Current Loop (Transmitter) Input Flow Controllers
Last Updated: April 1, 2025
Description
Current Loop (Transmitter) Input Flow Controllers are devices used to measure and control the flow of fluids or gases. They convert the physical flow parameter into an electrical signal, typically a current, which can be transmitted over long distances to a control system. These controllers are integral in ensuring accurate flow measurement and control in various industrial processes.
Working Principle
Current Loop (Transmitter) Input Flow Controllers operate on the principle of converting a physical parameter, such as flow, into an electrical signal. This is achieved through a sensor or transducer connected to the transmitter, which measures the flow and converts it into a proportional electrical signal. The transmitter then converts this signal into a current, usually within a 4-20 mA range, which is transmitted through a loop. This current loop is advantageous because it remains consistent across all devices in the loop, regardless of voltage drops, making it ideal for long-distance signal transmission .
Applications
Current Loop (Transmitter) Input Flow Controllers are widely used in various industrial applications. For example, they are employed in chemical processing plants to monitor and control the flow of chemicals through pipelines. They are also used in water treatment facilities to ensure the correct flow rates of water and treatment chemicals. Additionally, these controllers are crucial in the oil and gas industry for managing the flow of crude oil and natural gas through pipelines .
Advantages over other Process - Fluid and Gas Processing Equipment
One significant advantage of Current Loop (Transmitter) Input Flow Controllers is their ability to maintain a consistent current signal over long distances, which is not affected by voltage drops. This makes them more reliable than voltage-based systems in large-scale industrial settings. Additionally, the 4-20 mA current loop is less susceptible to electrical noise, ensuring more accurate and stable measurements .
Limitations
A limitation of Current Loop (Transmitter) Input Flow Controllers is that they require a power supply capable of overcoming the sum of all voltage drops in the loop. If the power supply is insufficient, it can affect the accuracy and reliability of the signal transmission. Additionally, while the current loop is robust against noise, it may still be susceptible to interference in environments with extremely high electromagnetic interference .
Considerations
When considering the implementation of Current Loop (Transmitter) Input Flow Controllers, it is important to evaluate the initial costs, which can vary depending on the complexity and specifications of the system. Operating expenses are generally low due to the efficiency of current loops in signal transmission. Durability is typically high, but regular maintenance is necessary to ensure accuracy and longevity. Replacement and maintenance costs should be factored into the overall budget, as these can vary based on the operating environment and the specific requirements of the application .
from Sierra Instruments, Inc.
Flow Controllers. SmartTrak ® 100 flow controllers from Sierra Instruments are the next generation of our flagship Model 100. The 100 flow controller builds upon unprecedented performance, user-friendliness and flexibility of innovative features like Dial-A-Gas capability and the Pilot Module... [See More]
- Type: DC Voltage Inputs; Current Loop (Transmitter) Excitation; Serial / Digital Input; Fieldbus / Network Input; RS-232, RS-485 (optional), Profibus DP, Modbus, Foundation Fieldbus
- Features: Rate Indication/ Control
- Control: PID
- Form Factor: Pipe Mounted
from Sierra Instruments, Inc.
For lab researchers and systems integrators/OEMs, Sierra's flagship SmartTrak 100 thermal mass flow controller is a true multi-gas digital MFC designed to deliver smooth, stable, accurate, and repeatable gas mass flow control you can rely on, every time. Unaffected by upstream gas temperature and... [See More]
- Type: DC Voltage Inputs; Current Loop (Transmitter) Excitation; Switch / Relay Input (optional feature); Serial / Digital Input; Fieldbus / Network Input; RS-232, RS-485
- Features: Rate Indication/ Control
- Control: PID
- Form Factor: Pipe Mounted
from Sierra Instruments, Inc.
SmartTrak ® 50 low cost flow controller is a digital flow controller designed to meet the low-cost budgetary requirements of OEM's while maintaining excellent quality and performance. The 50 series low cost flow controller delivers by building on the same core sensor, LFE and valve technology... [See More]
- Type: DC Voltage Inputs; Current Loop (Transmitter) Excitation; Serial / Digital Input; RS-232, RS-485 (Multi-drop)
- Features: Rate Indication/ Control
- Control: PID
- Form Factor: Pipe Mounted
from Sierra Instruments, Inc.
