Mass flow meter and controller calibration

Mass flow controller (MFC) calibration is the process of verifying that the instrument’s controlled and measured flow rate matches a traceable reference standard under defined conditions of gas type, pressure and temperature. Calibration produces a certificate showing the actual flow at each calibrated point, the deviation from setpoint, and the measurement uncertainty. UKAS accreditation means the calibration laboratory has been independently assessed against ISO/IEC 17025:2017.

Thermal mass flow meters and controllers measure heat transfer, which varies with the thermal properties of the gas. An MFC calibrated for nitrogen will give an incorrect reading if used with argon or carbon dioxide without applying a gas conversion factor. For accurate results, the instrument should be calibrated using the actual process gas, or a verified conversion factor must be applied. Labcal can advise on multi-gas calibration and conversion requirements.

In regulated manufacturing environments, annual calibration is typical. For instruments used in critical gas blending, pharmaceutical production or analytical reference work, some organisations calibrate every six months. The calibration interval should be defined by your quality management system based on the criticality of the measurement and the instrument’s historical drift behaviour.

A mass flow meter measures the gas flow rate and provides an output signal but does not control the flow. A mass flow controller includes a proportional control valve that actively regulates the flow to a set point. Both types require calibration. Controllers must be calibrated to verify both the measurement accuracy and the control valve response across the required flow range.

Yes. Our engineers have experience calibrating mass flow instruments from a wide range of manufacturers, including older and discontinued models. If you have instruments where the original manufacturer no longer offers calibration support, contact us and we will confirm whether we can accommodate the instrument and advise on any limitations.