month after month, year after year. Watch Micro-Trak online controlling at 0.2 sccm full scale at http://www.sierrainstruments.com/products/video.htm .

Micro-Trak™ is a specialized instrument for those who need accurate and reliable micro mass flow control. Micro-Trak's all-stainless-steel flow path (with elastomer seals to eliminate leaks) is suitable for most clean gases including corrosives and toxics. The small footprint (3.0" x 1.0"), 24 VDC power and choice of multiple communications make installation easy.

Micro-Trak™ includes Sierra's state-of-the-art Dial-A-Gas® technology allowing users to select from multiple gases in one instrument--creating great flexibility and reducing spares inventory. The internal microprocessor is programmed with 10 gases that are commonly used in biotech, pharmaceutical, analytical, and research applications. Other gases may be substituted to create a custom instrument.

Mounted directly on the instrument, or remotely up to 50 feet away, the optional Pilot Module replaces expensive control/readout electronics in a small, convenient, and easy-to-use package. Six pushbuttons and a large graphic LCD are used to change gases, flow rates, units and many other critical parameters in the field without sacrificing performance or returning the instrument to a service center. Micro-Trak™ —How low do you need to flow?

UNIQUE PRODUCT FEATURES

• Suitable for most gases with flow rates down to 0.1 sccm (smlm)
• Accuracy of +/- 1.0% of full scale
• Repeatability of +/- 0.2% of full scale
• 316 Stainless steel construction
• Digital performance with maximum flexibility
• Primary Standard calibration and NIST traceability
• Dial-A-Gas Technology—10 preprogrammed gases or select your own

Gas Setpoint value, Setpoint source, Engineering Units, Output signal, Valve state, Full Scale value

ST50 and ST75 Series Mass Flow Meters

With Wireless Remote Access

Air/Gas Measurement In Chemical Processing, Oil/Gas, Water/Waste and More

Wireless IR technology is built-in to Fluid Components International's new compact, low cost, insertion-style ST50 Mass Flow Meter and the highly accurate, direct mass ST75 Flow Meter, designed for air or gas measurement. Using a standard PDA, technicians can remotely obtain measurements, make setting changes and read trouble-shooting codes. The ST Series is specified for chemical processing, oil/gas and water/wastewater.

Process and plant engineers looking for a more convenient, time-saving and lower cost way to communicate with flow meters will find the ST50 and ST75 Flow Meters from Fluid Components International (FCI) not only provide best-in-class measurement and value, but also are now available with an exclusive wireless communication option.

Utilizing a wireless IR technology built-in to the ST50 and ST75 flow meters and a standard, low cost PDA, field technicians can obtain measurements, make setting changes and read trouble-shooting codes without ever having to open the instrument. This industry unique feature is ideal in applications for flow meters that are installed in hard-to-reach locations or where opening the instrument is inconvenient or labor intensive.

The wireless IR link eliminates the need for expensive proprietary programmers, which simplifies maintenance and reduces the overall cost of use. FCI's wireless IR sensing capability is included in all ST50 and ST75 air/gas flow meters with a digital display readout. To complete the system, FCI also supplies the easy-to-use, user interface software for downloading into any Palm-OS based PDA.

ST50 Flow Meter Small, compact and low cost, the ST50 is an insertion-style mass flow meter for air, compressed air or nitrogen flow measurements. Designed for line sizes from 2 to 24 inches (51 to 610 mm), it installs easily through a single tap point and configuration set-up takes only minutes. The ST50 operates over a flow range of 1.25 to 400 SFPS (0.4 to 122 NMPS) in air, with an accuracy of +2 percent of reading, +0.5 percent of full scale. With its highly reliable thermal dispersion mass flow sensing element, the ST50 is ideal for a wide range of applications, including compressed air monitoring, HVAC duct/damper control, air flow control for dryers, burners, boilers and furnaces, wastewater aeration treatment, nitrogen blanketing,, aquaculture aeration, and more.

The ST50 is designed with dual analog outputs, 4-20 mA and 0-10 Vdc, which are field assignable as flow rate or temperature. All models include a standard RS232C serial I/O link for data communication. Developed for challenging environments, the ST50's electronics are packaged in a rugged, yet compact all metal, NEMA 4X (IP66)rated enclosure. Agency approvals: FM, CSA and CRN (ATEX pending).

