Smart–Trak 2 Mass Flow Controllers Put Users in Control

Jan. 12, 2009

Next Generation of High-Performance Digital Gas Mass Flow Meters

Sierra Instruments is introducing its next generation of high-performance digital gas mass flow meters and controllers—the Smart-Trak 2 Model 100. The proprietary ST2 technology in every Model 100 is based on five-year’s worth of user feedback and suggestions, says Mark McMahon, product manager for Sierra Instruments. ST2 technology allows users to exercise local control of the following functions that previously required return to the factory:

Edit Dial-A-Gas tables to add or change gases or mixture selections,
Take full control of integral flow controller valves by tuning the PIDs,
Optimize every instrument with a convenient digital chart recorder,
Maintain independence with complete field calibration capability,
Adjust zero and span from the pilot module display or end-user computer.

“The ST2 technology in every Smart-Trak 2 puts the customer in control of the instrument,” says McMahon.
Every model in the premium digital 100 Series features Sierra Instruments’ patented Dial-A-Gas technology that provides users with the ability to choose from one of ten preprogrammed gases or use the new capability of the Smart-Trak 2 to substitute gases as desired. The ten standard gases are air, argon, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, methane, helium, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen and nitrous oxide. Users can substitute almost any gas, including toxics and mixtures.

Like the original model, Smart-Trak 2 featuring ST2 technology is engineered with a patented inherently linear design and advanced platinum sensor technology. Its strong, flexible valve facilitates measurement and control of gas mass flow rate from 10 standard cubic centimeters per minute (sccm) full scale to 1,000 standard liters per minute (slpm) full scale. The Smart-Trak 2 valve has a standard 300-millisecond time constant. A 2-second response time to within ± 2% of final value (including setting time) is typical. ST2 technology allows users to tune the valve response faster or slower by adjusting PID values from their computers and while watching the results in real time on the included digital chart recorder, says to McMahon. Optimizing valve response has never been easier.

Digital flow controllers today must be returned to authorized service centers for validation or calibration. For the first time, ST2 technology puts the user in control of this process by enabling on-site validation. Available software allows complete on-site calibration after factory training.

All models in the Premium Digital 100 Series are available with the Pilot Module, a front-mounted or handheld control readout device that enables users to “Dial-a-Gas,” change flow rate, modify engineering units or reconfigure the instrument. ST2 technology adds new capabilities that permit instrument calibration using the Pilot Module. Users can set the zero or adjust the span value using the buttons on the module and, thanks to the linearity of 100 Series design, this is all that is needed for standard calibration. These capabilties are also available from a PC or workstation.

All 100 Series products, like the Smart-Trak 2, offer users the choice of multiple analog or digital signals, including RS-232, RS-485 (Modbus), 4-20mA, 0-5, 1-5, 0-10 VDC.

The 100 Series includes the

100L that covers the range from 0-10 sccm to 0-50 slpm,
100M that covers the range from 0-20 to 0-300 slpm,
100H that covers the range from 0-100 to 0-1,000 slpm (higher flows are available).

In addition, the other members of Sierra Instruments digital family—Model 101, which covers the range 0 to 4 sccm and below, and our industrial models 180M and 180H—also benefit from ST2 technology to obtain all the features listed above.

For more information about the 100 Series family and ST2 technology, contact Sierra Instruments at 800-866-0200 or www.sierrainstruments.com.