Frequently Asked Questions

How Can Users Maintain a Compressed Air Flow Meter?

To ensure accurate measurement, stable performance, and a long service life, users should follow these maintenance practices:

  • Calibrate the flow meter regularly
    Calibration is generally recommended at least once a year. Critical measurement points or demanding applications may require more frequent calibration.
  • Keep the sensor clean
    Oil mist, moisture, dust, and pipe contaminants may accumulate on the sensor and affect accuracy. Shut off and depressurize the system before cleaning. Follow the product instructions and avoid blowing sensitive components directly with high-pressure air.
  • Check the installation
    Confirm that the flow meter is installed in the correct direction and that all connections are secure and leak-free. Also verify the required straight pipe length, insertion depth, and mounting angle.
  • Verify operating conditions
    Ensure that pressure, temperature, humidity, and gas composition remain within the flow meter’s specified operating limits.
  • Check the measurement range
    Make sure the actual flow rate remains within the instrument’s measuring range. Operating below the minimum range or above the maximum capacity may reduce measurement accuracy.
  • Inspect the display and communication functions
    Check the real-time readings, totalized flow, alarm settings, and measurement units. Verify that outputs such as 4–20 mA, pulse, and Modbus are functioning correctly.
  • Inspect the power supply and wiring
    Check cables, terminals, power connections, and communication interfaces regularly. Loose wiring, corrosion, or electromagnetic interference may cause unstable data.
  • Monitor data trends
    Compare current readings with historical data, production demand, and equipment operating conditions. Unexpected fluctuations or measurement drift may indicate leakage, contamination, installation issues, or sensor problems.
  • Replace worn components when necessary
    Seals, connectors, and certain sensor components may deteriorate over time. Inspect and replace them according to the product model, operating conditions, and maintenance records.
  • Protect the instrument from harsh environments
    Avoid prolonged exposure to strong vibration, corrosive gases, extreme temperatures, condensation, and electromagnetic interference. Outdoor installations may require a suitable protective enclosure.

YUA Instruments provides product selection, installation guidance, calibration recommendations, system integration, and technical support based on the FIX Instruments product range, helping customers maintain accurate and reliable compressed-air flow measurement.

There is no single calibration interval that applies to every compressed air measuring instrument. The appropriate interval depends on the instrument type, manufacturer’s recommendations, required accuracy, frequency of use, operating environment, and applicable quality-management or regulatory requirements.

For compressed air flow meters, dew point meters, and pressure sensors, a 12-month calibration interval is a common starting point, but it is not a universal requirement. Some instruments may support longer intervals, while instruments used at critical measurement points or under harsh operating conditions may require more frequent inspection and calibration.

The instrument should be checked before its scheduled calibration date if:

  • Measurement results show unusual fluctuations or noticeable drift;
  • The instrument operates under high temperature, high humidity, strong vibration, dusty, or corrosive conditions;
  • It has been dropped, struck, exposed to overpressure, or subjected to mechanical shock;
  • It has undergone repairs, sensor replacement, or an extended period of storage;
  • Measurement data is used for quality control, energy accounting, or other critical applications;
  • A customer’s quality system, contract, or applicable regulation requires a shorter calibration interval.

Companies should follow the instructions provided for the specific instrument and develop a calibration schedule based on operating conditions and previous calibration results. If the instrument remains stable over several calibration cycles, the interval may be reviewed and extended—provided this complies with the manufacturer’s recommendations and applicable quality requirements. If significant drift is detected, the calibration interval should be shortened.

YUA Instruments provides calibration interval recommendations, instrument inspection guidance, and technical support for the FIX Instruments product range, helping customers maintain reliable and consistent measurement performance.

Calibration is essential for ensuring that measuring instruments continue to provide accurate, stable, and reliable data. Over time, sensor performance may be affected by temperature changes, pressure fluctuations, vibration, humidity, contamination, and component aging, potentially resulting in measurement errors.

Regular calibration helps confirm whether an instrument remains within its specified accuracy range and identifies measurement drift at an early stage. Depending on the results, the instrument may require adjustment, repair, or replacement of certain components.