Industrial OEM MFC with MEMS Technology Water Resistant. Stable. Cost-Effective. Engineers in the biopharmaceutical industry require precise control of the gases used in bioreactors. Sierra's RedyIndustrial thermal mass flow meter delivers optimized microbial growth that ensures exact mixing and... [See More]
- Type: DC Voltage Inputs; Current Loop (Transmitter) Excitation; Serial / Digital Input; Fieldbus / Network Input; RS-485; Modbus RTU 2 wire (Slave); Lab View-VIs available Option: ProfiBus DP-V0, DP-V1 / Profinet RT / EtherCAT
- Features: Rate Indication/ Control
- Control: PID
- Form Factor: Pipe Mounted
from Malema Sensors
The CMFC-5000 Series is a line of high-performance closed-loop flow controllers designed for use in a wide variety of high-purity liquids including DI water, harsh chemicals, and CMP polishing slurries. A typical flow control module consists of a high-accuracy, advanced Coriolis flow meter with a... [See More]
- Type: DC Voltage Inputs; Current Loop (Transmitter) Excitation
- Features: Rate Indication/ Control
- Control: Limit
- Form Factor: Stand-Alone
from OMEGA Engineering, Inc.
bull;. Digital and Analog Modes Operate Simultaneously. •. Programmable Flow Configurations. •. RS-485 Standard, Multi-Drop Capability of Up to 256 units. •. Stores Calibration Data for Up to 10 Gases. •. Totalizer Indicates Total Gas Quantity. •. Alarm Limits for High and... [See More]
- Type: DC Voltage Inputs; Current Loop (Transmitter) Excitation
- Features: Totalizing (Length or Roll Diameter) Indication/ Control
- Control: Limit; PID
- Form Factor: Stand-Alone
from Hoffer Flow Controls, Inc.
The Nova-Flow Series of flow computers is a family of highly flexible, modular flow computers designed for basic rate and total flow display, batch control for liquid and gas flow measurement, as well as for thermal energy measurement. With more than 500,000 unique configurations possible, the... [See More]
- Type: Current Loop (Transmitter) Excitation; Frequency Inputs
- Features: PLC; Rate Indication/ Control; Totalizing (Length or Roll Diameter) Indication/ Control
- Control: Linear
- Form Factor: Chassis
from Bronkhorst USA
Bronkhorst ® model FG-200CV High Performance Mass Flow Controllers (MFCs) are suited for accurate measurement and control of flow ranges between 0,014 …0,7 mln/min and 0,18 …9 mln/min at operating pressures between vacuum and 64 bar. The MFC consists of a thermal mass flow sensor,... [See More]
- Type: Current Loop (Transmitter) Excitation; Serial / Digital Input
- Inputs: 1
- Interface: Computer Programmable
- Control Outputs: 1
from Clark Solutions
Dual-line Rate/Totalizer, Analog or Pulse Input. DESCRIPTION. Simultaneous display of rate and total makes the 2-line DS3000 Rate/Totalizer an ideal choice for flow applications. The DS3000A may be configured for a variety of analog input signals, while the DS3000P will take pulse input signals. Via... [See More]
- Type: Current Loop (Transmitter) Excitation; Frequency Inputs; Pulse Input
- Features: PLC; Rate Indication/ Control; Totalizing (Length or Roll Diameter) Indication/ Control
- Control: PID
- Form Factor: Chassis; Stand-Alone
from Proteus Industries Inc.
