Sanpu ZM-105A Portable Electronic Soap Film Flowmeter
| Brand | Sanpu |
|---|---|
| Origin | Beijing, China |
| Manufacturer | Yes |
| Type | Volumetric Flowmeter |
| Model | ZM-105A |
| Flow Range | 6–6000 mL/min |
| Accuracy | ±1% of reading |
| Repeatability | <0.5% |
| Flow Resolution | 0.1 mL/min |
| Time Resolution | 0.01 s (displayed as 0.1 s) |
| Operating Temperature | −10°C to +50°C |
| Pressure Range | 101.3 ± 50 kPa |
| Built-in Battery | 4.8 V / 700 mAh, >24 h standby, >500 charge cycles |
| External Power | 9 V DC input with auto-charging circuit |
| Dimensions | 90 × 150 × 280 mm |
| Weight | ~1.3 kg |
| Compliance | JJG 586–2006 |
Overview
The Sanpu ZM-105A Portable Electronic Soap Film Flowmeter is a precision volumetric flow calibration instrument engineered for traceable, high-reproducibility measurement of low-to-medium gas flow rates in field and laboratory environments. Based on the fundamental principle of soap film displacement—where a calibrated volume of gas displaces a thin, stable soap film across two optically sensed reference points—the ZM-105A delivers direct volumetric flow calculation via time-of-flight measurement. This method eliminates reliance on pressure or temperature compensation algorithms alone, offering inherent traceability to SI-derived units when combined with real-time ambient temperature and barometric pressure inputs. Designed specifically for compliance-driven applications in environmental monitoring, occupational health, analytical instrumentation validation, and academic research, the ZM-105A meets the metrological requirements of JJG 586–2006, China’s national verification regulation for soap film flowmeters. Its compact, integrated architecture embeds optical sensors, microprocessor-controlled timing circuitry, thermal and pressure transducers, and a calibrated glass tube into a single handheld unit—enabling primary-standard-level calibration without external data loggers or PC dependency.
Key Features
- Microprocessor-based control with automatic calculation of volumetric flow (mL/min), mass flow (standardized to 25°C and 101.3 kPa), elapsed time, temperature, pressure, and corrected volume.
- Dual optical sensor system with self-diagnostic capability: real-time photometric signal monitoring allows users to adjust internal potentiometer gain for optimal sensitivity across varying ambient lighting or film opacity conditions.
- Integrated environmental compensation: simultaneous measurement of ambient temperature (−10°C to +50°C) and absolute pressure (51.3–151.3 kPa) enables automatic correction to standard reference conditions per ISO 6145-1 and ASTM D6155.
- High-resolution timing engine: internal clock resolution of 0.01 s ensures sub-second accuracy in transit time measurement, critical for flows as low as 6 mL/min.
- Energy-efficient power management: auto-backlight dimming after 1 minute of inactivity; full shutdown after 5 minutes; rechargeable 4.8 V / 700 mAh Li-ion battery supports >24 h standby and >500 charge cycles.
- Field-serviceable design: modular soap film tube assembly with standardized glass bore geometry; factory-calibrated tube volume stored in non-volatile memory—tamper-proof and audit-ready.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The ZM-105A is validated for use with dry, non-corrosive, non-particulate gases—including ambient air, nitrogen, helium, and synthetic air—commonly encountered in environmental sampling and analytical instrument support. It is not intended for liquids, vapors, or aggressive gases (e.g., Cl₂, NH₃, H₂S). The instrument complies with JJG 586–2006 for verification and calibration of flowmeters used in atmospheric and occupational hygiene applications. While not certified to ISO/IEC 17025, its measurement uncertainty budget aligns with GLP-aligned workflows when operated within specified environmental limits and maintained per manufacturer-recommended intervals. All firmware and calibration constants are stored in write-protected memory, supporting audit trails required under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 for electronic records in regulated laboratories.
Software & Data Management
The ZM-105A operates as a standalone, embedded-system device with no proprietary software dependency. All measurement data—including raw transit time, ambient T/P, uncorrected and corrected flow values, and timestamp—are displayed in real time and retained in volatile memory until manually cleared. No USB or Bluetooth interface is included; however, results may be recorded manually or via external documentation systems. For quality assurance, the device logs internal diagnostics (e.g., sensor status, battery voltage, error flags) accessible via service mode. Calibration certificates issued by Sanpu include traceable NIM (National Institute of Metrology, China) references where applicable. Firmware updates require authorized service center intervention to preserve metrological integrity and regulatory alignment.
Applications
- Calibration and verification of low-flow air samplers (e.g., personal and area monitors for PM₂.₅, VOCs, asbestos).
- Verification of dust sampler flow rates per GB/T 17061–1997 and OSHA Method ID-121.
- Validation of carrier and auxiliary gas flows in GC systems, including split/splitless inlets and detector make-up gas lines.
- Field adjustment and recalibration of rotameters, critical orifice meters, and laminar flow elements used in emission testing.
- Performance checks of portable gas analyzers and continuous emission monitoring systems (CEMS) requiring flow-path integrity verification.
- Teaching and research applications in fluid mechanics labs where visual, principle-based flow demonstration is pedagogically essential.
FAQ
What gases can be measured with the ZM-105A?
The instrument is designed for clean, dry, non-reactive gases such as ambient air, nitrogen, argon, and helium. Corrosive, condensable, or particulate-laden streams must be filtered and dried upstream to prevent sensor fouling or tube contamination.
Is the ZM-105A suitable for liquid flow measurement?
No. It is strictly a gas-phase volumetric flowmeter based on soap film displacement. Liquid use will damage optical sensors and compromise calibration integrity.
How often does the ZM-105A require recalibration?
Annual verification against a higher-tier standard (e.g., gravimetric or master flowmeter) is recommended. Field users should perform daily zero-checks using the built-in self-test and verify sensor response with known flow sources before critical measurements.
Can the internal calibration volume be modified by the user?
No. The tube’s nominal volume is factory-determined and stored in protected memory. Unauthorized modification voids compliance with JJG 586–2006 and invalidates traceability.
Does the ZM-105A support data export or PC connectivity?
It does not feature digital communication interfaces. Data recording is manual or via external logging systems. This design prioritizes robustness, battery life, and regulatory simplicity over connectivity.
