TSI 5000 Series Thermal Mass Flow Meter

Overview

The TSI 5000 Series Thermal Mass Flow Meter is an engineered solution for high-fidelity, real-time gas mass flow measurement in laboratory, industrial, and field applications. Based on constant-temperature anemometry (CTA), the instrument utilizes a patented platinum-coated thin-film sensor element that ensures rapid thermal response and exceptional long-term stability. Unlike volumetric flow devices, this meter directly measures mass flow rate—eliminating the need for post-hoc correction due to changes in gas composition, temperature, or pressure. Its low-pressure-drop architecture minimizes system backpressure, making it suitable for sensitive pneumatic circuits, microfluidic test benches, and low-flow gas delivery systems where pressure integrity is critical. Designed and assembled in the United States, the 5000 Series meets stringent requirements for repeatability, linearity, and traceability in regulated environments.

Key Features

• Ultra-fast bidirectional response time of 4 ms—enabling accurate characterization of transient gas flows, pulsatile ventilation, and dynamic calibration events.
• Selectably configurable accuracy: ±1.5% or ±2% of reading across the full operating range, validated against NIST-traceable standards.
• Integrated multi-parameter sensing: Simultaneously outputs mass flow, absolute pressure, temperature, volumetric flow (calculated), differential pressure, and relative humidity (with optional sensor).
• 2.8-inch color capacitive touchscreen with intuitive icon-driven interface—supports real-time parameter selection, unit conversion, and zero adjustment without external software.
• Adjustable tube fittings accommodate standard OD sizes (e.g., 1/8″, 1/4″, 6 mm, 8 mm), reducing integration complexity in custom manifolds or OEM subsystems.
• USB-C interface provides both power delivery (enabling portable operation with external battery packs) and high-speed bidirectional data exchange for live streaming or firmware updates.
• FLO-Sight PC software (included) enables advanced configuration, real-time graphing, automated report generation, and export to CSV, Excel, or MATLAB-compatible formats.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The 5000 Series supports user-defined gas calibrations for up to six common gases—including air, N₂, O₂, CO₂, Ar, and He—with automatic density and specific heat compensation applied in real time. It complies with ISO 9001 manufacturing controls and ships with a NIST-traceable calibration certificate documenting as-found/as-left data per ANSI/NCSL Z540-1. For regulated workflows, the device supports audit-ready data logging (optional), timestamped measurement records, and GLP/GMP-aligned metadata tagging when used with FLO-Sight’s compliant reporting module. While not intrinsically rated for hazardous locations, its low-power design and non-sparking electronics make it suitable for Class 1, Division 2 environments when installed per NEC Article 500 guidelines.

Software & Data Management

FLO-Sight software serves as the central hub for configuration, visualization, and compliance documentation. It supports customizable display layouts, alarm thresholds, statistical summaries (min/max/avg/std dev), and batch-mode calibration file management. All logged data includes embedded timestamps, instrument ID, firmware version, and environmental compensation flags. When configured for FDA-regulated use, FLO-Sight can be deployed in 21 CFR Part 11-compliant mode—enabling electronic signatures, role-based access control, and immutable audit trails for measurement history. Raw binary data streams are accessible via documented API for integration into LabVIEW, Python, or enterprise MES platforms.

Applications

This flow meter is routinely deployed in R&D labs validating respiratory devices (e.g., ventilators, CPAP systems), semiconductor process gas delivery verification, HVAC commissioning, fuel cell stack testing, and cleanroom airflow balancing. In manufacturing QA/QC, it verifies mass flow consistency across production lines for gas-dosed packaging, leak testing, and inert atmosphere purging. Metrology labs rely on its turndown ratio (1000:1) and low-end sensitivity (<1 sccm full scale) for primary standard intercomparison and transfer calibration. Field service engineers use its portability, battery-ready USB-C interface, and ruggedized housing for on-site verification of medical gas panels and environmental monitoring stations.

FAQ

Does the 5000 Series require periodic recalibration?
Yes—TSI recommends annual recalibration against NIST-traceable standards to maintain stated accuracy, especially in applications subject to ISO/IEC 17025 or FDA audit requirements.
Can I change the gas calibration in the field?
Yes—users can select from preloaded gas constants or input custom coefficients via the touchscreen or FLO-Sight software.
Is humidity compensation mandatory for accurate mass flow readings?
No—it is optional and only required when measuring humidified gases where water vapor significantly alters gas density and thermal conductivity (e.g., exhaled breath analysis or humidified incubator feeds).
What is the maximum sampling rate for data logging?
Internal logging supports up to 100 Hz; PC-synchronized streaming via USB-C achieves sustained 200 Hz acquisition with proper host buffering.
Are explosion-proof or IP67-rated versions available?
Standard units are rated IP54; customized enclosures with higher ingress protection or ATEX/IECEx certification are available under OEM agreements.