For compressed air flow, dew point, pressure, and temperature measurement, regular calibration helps to:

  • Maintain accurate and consistent measurement results;
  • Monitor compressed air consumption and energy use accurately;
  • Identify unusual consumption or changes in system performance;
  • Support process monitoring and product quality management;
  • Reduce operational risks caused by inaccurate measurement data;
  • Meet internal quality-management and customer project requirements.

A 12-month calibration interval is commonly used as a general reference in industrial measurement, but it does not apply to every instrument. The appropriate interval should be determined according to the product instructions, operating environment, accuracy requirements, operating hours, and previous calibration results. Instruments used under harsh conditions or at critical measurement points may require more frequent inspection and calibration.

YUA Instruments provides calibration interval recommendations, instrument inspection guidance, and technical support for the FIX Instruments product range, helping customers maintain reliable measurement performance over the long term.

 
 
 

Airflow and consumption should typically be measured at the following locations:

  • Compressor outlets: Monitor air production and compressor performance.
  • Main supply header: Measure the total compressed air supplied to the plant.
  • Distribution branches: Compare consumption across workshops, production lines, or departments.
  • Points of use: Identify the consumption of individual machines or processes.
  • Before and after air treatment: Evaluate pressure loss, purge-air consumption, and dryer or filter performance.
  • Remote or high-demand areas: Detect insufficient supply, pressure drops, and abnormal consumption.

For better system analysis, flow measurement can be combined with pressure, temperature, and dew point monitoring.

YUA Instruments provides measurement-point planning, instrument selection, and system integration support based on the FIX Instruments product range.

 
 
 

No. Thermal mass flow meters can measure not only compressed air but also nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, natural gas, and other industrial gases.

Because each gas has different thermal properties, the meter must be correctly configured or calibrated for the specific gas. Changes in gas composition, moisture, or contamination may affect measurement accuracy.

When selecting a flow meter, consider the gas type, pressure, temperature, flow range, and operating conditions. YUA Instruments can recommend a suitable FIX Instruments thermal mass flow meter for your application.

 
 
 

A typical compressed air system includes:

  • Air compressor: Generates compressed air.
  • Air receiver: Stores compressed air and stabilizes system pressure.
  • Air dryer: Removes moisture from the compressed air.
  • Air filter: Reduces particles, moisture, and oil contaminants.
  • Piping system: Distributes compressed air to points of use.
  • Pressure regulator: Adjusts the supply pressure for equipment.
  • Drain system: Removes accumulated condensate.
  • Safety devices: Provide overpressure protection.
  • Monitoring and control system: Tracks key parameters such as flow, pressure, temperature, and dew point.

The exact configuration depends on air-quality requirements, air demand, operating pressure, and the application. YUA Instruments provides flow, pressure, temperature, and dew point monitoring solutions based on the FIX Instruments product range.

An insertion flow meter measures the velocity or mass velocity of the fluid and calculates the total flow using the configured internal pipe diameter. Therefore, when the pipe size changes, the sensor generally does not require recalibration—the new pipe diameter only needs to be entered correctly.

Thermal mass flow meters determine mass velocity by measuring heat transfer from the sensor to the gas. Pitot tube flow meters calculate velocity from the difference between total and static pressure.

After changing the pipe size, the pipe diameter, insertion depth, mounting direction, and straight-pipe requirements must still be checked. If the gas type, pipe geometry, or operating conditions change significantly, the meter settings should be reviewed and the measurement verified if necessary.

In compressed air and industrial gas systems, flow, pressure, and temperature are closely related. Measuring these parameters together provides a more complete view of system performance and supports energy analysis, fault diagnosis, and operational optimization.

1. Gain a Complete View of System Performance

Flow indicates actual air consumption, pressure reflects supply conditions, and temperature affects gas density and flow conversion. Monitoring all three parameters helps evaluate supply and demand, consumption changes, and system efficiency.

2. Improve Data Consistency

When flow, pressure, and temperature are measured at different locations or times, the data may not be directly comparable. A multi-parameter sensor collects all measurements simultaneously at the same point, improving data consistency.

