Multivariate Alicat IS-Max intrinsically safe MFC with relative humidity compensation for hydrogen electrolysis
Alicat™ Scientific releases digital mass flow controller for explosive environments
Tucson, Arizona – July 25th, 2024
Alicat Scientific, of Tucson, Arizona, released their new IS-Max ATEX and IECEx Zone 0-certified mass flow controller (MFC) and meter (MFM). In gas flow processes where automation, repeatability, and accuracy of flow as good as ±0.5% of reading are needed, an MFC replaces mechanical flow devices such as rotameters and pneumatic, non-proportional valves. IS-Max mass flow controller allows for easy automation and rapid integration in an environment that presents explosive atmospheres continuously, or for long periods of time.
The mass flow controllers handle flow rates as low as 0.5 SCCM full scale, or as high as 250 SLPM full scale. The meters can read up to 5,000 SLPM. IS-Max devices can use media-isolated materials, permitting up to 128 different field-selectable gas calibrations. The IS-Max instruments use the same ultra-fast, highly versatile, very accurate laminar differential pressure technology that has made Alicat a leader in gas flow measurement. Customers in settings from analyzer laboratories, to R&D, to industrial processing, use Alicat devices.
An intrinsically safe IS-Max MFC and MFM
Hydrogen electrolysis systems
A relative humidity sensor option in an Alicat IS-Max can compensate for water vapor in hydrogen production calculations. With it, you get a continuous, precise measurement of hydrogen output. At the same time, the intrinsically safe design and IP66 integrated case means it can be employed in the field, in a gas shed, or in the lab while supplementing safety protocols. Continuous reporting of temperature, pressure and flow rate—up to 13 such condition variables—mean more insight, more responsiveness, and better results for an electrolysis process:
- Temperature
- Mass flow
- Volumetric flow
- Absolute pressure
- Gauge pressure
- Barometric pressure
- Relative humidity
- Dew point
- Percent water vapor
- Total mass
- Total volume
- Valve drive
Hydrogen fuel cell
High speed data and premium features included, while intrinsically safe
The IS-Max MFCs and meters offer digital MODBUS RTU and Alicat ASCII communications, as well as 4-20 mA input/output. Alicat’s Gas Select™ feature allows end users to choose from up to 128 onboard gas calibrations. It makes the device versatile and easily repurposed without recalibration. An autotune function optimizes flow control when a process system changes—for example, when an increase or decrease of pressure occurs in a system. Batch processing and totalizing help automate sample delivery, monitor cumulative flow, and even create custom reference gas mixes.
David Davis, VP of Engineering at Alicat said, “While there’s no flow meter quite like Alicat’s for intrinsically safe operation, we think that engineers that need to automate metering and flow control valves in their explosive environment gas flow process are going to be delighted at the IS-Max MFC’s beautifully optimized level of control, while banking the cost saving that comes from the ease-of-use and the rich functionality that are so competently intertwined in these ATEX/IECEx certified instruments.”
Alicat flow and pressure devices perform such varied activities as perfecting hydrogen-electric energy generation, drawing glass optical fibers for telecommunications, testing rocket parts for leaks, heating furnaces for ceramics, and generating pharmaceuticals through biochemical processing.