Direct control of output from a heat exchangerFCV-M Series Flow Control Valves are controlled by an external PID controller using an accompanying driver unit. Valve position is controlled and continuously monitored by the PID controller with a 4-20 mA or DC signal. FCV-M Series Flow Control Valve. [See More]
- Type: DC Voltage Inputs; Current Loop (Transmitter) Excitation
- Form Factor: In-line
- Control: PID
- Control Signal: Analog Voltage Output; Current Loop Output
from Time Mark Corporation
The Model 661 Alarm Control, part of the 600 series line of instrumentation controls, is designed to monitor and maintain measurable applications such as liquid levels, temperature, pressure, flow, etc. A user-provided 4-20mA current loop represents the measurable application, and output connections... [See More]
- Type: Current Loop (Transmitter) Excitation
- Features: Rate Indication/ Control
- Control: Limit
- Control Signal: Switched Output
from PMC Engineering LLC
The DPM is a multipurpose, easy to use digital dual-input process meter ideal for level, flow rate, temperature transmitter, or pressure transmitter applications. Various math functions may be applied to the inputs including addition, difference, absolute difference, average, weighted average,... [See More]
- Type: DC Voltage Inputs; Current Loop (Transmitter) Excitation
- Features: Multi-Function; Datalogger; Rate Indication/ Control; Totalizing (Length or Roll Diameter) Indication/ Control
- Control: Limit
- Form Factor: Chassis
from Spirax-Sarco
The SX25 controllers are 1 /16 DIN panel mounted, suitable for constant set point applications and for use with the Spirax Sarco range of pneumatic (PN) and electric (EL) control valves and sensors. [See More]
- Type: DC Voltage Inputs; Current Loop (Transmitter) Excitation; RTD, Thermocouple
- Form Factor: Chassis; DIN
- Control: Limit; Linear; PID
- Interface: Digital Front Panel
from Vogtlin Massflow USA
Reliable technology and industry standard interfaces make the red-y smart series thermal mass flow meters and controllers particularly suitable for measurement and control in gas delivery systems and plant engineering applications. High accuracy, Analog and Digital, free software and program... [See More]
- Type: DC Voltage Inputs; Current Loop (Transmitter) Excitation; Serial / Digital Input; Fieldbus / Network Input; Modbus, RS485, Profibus
- Control: PID; Nonlinear; Other
- Controller Type: Gas Mass Flow Controller
- Features: Datalogger; Rate Indication/ Control; Totalizing (Length or Roll Diameter) Indication/ Control
from Florite International, Inc.
The 900 Series is an economic one loop microcomputer-based instrument incorporating user selectable digital and analog inputs, as well as analog and relay outputs. Other 900 Series features include .005% high accuracy PID, batch, and dose control functions. Additionally, the 900 Series encompasses... [See More]
- Type: DC Voltage Inputs; Current Loop (Transmitter) Excitation; Resistive/ Potentiometer Inputs; Switch / Relay Input; Frequency Inputs; Serial / Digital Input; Fieldbus / Network Input; Screw Terminal
- Control: Limit; Linear; Feedforward; PID
- Controller Type: Laboratory
- Features: PLC; Multi-Function; Datalogger; Is a Chart Recorder; Rate Indication/ Control; Totalizing (Length or Roll Diameter) Indication/ Control
from Hach
The SC200 Universal Controller is the most versatile controller on the market. It allows the use of digital and analog sensors, either alone or in combination, to provide compatibility with the broadest range of sensors. It replaces the Hach SC100 digital and GLI53 analog controllers with advanced... [See More]
- Type: Current Loop (Transmitter) Excitation; Serial / Digital Input
- Control: Linear; PID
- Controller Type: Laboratory; Conductivity, pH/DO
- Features: Multi-Function; Datalogger
from Aalborg Instruments
Design Features. Displays instantaneous, total and accumulated flow rates. Built-in Flow Linearizer (10 point linearization of the flow curve). Up to 47 different volumetric and mass flow engineering units. Large 13mm (0.51") digits for flow rate and 5.5mm (0.21") for Total. Digital RS-232 or RS-485... [See More]
- Type: DC Voltage Inputs; Current Loop (Transmitter) Excitation; Serial / Digital Input; RS232
- Features: Multi-Function; Rate Indication/ Control; Totalizing (Length or Roll Diameter) Indication/ Control
- Control: Limit
- Form Factor: Stand-Alone
from Malema Sensors
The CMFC-9000 Integrated Coriolis Flow Controller controls liquid and Slurry flows up to 5000 grams per minute to within 1.5% accuracy of the set point, while providing a quick response time of within 2 seconds for consistent control. Also, by utilizing its coriolis (non-invasive) based flow... [See More]
- Type: DC Voltage Inputs; Current Loop (Transmitter) Excitation
- Features: Rate Indication/ Control
- Control: Limit
- Form Factor: Stand-Alone
from Bronkhorst USA
Bronkhorst ® model FG-200CVP High Performance Mass Flow Controllers (MFCs) are suited for accurate measurement and control of flow ranges between 0,014 …0,7 mln/min and 0,18 …9 mln/min at operating pressures between vacuum and 10 bar(g). The MFC consists of a thermal mass flow... [See More]
- Type: Current Loop (Transmitter) Excitation; Serial / Digital Input
- Interface: Computer Programmable
- Control: PID
- Inputs: 1
from Clark Solutions
Loop-Powered Rate Meter, Analog Input. DESCRIPTION. With backlit 5-digit LED display, the panel mount meters DS1000 and DS1000X use a 4-20 mA analog input signal. Both the DS1000 for safe areas, and DS1000X for hazardous areas, feature custom engineering units and bar graph, as well as programmable... [See More]
- Type: Current Loop (Transmitter) Excitation
- Features: PLC; Rate Indication/ Control
- Control: PID
- Form Factor: Chassis; Stand-Alone
from Proteus Industries Inc.
