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Premier Control Technologies Fluid Solutions

Automotive

Monitoring Instrumentation used in the Automotive Industry

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.

Typical applications

Engine dynamometer fuel flow measurement

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.

Relevant products:

  • Rheonik RHM 20 Coriolis flow meter with RHE 45 transmitter - Rheonik’s Coriolis technology provides direct mass flow and density with high repeatability and resilience to vibration—well suited to engine test cells. The RHM 20 offers wide flow coverage with options for high pressure ratings and broad temperature limits; RHE series transmitters add advanced diagnostics for stable, traceable results in demanding rigs.
Man working in modern car factory
Key benefits:
  • Direct mass & density - eliminates volumetric conversion errors vs. temperature/pressure swings in dyno cells.
  • High pressure & temperature options - suitable for high pressure fuel rails and hot return lines.
  • Rugged, vibration tolerant design - consistent readings in noisy test environments.
  • Transmitter flexibility - multiple outputs/communications for easy PLC/DAQ integration.

Fuel return loop back pressure control

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.

Relevant products:

  • Equilibar® IC Series industrial back pressure regulator - Equilibar’s dome loaded, multi orifice design uses a single flexible diaphragm and frictionless operation, giving precise control from very low to high flows. The IC Series (1.5–3″) brings this performance to industrial line sizes with CF3M/1.4409 stainless steel construction, Class 150/300 options and multiple connections (NPT, ANSI, tri clamp). Ideal where fuel return flow varies widely yet rail/return pressure must remain steady.
  • Key benefits:
    • Ultra wide turndown & fast response - stable return pressure through aggressive transients.
    • Frictionless, no hysteresis control - repeatability for mapped sweeps and step profiles.
    • Industrial construction & connections - drop in for plant piping with UK/IE materials preferences.

Coolant loop flow verification

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.

Relevant products:

  • King Instrument 7710 stainless steel rotameter - The 7710 Series offers an all 316L tube, internals and fittings, with optional inductive alarms or 4–20mA transmitter for remote monitoring—ideal for coolant branches and skids. It provides long, linear scales, good pointer stability and broad flow/pressure/temperature capabilities in a robust package.
  • Key benefits:
    • All 316L construction - corrosion resistance in glycol water and industrial coolants.
    • Local indication + signals - add alarms or analogue output to PLCs easily.
    • High pressure & temperature ratings - reliable in demanding loops.

Lubrication circuit flow monitoring

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.

Relevant products:

  • Rheonik RHM 12 Coriolis flow meter - Rheonik’s smaller RHM series meters deliver direct mass flow and density with the same rugged torsional oscillator design, providing accuracy and repeatability for lube skids and component rigs where space is limited. Multiple materials and process connections suit varied oils and test fluids.
  • Key benefits:
    • Direct mass & density - consistent lube flow assurance across temperature/viscosity changes.
    • Compact form factor - easy to integrate on existing manifolds.
    • Rugged, vibration tolerant design - stable readings on rotating machinery rigs.

Electrolyte filling and dosing

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.

Relevant products:

  • Fluid Metering Inc. (FMI) Q2 Series CeramPump® heads - Q2 Series pump heads use a valveless ceramic piston and cylinder liner for continuous, accurate dosing with low maintenance. Multiple constructions (e.g., 316SS, ceramic, ETFE/PVDF) maximise compatibility; the heads interchange with drives to scale flow. Their sub mL resolution and repeatability suit electrolyte and additive shots in EV manufacturing and validation labs.
  • Key benefits:
    • Valveless rotary piston - fewer failure points, stable micro dosing.
    • Material flexibility - match aggressive chemistries (e.g., PVDF/ETFE options).
    • Interchangeable heads - quick range changes for pilot to series builds.

AdBlue/DEF dosing on test rigs

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.

Relevant products:

  • Longer WT600 2J high flow peristaltic drive - The WT600 2J provides up to 600rpm, can drive multiple heads, and accepts analogue and RS 485 control—ideal for DEF feeds, priming and recirculation on benches. Depending on head/tube selection, it covers a wide flow range up to 6000mL/min per head, supporting both low flow dosing and high flow flush.
  • Key benefits:
    • Multi head capability - dual channel dosing or recirculation with one drive.
    • Wide flow envelope - switch from small shots to high flow rinse.
    • Analogue/RS 485 control - simple PLC integration for recipes and steps.

Sealant and adhesive metering for assembly

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.

Relevant products:

  • Fluid Metering Inc. (FMI) Q1 Series CeramPump® heads - Q1 Series modules use the same valveless ceramic piston concept, with multiple material options (316SS, ceramic, ETFE/PVDF) and optional wash gland for sticky fluids. They offer fine dispense resolution (from 0.016mL/rev) and robust repeatability, making them a strong fit for body shop or module assembly dosing.
  • Key benefits:
    • Valveless piston design - accurate, low maintenance adhesive shots.
    • Wash gland option - handles sticky or crystal forming media.
    • Multiple constructions - compatibility with a wide range of sealants

Paint line solvent/flush dosing

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.

