Beifen Sanpu GL-103B Electronic Soap Film Flowmeter

Overview

The Beifen Sanpu GL-103B Electronic Soap Film Flowmeter is a precision volumetric flow measurement instrument engineered for laboratory-grade calibration and verification of low-to-medium gas flow rates in analytical instrumentation setups—including gas chromatography (GC) systems, environmental air samplers, calibrators for mass flow controllers (MFCs), and emission monitoring equipment. It operates on the well-established soap film method: a thin, stable soap film is formed across the calibrated glass tube bore; as gas flows through the tube, the film traverses a known distance between two optical sensors, and its transit time is measured with microsecond-level resolution. The instrument computes flow rate using the fixed internal cross-sectional area and elapsed time, then applies real-time temperature and barometric pressure compensation to convert raw volumetric readings into standardized conditions (e.g., STP or NTP) or mass flow equivalents—enabling traceable, repeatable, and ISO/IEC 17025-aligned calibration workflows.

Key Features

• Volumetric measurement principle compliant with ASTM D6196-20 (Standard Practice for Selection and Use of Gas Adsorbents for Volatile Organic Compound Sampling) and ISO 10780:2019 (Stationary source emissions — Measurement of velocity and volume flowrate of gas streams in ducts).
• LCD display showing simultaneous readouts of elapsed time, measured volume, ambient temperature (°C), atmospheric pressure (kPa), uncorrected flow rate (mL/min or L/min), and compensated flow (standardized or mass basis).
• Three-button interface enabling zero-reset, start/stop timing, and statistical post-processing—including automatic 5-point averaging to reduce operator-induced variability.
• Integrated environmental sensor suite: high-stability thermistor and piezoresistive pressure transducer calibrated against NIST-traceable references.
• Dual-power architecture: long-life 4.8 V / 700 mAh rechargeable battery (≥300 h standby, ≥500 cycles) + universal 9 V DC input port supporting concurrent operation and battery recharging—ideal for field deployment or continuous lab use.
• Glass tube construction with engraved scale and optically optimized bore geometry ensures laminar flow profile and minimal wall adhesion error—critical for sub-10 mL/min accuracy.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The GL-103B is validated for clean, dry, non-corrosive gases including nitrogen, air, helium, argon, oxygen, and synthetic air. It is not intended for use with condensable vapors, aerosols, or chemically aggressive gases (e.g., Cl₂, NH₃, H₂S). Its design conforms to general safety requirements for laboratory instruments per IEC 61010-1:2010. While not certified under FDA 21 CFR Part 11, its data logging and averaging functions support GLP-compliant documentation when used in conjunction with controlled procedural SOPs. Calibration certificates (optional) are issued with uncertainty budgets traceable to CNAS-accredited reference standards.

Software & Data Management

The GL-103B operates autonomously without PC connectivity; all calculations—including temperature/pressure compensation, unit conversion (mL/min ↔ L/min ↔ sccm), and 5-point statistics—are performed internally using embedded firmware. Measured values are retained in volatile memory until next power cycle. For audit-ready workflows, users manually record results into ELN systems or LIMS-compatible spreadsheets. The device supports manual entry of local barometric pressure (if external digital barometer is preferred over built-in sensor) and user-defined temperature offset calibration—facilitating alignment with facility-wide metrology protocols.

Applications

• Calibration and verification of GC carrier gas flow controllers and split/splitless injectors.
• Verification of flow rates in ambient air sampling pumps (e.g., for PM₂.₅, VOC, or formaldehyde monitoring).
• Performance validation of portable gas detectors and fixed-gas monitoring systems prior to field deployment.
• Flow characterization of small-bore tubing, filters, and porous media in R&D laboratories.
• Educational use in chemical engineering and analytical chemistry curricula for teaching fundamental flow metrology principles.
• Supporting ISO 5167 or ISO 9300-based flow system audits where primary standard traceability is required at low-flow regimes.

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable operating pressure for the GL-103B?

The instrument is rated for use up to 100 kPa(g) inlet pressure—exceeding this may distort the soap film or compromise seal integrity.
Can the GL-103B measure liquid flow?

No—it is designed exclusively for gas-phase flow measurement via the soap film technique; liquids would disrupt film formation and damage optical sensors.
Is factory calibration included with purchase?

Yes—each unit ships with a certificate of conformance indicating verification against reference flow standards at three points within its specified range (5 mL/min, 1 L/min, and 5 L/min).
How often should recalibration be performed?

Annual recalibration is recommended for ISO/IEC 17025 compliance; more frequent checks are advised if used daily in regulated environments or after mechanical shock.
Does the GL-103B support RS-232 or USB output?

No—data export is manual only. For automated integration, consider pairing with a digital flow meter (e.g., thermal mass flowmeter) alongside GL-103B for periodic verification.