Beifen Sanpu 101B Volumetric Gas Flowmeter for Mine Gas Monitoring
| Brand | Beifen Sanpu |
|---|---|
| Origin | Hebei, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Direct Manufacturer |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Model | 101B |
| Product Type | Volumetric Flowmeter |
| Flow Range (Nominal) | 0.2–60 mL/min |
| Flow Range (Extended) | 0.1–100 mL/min |
| Accuracy | ±1% of reading |
| Repeatability | <0.5% |
| Minimum Flow Resolution | 0.1 mL/min |
| Time Measurement Accuracy | ±0.1 s (internal calculation to 0.01 s) |
| Operating Temperature Compensation | Yes |
| Pressure Compensation | Yes |
| Volume Correction | Yes |
| Power Supply | Built-in 4.8 V / 700 mAh rechargeable battery (standby >24 h |
| Auto Power Management | Backlight off after 1 min idle |
| Dimensions | 90 × 150 × 280 mm |
| Weight | ~1.3 kg |
| Compliance | JJG 586–2006 Verification Regulation for Soap Film Flowmeters |
Overview
The Beifen Sanpu 101B Volumetric Gas Flowmeter is a precision-calibrated, portable soap film flowmeter engineered for trace-level gas flow verification and calibration in safety-critical underground mining environments and regulated laboratory settings. It operates on the volumetric displacement principle: a calibrated soap film traverses a vertically oriented, temperature-stabilized glass tube of known internal diameter and volume per unit length; flow rate is calculated as the ratio of swept volume to transit time. This method delivers high reproducibility without reliance on fluid properties (e.g., viscosity or density), making it ideal for calibrating low-flow sampling devices used in mine atmosphere monitoring—where methane (CH4), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and oxygen (O2) concentration accuracy depends directly on precise volumetric flow control. The instrument meets the metrological requirements defined in JJG 586–2006, the Chinese national verification regulation for soap film flowmeters, and serves as a primary reference standard for field verification of personal and area air samplers, gas chromatography carrier lines, and fixed-point emission monitors.
Key Features
- Integrated microprocessor-based control system enabling real-time computation and display of volumetric flow (mL/min), mass flow (standardized to 25 °C, 101.325 kPa), elapsed time (to 0.01 s resolution), ambient temperature, static pressure, and corrected volume.
- Dual optical sensor array with self-diagnostic capability: simultaneous measurement of upper and lower photogate signal intensity allows users to fine-tune sensitivity via internal potentiometer adjustment—ensuring optimal detection across varying film opacity and ambient lighting conditions.
- Comprehensive environmental compensation: automatic correction of measured volume for local temperature and barometric pressure using built-in digital sensors, ensuring traceable NTP (Normal Temperature and Pressure) or STP (Standard Temperature and Pressure) reporting.
- Compact monolithic design integrating glass soap film tube, optical sensors, control electronics, and rechargeable power system into a single handheld unit (90 × 150 × 280 mm; ~1.3 kg), optimized for field deployment in confined mine entries and mobile lab vans.
- Intelligent power architecture: 4.8 V / 700 mAh Li-ion battery supports >24 h standby and >500 charge cycles; external 9 V DC input enables continuous operation while simultaneously charging the battery via integrated float-charge circuitry.
- Energy-conscious firmware: backlight deactivation after 60 seconds of inactivity; full system shutdown after 5 minutes of no user input—extending operational readiness in battery-dependent underground scenarios.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The 101B is validated for use with clean, non-corrosive, non-condensing gases—including air, nitrogen, methane, carbon monoxide, and synthetic calibration mixtures—within its nominal range of 0.2–60 mL/min. It is not intended for use with saturated vapors, aerosols, or particulate-laden streams that may compromise soap film integrity or optical path clarity. All measurements adhere to JJG 586–2006, which specifies verification procedures for soap film flowmeters including tube dimensional tolerances, temperature/pressure sensor calibration intervals, and uncertainty budgeting for volumetric timing. While not certified to ISO/IEC 17025 or ASTM D3195, the device functions as an in-house reference standard compliant with GLP-aligned internal calibration protocols for QC/QA workflows in coal mine safety labs, occupational hygiene departments, and environmental monitoring agencies.
Software & Data Management
The 101B operates as a standalone, embedded-system instrument with no PC connectivity or proprietary software dependency. All data—including raw transit time, uncorrected volume, compensated flow value, timestamp, and environmental parameters—is displayed in real time on the integrated LCD and retained in volatile memory for immediate visual verification. No data logging, export, or audit trail functionality is provided, consistent with its role as a field verification tool rather than a regulated data acquisition system. For laboratories requiring electronic records under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 or ISO 17025, external documentation (e.g., handwritten logbooks or camera-captured screen images) must be employed to satisfy traceability requirements.
Applications
- Calibration and verification of low-flow personal dust samplers and respirable fraction cyclones in underground coal mines.
- Field validation of constant-flow air sampling pumps used for gaseous contaminant analysis (e.g., benzene, formaldehyde, H2S) per OSHA ID-121 or NIOSH 0500 methodologies.
- Verification of carrier gas flow rates in portable gas chromatographs deployed for on-site mine gas analysis.
- Performance testing of rotameters, critical orifice meters, and laminar flow elements prior to installation in ventilation monitoring networks.
- Traceable flow adjustment of multi-point stack sampling systems during EPA Method 1–5 field audits.
- Educational use in university mining engineering and industrial hygiene laboratories for hands-on instruction in volumetric flow metrology principles.
FAQ
Does the 101B support data export or USB connectivity?
No. The instrument is designed as a self-contained verification tool with no serial, USB, or Bluetooth interface. All readings are viewed directly on the LCD display.
Can it be used for liquid flow calibration?
No. The 101B is strictly configured for gas-phase volumetric flow measurement using soap film displacement. Liquid calibration requires alternative methods such as gravimetric or piston-prover systems.
Is temperature and pressure compensation mandatory for compliance with JJG 586–2006?
Yes. Clause 5.3.2 of JJG 586–2006 requires correction of measured volume to reference conditions (typically 25 °C, 101.325 kPa). The 101B performs this automatically using its integrated sensors.
What maintenance is required for long-term accuracy?
Annual recalibration of the internal temperature and pressure sensors against NIST-traceable references is recommended. The glass tube should be cleaned with isopropyl alcohol after each day’s use to prevent surfactant residue buildup.
Is the soap solution supplied with the instrument?
No. Users must prepare their own soap solution per JJG 586–2006 Annex A—typically a mixture of distilled water, glycerin, and a non-ionic surfactant—to ensure consistent film formation and minimal evaporation rate.
