The UK and Irish automotive sector spans ICE, hybrid and EV platforms, where repeatable test results, robust plant reliability, and traceable quality controls are non negotiable. From engine dyno cells and fuel return loops to battery electrolyte filling and paint shop utilities, PCT supplies measurement and control technologies that are proven on benches, rigs and production lines.
Our portfolio covers Coriolis mass flow for fuels, back pressure and pressure regulation for steady utilities, rugged visual indication for coolant/lube branches, and precision dosing for additive, sealant and solvent handling—backed by UK support and service. We integrate quickly with existing PLC/SCADA environments and can advise on materials, approvals (e.g., ATEX/IECEx where applicable), and lifecycle considerations to reduce risk and downtime.
Engine dyno programs rely on accurate, fast responding mass based fuel measurement across warm up, step transients and coast downs. Volumetric meters can drift with density changes; direct mass and density measurement simplifies corrections and improves correlation across fuels and temperatures. Compact, vibration tolerant sensors help when space is tight and test cells are busy. High pressure capability is valuable for modern high pressure rails and return circuits. Built in temperature output supports energy accounting and viscosity studies. The result is tighter BSFC calculations, cleaner step responses and less re run risk.
Stable back pressure in fuel return loops is essential to keep injectors within their operating envelope and maintain repeatable rail conditions. Return flows can swing rapidly during step tests and tip outs, so the regulator must remain stable through large turndown without hysteresis. Mixed phase tolerance helps when cavitation or vapour pockets appear. Cleanliness and material options matter for compatibility with different fuel chemistries. Electronic piloting enables remote, programmable set points for automated profiles.
Coolant circuits protect powertrain and e motor components and often include branch monitoring for pumps, heat exchangers and inverter cooling plates. Many sites need local indication plus a simple way to add alarms or 4–20mA to a PLC. In rugged bays, stainless steel meters with elevated temperature/pressure ratings reduce maintenance. When technicians need a glanceable check plus a signal, variable area instruments with stainless internals are the practical choice.
Transmission, axle and bearing rigs demand reliable lube flow confirmation to protect expensive test articles. Fluids can vary in viscosity with temperature; mass based measurement sidesteps density corrections. Compact sensors help where manifold space is tight, and high temperature capability is useful during heat soak testing. Diagnostics and density data can inform condition monitoring and aid root cause analysis after anomalies.
Battery module production requires repeatable micro to millilitre level dosing of electrolytes and additives, with strong chemical compatibility. Valveless architectures reduce clog/leak points and maintain accuracy over many cycles, avoiding downtime and rework. Swappable heads and material options help match chemistries across pilot and scale up. Clean, compact modules integrate neatly with PLCs for recipe control and feedback.
DEF handling on engine and after treatment rigs benefits from sanitary fluid paths, easy cleaning and flexible flow ranges. Peristaltic technology confines fluid to the tubing, reducing contamination risks and simplifying maintenance. Multi head drives support parallel channels or recirculation without complex manifolds, while RS 485 or analogue inputs enable recipe control.
Adhesives/sealants need precise, repeatable shots to avoid rework and cosmetic defects. Positive displacement dosing that is insensitive to back pressure swings improves consistency, and chemically resistant wetted parts handle challenging formulations. Modular heads let you set volumes mechanically and maintain accuracy over long duty cycles.
Paint shop flushing and solvent dosing benefit from closed loop pressure control to stabilise flow through guns, manifolds and return lines. Fast pressure steps reduce solvent waste and shorten changeovers. Electronic pressure controllers integrate easily with PLCs for automated sequences and alarms, improving repeatability shift to shift.
Sampling systems around catalytic converters and DPF after treatment require stable flow or pressure control and often operate in classified areas or harsh locations. Intrinsically safe instrumentation simplifies compliance and allows remote verification and data logging. Low leakage valves and robust enclosures are important for uptime and traceability.
Purge and vent services (e.g., nitrogen purge of test vessels, enclosures, or exhaust headers) demand reliable pressure regulation with low hysteresis and good set point stability. Clean materials of construction support analyzer and lab services, while a push and lock mechanism prevents drift from vibration.
