Eldridge Products Inc. (EPI) designs thermal mass flow meters that deliver reliable and precise oxygen measurements in various industrial applications. Many processes demand accurate oxygen flow data because even a slight deviation from optimal levels can affect combustion efficiency, degrade wastewater treatment outcomes, or compromise the consistency of industrial gas delivery. EPI addresses these critical demands by developing thermal mass flow meters that respond quickly to changes in flow and handle the unique challenges posed by oxygen’s physical and chemical properties.
Oxygen’s low density and high reactivity often create issues for traditional flow measurement methods. Some meters fail to read low flows accurately, and others require long straight-run sections to stabilize velocity profiles. EPI reduces these complications by incorporating Flow Averaging Tube (FAT) technology, which ensures consistent velocity sampling across the entire cross-section of the pipe. Operators gain stable, repeatable measurements even when space constraints limit the availability of long straight runs. This advantage proves especially valuable in facilities that must retrofit existing infrastructure or fit meters into tight layouts.
EPI’s thermal mass flow meters use a heating element and temperature sensors that interact with the moving gas stream. Their direct mass flow measurement principle captures the mass of oxygen flowing through the pipe rather than inferring mass from volume and temperature data. This approach eliminates additional pressure or temperature compensation, making installation and maintenance more straightforward. Operators who rely on these meters notice high turndown ratios, allowing the instrument to measure very low and very high flows with minimal compromise on accuracy. This versatility becomes essential in applications like combustion control, where oxygen demand can fluctuate drastically during startup, steady-state operation, and shutdown phases.
Wastewater treatment plants also benefit from this robust turndown capability because aeration requirements shift over time, and the process does not always follow a uniform flow profile. EPI’s meters adjust to these dynamic conditions and provide precise data that helps operators fine-tune aeration rates. When plants achieve this level of control, they save energy by avoiding excessive oxygen injection while meeting strict effluent quality standards. Over-aeration leads to wasted energy and higher costs, so tighter oxygen monitoring pays off economically and environmentally.
Medical and pharmaceutical processes depend on clean, accurately measured oxygen delivery, and EPI’s thermal mass flow meters adapt well to those scenarios. The stable sensor design measures gas flow without imposing a significant pressure drop, which helps maintain system integrity and product quality. Because thermal mass flow meters require little routine calibration, operators spend less time performing maintenance tasks that disrupt critical procedures. Minimizing downtime takes priority in any high-stakes environment, and the reliability of EPI’s instruments supports that goal.
Operators who install EPI’s thermal mass flow meters often report simpler setups and lower total cost of ownership. The sensors feature robust construction that resists corrosion and does not rely on moving parts that would degrade in corrosive environments. The intuitive user interface allows quick adjustments when flow patterns change, and remote monitoring options offer immediate visibility into real-time gas consumption. These features contribute to smoother overall operation and heightened confidence in the accuracy of oxygen flow measurements.
EPI recognizes the importance of maintaining stable processes in industries that work with oxygen, and it consistently refines its thermal mass flow meters to meet evolving demands. By leveraging FAT technology, achieving high turndown ratios, and offering minimal straight-run requirements, EPI flow meters help facilities capture accurate flow data, optimize oxygen usage, and ensure safe, reliable operation. This commitment to innovation and practical design underlines EPI’s reputation as a trustworthy partner for organizations that rely on precise oxygen flow measurement.
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