KAF-01 Digital Flow Controller for Vacuum Pumps
| Brand | Truelab (Chubai) |
|---|---|
| Origin | Shanghai, China |
| Model | KAF-01 |
| Pump Type | Oil-Free Diaphragm Vacuum Pump Controller |
| Flow Range | 0–50 L/min |
| Display Resolution | 0.01 L/min |
| Inlet/Outlet | 10 mm barbed fitting (tapered) |
| Housing Material | 304 Stainless Steel |
| Valve Material | 316 Stainless Steel |
| Power Supply | 9 VDC, 1.0 A (adapter included) |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 290 × 160 × 60 mm |
| Weight | 3.5 kg |
| Operating Temperature | 5–45 °C |
| Motor Power Rating | ≤30 W |
| Integrated Components | Thermal Mass Flow Sensor, Precision Proportional Control Valve, Passive Flow Damping Element |
| Compliance | CE-marked design principles, RoHS-compliant materials, suitable for ISO/IEC 17025-aligned lab environments |
Overview
The KAF-01 Digital Flow Controller is an integrated, compact instrumentation module engineered for precise, real-time regulation of gas flow in low-to-medium vacuum applications driven by oil-free diaphragm vacuum pumps. Unlike conventional on/off or manually throttled vacuum systems, the KAF-01 employs a thermal mass flow sensing principle—calibrated for ambient air and compatible with common non-corrosive process gases (e.g., N₂, O₂, Ar, dry CO₂)—to deliver closed-loop proportional control. Its architecture combines a high-stability MEMS-based mass flow sensor, a linearly actuated 316 stainless steel proportional control valve, and a passive hydraulic damping element to suppress pulsation artifacts inherent to diaphragm pump operation. This enables continuous, stepless flow adjustment from 0 to 50 L/min with ±1.5% reading accuracy and 0.01 L/min display resolution—critical for reproducible degassing, controlled solvent evaporation, vacuum filtration, and inert atmosphere purging where dynamic flow stability directly impacts experimental repeatability.
Key Features
- Integrated thermal mass flow measurement with factory calibration traceable to NIST-traceable standards
- Proportional control valve fabricated from 316 stainless steel for chemical resistance and long-term sealing integrity
- Dual-stage passive damping system mitigates pressure ripple and flow oscillation induced by diaphragm pump reciprocation
- Front-panel digital LCD display with real-time flow readout (0.01 L/min resolution) and intuitive push-button interface
- 304 stainless steel enclosure offering corrosion resistance, EMI shielding, and mechanical robustness in shared lab environments
- Low-power 9 VDC operation (≤30 W system draw) enabling deployment in benchtop setups without dedicated circuitry
- Modular 10 mm barbed inlet/outlet ports compatible with standard Tygon®, Viton®, and silicone vacuum tubing
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The KAF-01 is designed for use with clean, dry, non-condensable, and chemically non-aggressive gases. It is not rated for solvent vapors, acidic or halogenated compounds, particulate-laden streams, or explosive atmospheres. The device meets material compliance requirements under EU RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU and follows CE-conformity design practices for electromagnetic compatibility (EN 61326-1) and electrical safety (EN 61010-1). While not a standalone analytical instrument, it supports GLP- and GMP-aligned workflows when deployed as part of validated vacuum-assisted processes—such as lyophilizer shelf pressure control, vacuum drying protocol standardization, or automated sample preparation stations—where audit-ready flow documentation is required.
Software & Data Management
The KAF-01 operates as a stand-alone analog/digital hybrid controller with no embedded firmware update capability or USB/RS-232 connectivity. All operational parameters are managed locally via tactile buttons and visual feedback only. For integration into data-logging or SCADA environments, optional analog 0–5 V or 4–20 mA output signals (available upon request with OEM configuration) can be interfaced with third-party DAQ systems compliant with IEEE 1451.2 or IEC 61131-3 architectures. When used in regulated laboratories, users are advised to maintain manual logbooks or electronic records (per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 Annex 11 guidance) documenting daily verification of zero-point stability and full-scale response using calibrated reference flow meters.
Applications
- Controlled-rate vacuum filtration in analytical chemistry and pharmaceutical QC labs
- Stabilized purge flow in glovebox antechambers and inert-atmosphere reaction setups
- Gradual pressure ramping during vacuum desiccation of hygroscopic standards
- Flow-regulated solvent removal in rotary evaporation pre-concentration steps
- Calibration support for secondary vacuum gauges (e.g., Pirani, capacitance manometers)
- Teaching laboratory demonstrations of laminar vs. turbulent flow regimes under variable backpressure
FAQ
Is the KAF-01 suitable for use with corrosive gases such as HCl or Cl₂?
No. The internal wetted materials—including the flow sensor element and 316 stainless steel valve—are not rated for halogenated, acidic, or oxidizing gases. Exposure may cause irreversible sensor drift or valve seat degradation.
Can the flow range be recalibrated for gases other than air?
Factory calibration is performed for dry air at 25 °C and 1 atm. For other gases, users must apply certified gas-specific correction factors per ISO 14111; no field recalibration function is provided.
Does the unit include over-pressure or over-temperature protection?
The KAF-01 does not incorporate active over-pressure or thermal cut-off mechanisms. It relies on upstream system-level safeguards (e.g., vacuum relief valves, pump thermal fuses) per EN 61000-6-2.
What maintenance intervals are recommended?
Visual inspection every 6 months; cleaning of barbed fittings and external housing with isopropyl alcohol; replacement of internal damping element every 12 months under continuous operation.
Is the 9 VDC power adapter included?
Yes—a UL/CE-certified 9 VDC, 1.0 A switching adapter with 1.0 m cable is supplied as standard equipment.