Leak testing appears across the vehicle lifecycle—from component benches to final assembly checks. The method often needs precise control/hold of pressure and high resolution measurement of tiny flow/pressure changes. Minimising dead volume and enabling quick, portable verification reduces cycle time and rework. Battery powered tools accelerate audits around lines and bays.
Thermal/environmental chambers typically rely on stable pressure for steam, thermal fluids or conditioned gases feeding coils and atomisers. Self operated regulators lower complexity and provide quiet, fast response while maintaining downstream set points. Sliding gate internals reduce turbulence, wear and noise—valuable in lab/test areas.
| Application | Recommended Technologies | Why It Helps |
|---|---|---|
| Engine dynamometer fuel flow measurement | Rheonik RHM 20 + RHE 45 | Direct mass & density, vibration tolerant, high pressure options for dyno cells. |
| Fuel return loop back pressure control | Equilibar IC Series (IC16) | Frictionless, wide turndown BPR keeps return pressure stable through transients. |
| Coolant loop flow verification | King 7710 rotameter | 316L construction with indication + alarms/4–20 mA for branch monitoring. |
| Lubrication circuit flow monitoring | Rheonik RHM 12 | Compact Coriolis mass/density improves assurance across temperature/viscosity shifts. |
| Electrolyte filling & dosing | FMI Q2 Series heads | Valveless ceramic piston for accurate micro to millilitre dosing; materials flexibility. |
| AdBlue/DEF dosing on test rigs | Longer WT600 2J | Multi head, analogue/RS 485 control; wide flow from dosing to flush. |
| Sealant & adhesive metering | FMI Q1 Series heads | Precise, repeatable shots; wash gland option for sticky media. |
| Paint line solvent/flush dosing | Alicat PCS pressure controller | Fast, stable pressure steps; easy PLC integration for automated flushing. |
| Emissions sampling & conditioning | Alicat IS Max | Intrinsically safe (ATEX/IECEx Zone 0), IP66 enclosure; unified control + telemetry. |
| Purge/vent flow & pressure control | Drastar DRA200 | High purity SS regulator; push and lock set point security; multiple Cv options. |
| Leak test flow control & verification | Alicat PCU | Portable, multi range verification/calibration kit for fast QA. |
| Thermal chamber utility pressure regulation | Jordan Valve Mark 60 | Sliding gate regulator with low offset/noise; robust downstream control. |

Alicat M Series Mass Flow Meter - Standard Model
Alicat MB Series Mass Flow Meter - Portable
Alicat MW Series Mass Flow Meter - Low Pressure Drop
Alicat MCD Series Controller - Bidirectional Gas Mass Flow
Alicat MCR Series Controller - High Flow Rate
Alicat MC Series Controller - Standard Controller
King Instruments 7610 Series Rotameter
King Instruments 7710 Series Rotameter
LX Flow Turbine
Krohne Coriolis Flow Meter Optimass 3000
Alicat PC3 PCR3 - Single Valve Pressure Controller
Alicat PCR - Single Valve Pressure Controller
Alicat PC - Pressure Controller
Alicat P Series Pressure Transducer
Alicat Basis 2.0 Series Controller - OEM Applications
Research Series
General Service GSD
High Temperature HT Series
Alicat MCQ Series Controller - High Pressure
Jordan Valve Mark 60 Series Self Operated Pressure Regulator
Rheonik RHM 60 Large Coriolis Flow Meter
Rheonik RHM 80 Large Coriolis Flow Meter
Rheonik RHM 100 Large Coriolis Flow Meter
Rheonik RHM 160 Large Coriolis Flow Meter
Jordan Valve Mark 70 Series Sliding Gate Control Valve
Alicat Basis 2.0 Mass Flow Meter - OEM Applications
Fusion Flow MXM Precision Gas Mixers
Longer T100/T300/T600 OEM Peristaltic Pump
FMI QBLDC20 Series Direct Current Pump
FMI QBLDC55 Series Direct Current Pump
FMI QBLDC500 Series Direct Current Pump
FMI QBLDC1550 Series Direct Current Pump
FMI QV Series Variable Speed Pump