Junray ZR-5320 Intelligent Soap Film Flowmeter

Overview

The Junray ZR-5320 Intelligent Soap Film Flowmeter is a precision volumetric flow calibration instrument engineered for traceable, low-flow gas measurement in laboratory and field applications. It operates on the fundamental principle of soap film displacement: a calibrated soap film is formed across the inner bore of a vertical glass tube; as gas flows upward through the tube, the film rises at a velocity directly proportional to volumetric flow rate. The instrument measures transit time between two precisely spaced infrared photodetectors—utilizing synchronized pulse-width modulation (PWM) to eliminate ambient light interference—and computes flow rate with high reproducibility. Designed to comply fully with JJG 586–2006 “Verification Regulation for Soap Film Flowmeters”, the ZR-5320 delivers metrologically sound results suitable for primary calibration of low-range flow devices including rotameters, mass flow controllers (MFCs), air samplers, and portable emission analyzers.

Key Features

• Optically robust PWM-modulated infrared detection system ensures stable, noise-immune film transit timing—immune to ambient lighting fluctuations, fluorescent flicker, or shadow effects.
• Integrated environmental sensor suite continuously monitors and records real-time ambient temperature (±0.2 °C) and atmospheric pressure (±0.1 kPa), enabling automatic correction to standard conditions (e.g., 25 °C, 101.325 kPa).
• Modular soap film tube architecture supports rapid interchange of calibrated glass tubes (e.g., 10 mm, 15 mm, and 25 mm internal diameters), extending measurable range from 0.05 L/min to 30 L/min with optimized resolution per segment.
• Onboard microprocessor performs real-time conversion between actual (as-measured) flow, standard-corrected (STP/NTP) flow, and instrument-scale (calibration curve-based) flow—displayed simultaneously with timestamp and environmental metadata.
• Patented integrated soap film module combines optical sensing path, bubble generation nozzle, and drain channel within a single detachable assembly—designed for quick disassembly, ultrasonic cleaning, and repeatable reinstallation without recalibration.
• Flexible power architecture: operates via AC adapter (100–240 VAC, 50/60 Hz) or built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery (7.4 V, 4400 mAh), supporting >12 hours of continuous operation in field-deployed mode.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The ZR-5320 is compatible with common laboratory-grade surfactant solutions (e.g., aqueous sodium dodecyl sulfate or commercial soap film concentrates) and accommodates gases across typical ambient composition ranges (air, N₂, O₂, CO₂, synthetic mixtures). Its mechanical design and measurement protocol conform to national verification requirements defined in JJG 586–2006. While not certified to ISO/IEC 17025 by default, the instrument’s documented uncertainty budget, traceable calibration certificates (available upon request), and audit-ready data logging support integration into GLP-compliant laboratories and QA/QC workflows aligned with ISO 17025 accreditation criteria. It is routinely deployed in environmental monitoring stations (per EPA Method IO-3.2), occupational hygiene assessments (OSHA/NIOSH sampling protocols), and metrology labs performing secondary calibration per ISO 6145-10 (gas mixtures) and ISO 4064-2 (water meter testing reference standards).

Software & Data Management

The ZR-5320 includes USB-C interface and native Windows-compatible PC software for configuration, firmware updates, and batch data export. All measurements are stored internally with full metadata—including date/time stamp, tube ID, raw transit time (ms), temperature, pressure, calculated flow values (L/min), and user-defined sample IDs. Export formats include CSV (for Excel, Python pandas, or LabVIEW ingestion) and PDF reports compliant with internal quality documentation requirements. Audit trail functionality logs all parameter changes and calibration events. Optional firmware upgrade enables optional 21 CFR Part 11–compliant electronic signatures and role-based access control when used in regulated pharmaceutical or clinical research environments.

Applications

• Primary calibration of low-flow gas meters (e.g., critical orifice calibrators, laminar flow elements) in metrology labs.
• Field verification of personal air sampling pumps used in industrial hygiene exposure assessment (NIOSH Method 0500, 0600).
• Performance validation of environmental air samplers (PM₂.₅, VOC, formaldehyde) prior to deployment in ambient monitoring networks.
• Research-grade flow characterization in microfluidic device development and catalytic reactor studies requiring sub-100 mL/min repeatability.
• Teaching laboratories for fluid mechanics and metrology courses—demonstrating volumetric flow principles, gas law corrections, and uncertainty propagation.

FAQ

What standards does the ZR-5320 comply with?
It fully satisfies the technical and procedural requirements of JJG 586–2006, China’s national verification regulation for soap film flowmeters.
Can the ZR-5320 be used with corrosive or humid gas streams?
The instrument is intended for clean, dry, non-corrosive gases; prolonged exposure to condensate or reactive gases (e.g., Cl₂, H₂S, NH₃) may degrade soap film stability and optical surfaces—use only with appropriate pre-filtration and drying stages.
Is calibration traceability provided?
Yes—each unit ships with a factory calibration certificate traceable to CNAS-accredited national standards; accredited third-party calibration services are available upon request.
How often should the soap film tube be cleaned or replaced?
Cleaning is recommended after every 50–100 measurements or whenever film rupture or inconsistent transit behavior is observed; routine inspection and ultrasonic cleaning with mild detergent extend tube service life beyond 2 years.
Does the ZR-5320 support custom temperature/pressure reference conditions?
Yes—the firmware allows user-defined STP/NTP conditions (e.g., 0 °C/101.325 kPa or 20 °C/101.325 kPa) for direct output in application-specific units.