Precise programmable control of liquid flow rate from 0.5-5, 1-10 or 2-20 L/min. FLC600 Series Flow Controller. > Stand-alone and built-in manifold versions available. > Flow controller integrates valve, meter and display. > Flow ranges from 0.5 –20 LPM / 0.13 –5.3 GPM. >... [See More]
- Type: DC Voltage Inputs; Current Loop (Transmitter) Excitation
- Form Factor: In-line
- Control: PID
- Interface: Digital Front Panel
from Time Mark Corporation
The Model 660 Trip Control, part of the 600 series line of instrumentation controls, is designed to monitor and maintain a set level on a measurable variable, such as liquid level, temperature, pressure, flow, etc. A user-provided 4-20mA current loop represents the measurable application. Two trip... [See More]
- Type: Current Loop (Transmitter) Excitation
- Features: Rate Indication/ Control
- Control: Limit
- Control Signal: Switched Output
from PMC Engineering LLC
The PM is a multipurpose, easy to use digital process meter ideal for level, flow rate, temperature, or pressure transmitter applications. It accepts current and voltage signals. Three of the front panel buttons can be custom programmed for a specific operation. Dual Scale for Level Applications -... [See More]
- Type: DC Voltage Inputs; Current Loop (Transmitter) Excitation
- Features: Multi-Function; Datalogger; Rate Indication/ Control; Totalizing (Length or Roll Diameter) Indication/ Control
- Control: Limit
- Form Factor: Chassis
from Spirax-Sarco
The SX75 controllers are panel mounted, suitable for constant set point control of systems having fixed pre-programmed set points. The controller has universal inputs, and outputs using PID with Fuzzy algorithm for close control of industrial processes. The SX75 controllers are for use in... [See More]
- Type: DC Voltage Inputs; Current Loop (Transmitter) Excitation; RTD, Thermocouple
- Form Factor: Chassis; DIN
- Control: Limit; Linear; PID; Fuzzy Logic
- Interface: Digital Front Panel
from Vogtlin Massflow USA
Reliable technology and industry standard interfaces make the red-y smart series thermal mass flow meters and controllers particularly suitable for measurement and control in gas delivery systems and plant engineering applications. High accuracy, Analog and Digital, free software and program... [See More]
- Type: DC Voltage Inputs; Current Loop (Transmitter) Excitation; Serial / Digital Input; Fieldbus / Network Input; Modbus, RS485, Profibus
- Control: PID; Nonlinear; Other
- Controller Type: Gas Mass Flow Controller
- Features: Datalogger; Rate Indication/ Control; Totalizing (Length or Roll Diameter) Indication/ Control
from Florite International, Inc.