Relevant products:

  • Alicat PCS single valve pressure controller: Alicat’s PCS provides electronic pressure control with rapid response and programmable interfaces. In flush loops it holds a stable set point while the plant manages flow with orifices/valves, improving transition times and consistency during color change and cleaning cycles.
  • Key benefits:
    • Fast, stable pressure control - shorter flush times, less solvent consumption.
    • Simple PLC integration (serial/analogue/bus) - easy automation of rinse profiles.
    • Reduced hardware count vs. manual regulators and gauges.

Emissions sampling and gas conditioning

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.

Relevant products:

  • Alicat IS Max™ intrinsically safe flow/pressure device - IS Max/IS Pro instruments are ATEX/IECEx Zone 0 intrinsically safe devices housed in IP66 enclosures, designed for hazardous environments such as analyzer shelters and field skids. They combine multivariate measurement with control and support digital/analogue communications for reliable sampling and gas conditioning loops.
  • Key benefits:
    • ATEX/IECEx Zone0 approval - suitable for hazardous sampling locations.
    • IP66 enclosure & rich telemetry - robust outdoor use, easy remote checks.
    • Unified measurement + control - fewer components, simpler P&IDs.

Purge/vent flow and pressure control

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.

Relevant products:

  • Drastar DRA200 low pressure reducing regulator: The DRA200 is a stainless steel, tied diaphragm pressure reducing regulator designed for high purity services, with push and lock handle to secure set points. It offers various Cv options, inlet pressure ratings and seat materials, making it a solid choice for purge/vent pressure feeds in rigs and labs.
  • Key benefits:
    • Set point security with push and lock handle - no drift from line vibration.
    • High purity, stainless construction - clean gas delivery to benches and analyzers.
    • Multiple Cv/seat options - size to purge demand without instability

Leak test flow control and verification

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.

Relevant products:

  • Alicat PCU Portable Calibration Unit - The PCU bundles three battery powered, high precision meters for rapid verification across ranges, ideal for on rig checks and periodic QA. It complements standard leak test setups and helps teams validate smaller and larger leak rate windows without re plumbing devices.
  • Key benefits:
    • Multi range portability - verify diverse leak windows with one kit.
    • Fast deployment - minimal disruption to lines and rigs.
    • Supports validation/verification workflows for traceable QA.

Thermal chamber utility pressure regulation

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.

Relevant products:

  • Jordan Valve Mark 60 self operated pressure regulator: The Mark 60 uses sliding gate trim for precise downstream pressure control, reduced offset and quieter operation than globe style regulators. It’s available in multiple materials and configurations, including high pressure variants and quick change options—well suited to chamber utilities and plant services.
  • Key benefits:
    • Fast response & low offset - stable utility pressure across load changes.
    • Sliding gate design - reduced turbulence and noise in lab areas.
    • Multiple formats - scale from small chambers to high capacity services.

Application Selection Guide

ApplicationRecommended TechnologiesWhy It Helps
Engine dynamometer fuel flow measurementRheonik RHM 20 + RHE 45Direct mass & density, vibration tolerant, high pressure options for dyno cells.
Fuel return loop back pressure controlEquilibar IC Series (IC16)Frictionless, wide turndown BPR keeps return pressure stable through transients.
Coolant loop flow verificationKing 7710 rotameter316L construction with indication + alarms/4–20 mA for branch monitoring.
Lubrication circuit flow monitoringRheonik RHM 12Compact Coriolis mass/density improves assurance across temperature/viscosity shifts.
Electrolyte filling & dosingFMI Q2 Series headsValveless ceramic piston for accurate micro to millilitre dosing; materials flexibility.
AdBlue/DEF dosing on test rigsLonger WT600 2JMulti head, analogue/RS 485 control; wide flow from dosing to flush.
Sealant & adhesive meteringFMI Q1 Series headsPrecise, repeatable shots; wash gland option for sticky media.
Paint line solvent/flush dosingAlicat PCS pressure controllerFast, stable pressure steps; easy PLC integration for automated flushing.
Emissions sampling & conditioningAlicat IS MaxIntrinsically safe (ATEX/IECEx Zone 0), IP66 enclosure; unified control + telemetry.
Purge/vent flow & pressure controlDrastar DRA200High purity SS regulator; push and lock set point security; multiple Cv options.
Leak test flow control & verificationAlicat PCUPortable, multi range verification/calibration kit for fast QA.
Thermal chamber utility pressure regulationJordan Valve Mark 60Sliding gate regulator with low offset/noise; robust downstream control.

FAQs

Mass flow eliminates density corrections and aligns directly with BSFC calculations; Coriolis adds density/temperature for deeper analysis.
A dome loaded, multi orifice design with a single diaphragm offers frictionless operation and ultra wide turndown for stable set points.
Yes—King 7710 rotameters support inductive alarms and transmitter options while retaining stainless construction.
Their valveless ceramic piston/liner provides positive displacement without check valves—reducing wear points and improving repeatability.
Yes—by selecting appropriate heads/tubes it covers small shots through to ~6000mL/min per head, and supports multi head operation.
Alicat IS Max provides ATEX/IECEx Zone0 intrinsic safety in an IP66 enclosure with measurement and control combined.
Use the Alicat PCU: a portable, multi range kit with battery power for rapid on rig validation/verification across several ranges.
Jordan’s sliding gate trim shortens stroke for faster response, reduces turbulence and noise, and minimises offset.

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