3. Support Fault Diagnosis

Combined flow and pressure trends can help identify abnormal consumption, excessive pressure drops, restrictions, or insufficient supply capacity. Temperature data can also reveal unusual operating conditions and support maintenance decisions.

4. Simplify Installation and Integration

Combining several measurement functions in one sensor reduces installation points, wiring, and communication interfaces. It also simplifies integration with PLC, SCADA, and other monitoring systems.

5. Optimize System Operation

Continuous analysis of flow, pressure, and temperature helps users adjust supply pressure, optimize equipment operation, and reduce unnecessary compressed air and energy consumption.

A multi-parameter sensor may not be suitable for every application. Selection should be based on accuracy requirements, installation conditions, maintenance needs, and the operating environment. YUA Instruments provides multi-parameter instrument selection and system integration support based on the FIX Instruments product range.

 
 
 

The FIXINST-Q Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) sensor measures trace moisture by detecting changes in the oscillation frequency of a quartz crystal.

The crystal vibrates at a stable frequency and is coated with a moisture-sensitive material. When water molecules are adsorbed onto its surface, the crystal’s mass increases and its oscillation frequency changes. As the gas becomes drier, the water molecules are released and the frequency changes accordingly. The instrument converts these changes into dew point readings using calibration data and temperature compensation.

QCM technology provides high sensitivity under extremely dry conditions. It is particularly suitable for low-dew-point compressed air, clean gases, and high-purity industrial gases.

FIXINST-Q technology is used in products such as the F138x QCM Dew Point and Pressure Multi-Parameter Transmitter and the F141x Dual QCM Standard Dew Point Transmitter, with measurement ranges extending down to −120°Ctd.

Actual performance depends on the gas type, pressure, temperature, flow rate, cleanliness, and installation conditions.

If the flow meter is powered but the PLC, display, or data logger receives no signal, possible causes include:

Possible Causes:

  • Incorrect, loose, or reversed signal wiring;
  • Incorrect configuration of the 4–20 mA, pulse, or Modbus output;
  • A mismatch between the meter output and the receiving device input;
  • Incorrect loop power or load conditions for the 4–20 mA output;
  • Mismatched Modbus address, baud rate, or communication format;
  • A damaged cable, connection, or internal output module.

Troubleshooting Steps:

  • Check the power and signal wiring according to the manual for the specific model;
  • Use a multimeter to verify the supply voltage and 4–20 mA output;
  • Check the measuring range, output scaling, and communication settings;
  • Confirm that the meter output is compatible with the PLC or data logger input;
  • For Modbus communication, check the RS485 A/B wiring, device address, baud rate, and termination settings.

If there is still no output, record the product model, supply voltage, wiring arrangement, and output type, then contact YUA Instruments for technical support. Do not open the instrument or attempt to repair its internal circuitry.

Fluctuating dew point readings may indicate actual changes in gas moisture or unstable measurement conditions caused by pressure, sample flow, installation, sensor contamination, or signal interference.

Possible Causes:

  • Unstable system pressure or sample flow;
  • Dryer start-up, regeneration, or load changes;
  • Insufficient stabilization time after start-up;
  • Excessively long, leaking, or poorly designed sample lines;
  • Sample-line materials absorbing or releasing moisture;
  • Condensate, oil mist, particles, or other contaminants reaching the sensor;
  • An unsuitable measurement point or poor upstream filtration and drainage;
  • Loose wiring, poor grounding, or electromagnetic interference;
  • A sensor that requires inspection or recalibration.

Recommended Checks:

  • Confirm that the pressure and sample flow are stable;
  • Inspect the sample line for leaks, blockages, or condensation;
  • Check upstream filters, dryers, and drains;
  • Allow sufficient time for the reading to stabilize;
  • Inspect the power supply, wiring, shielding, and grounding;
  • Compare the reading with a reference instrument if necessary.

If the reading remains unstable, record the instrument model, pressure, flow rate, and operating conditions, then contact YUA Instruments for technical support.

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