The Florite Model 990X is an innovative, technically superior, high quality and reliable microcomputer-based controller suitable for any commercial or industrial application. The instruments user configurable screw-terminal channels enable any mix of up to eight inputs and or outputs regardless of... [See More]
- Type: DC Voltage Inputs; Current Loop (Transmitter) Excitation; Resistive/ Potentiometer Inputs; Switch / Relay Input; Frequency Inputs; Serial / Digital Input; Fieldbus / Network Input; Screw Terminal, DA15
- Control: Limit; Linear; Feedforward; PID
- Controller Type: Laboratory
- Features: PLC; Multi-Function; Datalogger; Is a Chart Recorder; Rate Indication/ Control; Totalizing (Length or Roll Diameter) Indication/ Control
from Malema Sensors
The LFC-7000 Series is a line of high-performance closed-loop flow controllers designed for use in a wide variety of. high-purity liquids including DI water, harsh chemicals, and CMP polishing slurries. Features. High Accuracy - Controls flowrate to within ± 1% of setpoint; ideal for fluid... [See More]
- Type: DC Voltage Inputs; Current Loop (Transmitter) Excitation
- Features: Rate Indication/ Control
- Control: Limit
- Form Factor: Stand-Alone
from Bronkhorst USA
Bronkhorst ® model FG-201AV High Performance Mass Flow Controllers (MFCs) are suited for accurate measurement and control of flow ranges between 0,4 …20 ln/min and 2 …100 ln/min at operating pressures between vacuum and 64 bar. The MFC consists of a thermal mass flow sensor, a... [See More]
- Type: Current Loop (Transmitter) Excitation; Serial / Digital Input
- Inputs: 1
- Interface: Computer Programmable
- Control Outputs: 1
from Clark Solutions
The new PXR series controllers are the newest additions to Fuji Electric ’s trusted line of temperature and process controllers. They are now packed with features and options and come in several sizes — 1/32 DIN, 1/16DIN, 1/8 DIN and 1/4 DIN. These controllers have all the standard... [See More]
- Type: Current Loop (Transmitter) Excitation
- Features: Rate Indication/ Control
- Control: PID
- Form Factor: DIN
from Spirax-Sarco
The SX80 controller is a 1/16 DIN panel mounted unit, suitable for single and multiple set point applications utilising the Spirax Sarco range of pneumatic or electric control valves and electrical and electropneumatic instruments. The SX80 has both VMD (3 point) and analogue (4 - 20 mA) outputs in... [See More]
- Type: DC Voltage Inputs; Current Loop (Transmitter) Excitation; RTD, Thermocouple
- Form Factor: Chassis; DIN
- Control: Limit; Linear; PID
- Interface: Digital Front Panel
from Vogtlin Massflow USA
Reliable technology and industry standard interfaces make the red-y smart series thermal mass flow meters and controllers particularly suitable for measurement and control in gas delivery systems and plant engineering applications. High accuracy, Analog and Digital, free software and program... [See More]
- Type: DC Voltage Inputs; Current Loop (Transmitter) Excitation; Serial / Digital Input; Fieldbus / Network Input; Modbus, RS485, Profibus
- Control: PID; Nonlinear; Other
- Controller Type: Gas Mass Flow Controller
- Features: Datalogger; Rate Indication/ Control; Totalizing (Length or Roll Diameter) Indication/ Control
from Bronkhorst USA
MASS-STREAMTM Series D-6300 Digital Direct Mass Flow Meters and Controllers for Gases. The new digital MASS-STREAMTM series D-6300 works on the basis of direct through-flow measurement, following the constant temperature anemometer principle, and will replace the current analogue series D-6200 on a... [See More]
- Type: DC Voltage Inputs; Current Loop (Transmitter) Excitation
- Interface: Digital Front Panel; Computer Programmable; Network
- Features: Rate Indication/ Control; Totalizing (Length or Roll Diameter) Indication/ Control; PC-Based
- Inputs: 1
from Clark Solutions
Universal Process Controller — Up to 8 Inputs / Outputs. DESCRIPTION. Suitable for most batching or dosing applications, the DS5000 is a versatile, high quality and reliable microcomputer-based controller. The instrument's user configurable screw-terminal channels enable any mix of up to eight... [See More]
- Type: DC Voltage Inputs; Current Loop (Transmitter) Excitation; Serial / Digital Input
- Features: PLC; Rate Indication/ Control
- Control: PID
- Form Factor: Chassis; Stand-Alone
from Spirax-Sarco
The SX90 is a panel mounted 1/8th DIN controller, suitable for constant set point control of systems having fixed pre-programmed set points. The controller has universal inputs, and outputs using PID for close control of industrial processes. The SX90 controller is for use with the Spirax Sarco... [See More]
- Type: DC Voltage Inputs; Current Loop (Transmitter) Excitation; RTD, Thermocouple
- Form Factor: Chassis; DIN
- Control: Limit; Linear; PID
- Interface: Digital Front Panel
from Vogtlin Massflow USA
Reliable technology and industry standard interfaces make the red-y smart series thermal mass flow meters and controllers particularly suitable for measurement and control in gas delivery systems and plant engineering applications. High accuracy, Analog and Digital, free software and program... [See More]
- Type: DC Voltage Inputs; Current Loop (Transmitter) Excitation; Serial / Digital Input; Fieldbus / Network Input; Modbus, RS485, Profibus
- Control: PID; Nonlinear; Other
- Controller Type: Gas Mass Flow Controller
- Features: Datalogger; Rate Indication/ Control; Totalizing (Length or Roll Diameter) Indication/ Control