MAGNETROL Thermatel® TA2 Series Thermal Mass Flow Meter

Overview

The MAGNETROL Thermatel® TA2 Series Thermal Mass Flow Meter is an industrial-grade, direct mass flow measurement instrument engineered for precise, repeatable, and maintenance-free monitoring of air and process gases in demanding industrial environments. Utilizing constant-temperature thermal dispersion technology, the TA2 detects convective heat transfer from a heated sensor element to the flowing gas—enabling true mass flow measurement independent of pressure and temperature fluctuations. Unlike volumetric devices requiring compensation algorithms, the TA2 delivers inherently stable readings across wide dynamic ranges, making it especially suitable for low-flow, low-pressure, and variable-composition applications such as combustion air control, biogas monitoring, compressed air leak detection, flare gas metering, and wastewater aeration systems. Its robust stainless-steel probe and modular electronics architecture ensure long-term reliability under continuous operation in refineries, chemical plants, power generation facilities, and municipal infrastructure.

Key Features

• Direct mass flow measurement—no separate pressure/temperature transmitters required
• Factory-calibrated using actual gas flow standards; traceable calibration certificate provided with each unit
• High turndown ratio up to 100:1 ensures accurate measurement from near-zero to full-scale flow rates
• Rotatable local display module (2×16 character LCD) enables optimal visibility during panel or pipe-mounted installation
• Configurable output options: 4–20 mA analog with HART® v7.5 protocol or Foundation Fieldbus™ digital communication for integration into DCS/SCADA systems
• Optional hot-tap online insertion kit allows installation and removal without process shutdown
• Wide operating temperature range: electronics rated –40 °C to +85 °C; probe variants rated up to +200 °C for high-temp applications
• SIL 2 certified per IEC 61508 for use in safety instrumented systems (SIS)

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The TA2 Series is optimized for clean, dry, non-corrosive, and mildly corrosive gases—including air, nitrogen, oxygen, natural gas, methane, carbon dioxide, propane, and biogas (with appropriate material selection). For aggressive or particulate-laden streams, optional Hastelloy C-276 probe construction and filter kits are available. All units comply with international hazardous area certifications including ATEX II 1G Ex ia IIC T4 Ga, IECEx ia IIC T4 Ga, and UL/cUL Class I, Division 1, Groups A–D. The device meets electromagnetic compatibility requirements per EN 61326-1 and functional safety requirements per IEC 61508 (SIL 2). It supports audit-ready data logging when integrated with MAGNETROL’s FlowVision™ software, facilitating compliance with ISO 5167, API RP 14.3, and EPA Method 2F for flare gas reporting.

Software & Data Management

Configuration, diagnostics, and data trending are managed via MAGNETROL’s FlowVision™ PC-based commissioning software, compatible with Windows OS and supporting both HART® and Foundation Fieldbus™ interfaces. FlowVision enables parameter setup, real-time diagnostics (e.g., sensor fault detection, flow profile analysis), firmware updates, and export of time-stamped flow logs in CSV format. When deployed in regulated environments, the system supports 21 CFR Part 11-compliant user access controls, electronic signatures, and audit trail generation—ensuring traceability for GLP/GMP and pharmaceutical manufacturing applications. Optional Modbus TCP or OPC UA gateways allow seamless integration into enterprise-level MES or Historian platforms.

Applications

• Combustion air monitoring in boilers and thermal oxidizers
• Compressed air system submetering and energy efficiency audits
• Biogas and landfill gas flow quantification in anaerobic digestion facilities
• Torch and flare gas metering for environmental reporting (EPA, EU ETS)
• Aeration control in activated sludge basins and membrane bioreactors
• Natural gas custody transfer at distribution points (non-fiscal, where regulatory approval permits)
• Inert gas blanketing flow verification in chemical reactors and storage tanks

FAQ

Does the TA2 require periodic recalibration?
No routine recalibration is required under normal operating conditions. Factory calibration is traceable to NIST standards, and long-term stability is verified per ISO/IEC 17025. However, field verification using portable reference meters is recommended annually or after exposure to severe contamination events.
Can the TA2 measure wet or dirty gas streams?
The standard TA2 is intended for clean, dry gases. For saturated or particulate-laden applications, consult MAGNETROL engineering for probe coating options, inline filtration, or alternative models such as the TA3 with enhanced fouling resistance.
Is the TA2 suitable for fiscal custody transfer?
The TA2 is not certified for fiscal (revenue-grade) custody transfer per AGA Report No. 9 or ISO 12213. It is approved for allocation, monitoring, and environmental reporting applications where regulatory frameworks accept thermal mass flow technology.
What is the minimum measurable flow rate?
The lower limit depends on gas type and probe size, but typical minimum detectable flow is 0.01 m/s (linear velocity) or ~0.1% of full scale—enabled by low-noise sensor electronics and adaptive signal processing.
How does ambient temperature affect accuracy?
The TA2 incorporates internal temperature compensation algorithms and a thermally isolated sensor design. Electronics housing maintains stable operation between –40 °C and +85 °C; extended ambient compensation is available via optional external RTD input.