All ST Series Flow Meters feature an advanced thermal dispersion type mass flow sensing element, which uses two matched, precision platinum resistance temperature detectors (RTDs). One RTD is heated relative to the reference RTD, and the temperature difference between the two is linearized and conditioned to directly measure the gas mass flow rate. The sensing elements have no moving parts and are non-clogging to achieve excellent long-term reliability with virtually no maintenance.

ST75 Flow Meter The advanced ST75 Flow Meter is a highly accurate, direct

mass flow meter for air or gas measurement applications in smaller line sizes from 0.25 to 2 inches (6 to 51 mm). The ST75's flow range spans 0.01 to 838 SCFM (0.07 to 1425 NCMH) in air, with an accuracy of +2 percent of reading, +0.5 percent of full scale. It is suitable for service in a wide range of industrial processes, including burner and boiler fuel and air feed lines, industrial furnaces, heat treating gas controls, chiller air flow and dosing/gas injection rate controls.

The ST75 features standard "triple" analog outputs include both a fully scaleable 4-20mA and 0-10V, which are user assignable to flow rate and/or temperature, as well as a 0-1kHz pulse output of total flow. Input power can be specified as 24Vdc or 115/230VAC. Electronics are housed in a small, compact all-metal, NEMA 4X (IP66)rated enclosure. Agency approvals: FM, CSA and CRN (ATEX pending).

Fluid Components International is a global company committed to meeting the

needs of its customers through innovative solutions to the most challenging requirements for sensing, measuring and controlling the flow and level of air, gases and liquids.

Sierra Instruments, Inc. of Monterey, California has announced the release of their Smart-Trak® Series C100M digital mass flow controller (MFC) for larger gas flows. Smart-Trak offers end-users and OEM customers maximum flexibility, an easy-to-use interface, rugged stainless-steel construction, and true digital performance – now at flow rates up to 200 slpm!

Smart-Trak demonstrates incredible quality and performance because it was designed so the physics are correct. This means a patented, inherently linear design with no curve fitting. The result is a pure 1% accuracy and unsurpassed stability over the entire flow range, even in multiple gases (Dial-A-Gas™).

The unique Dial-A-Gas™ feature and convenient Pilot Module interface easily change critical parameters in the field without sacrificing performance. The Smart-Trak microprocessor is programmed for ten gases that are commonly used in biotech, pharmaceutical, analytical, and research applications. Other gases may also be specified to create a custom instrument. For remote monitoring and OEM applications, Smart-Trak also provides an RS232 output and a choice of four user-selectable analog outputs.

Each Smart-Trak is scrutinized for a minimum of 2-weeks with our proprietary computerized characterization process to assure every instrument is of the highest possible quality, will have no drift, and will remain in spec over the long-term.

The Smart-Trak's small footprint permits easy drop-in replacement for any mass flow controller. The original low flow size (for flow rates up to 50 slpm) is 3" x 1" x 5" while the new larger size (for flow rates up to 200 slpm) measures 4.5" x 1.5" x 6".

The all-stainless steel instrument is custom-made for every application in any range from 0-10 sccm to 0-200 slpm full-scale. Smart-Trak is suitable for any clean gas flow, including toxics and corrosives.

KEY FEATURES AND BENEFITS!

•Flow Ranges: 0-20 slpm to 0-200 slpm

•Accuracy: +/- 1% of full scale in 10 standard gases.

•Differential Pressure: Operation at low differential pressures now possible due to patented design elements.

•Repeatability: +/- 0.2% of full scale

•Small footprint: 4" to 4.5" in length for 200 slpm

•Response Time: 300 millisecond time constant.

•Materials: All-stainless steel construction; Viton elastomers standard.

•Dial-A-Gas®: Dial-A-Gas technology lets you select from up to ten pre-programmed gases or substitute your own.

•Pilot Module: Unique pilot module interface lets you view and change critical control functions in the field

•Control Functions: All control functions also available from your PC or workstation via Smart-Trak Software, RS232 output and a choice of four user selectable analog outputs

•Premium Calibration: All calibrations performed on NIST-traceable primary standards

•CE Approved