Alicat Series - Liquid flow controllers and meters for accurate, real‑time dosing and monitoring
Our Alicat L/LB/LC/LCR instruments use laminar differential pressure technology to measure and control volumetric liquid flow with instant‑on performance, ±2% FS accuracy, and 50:1 turndown. Choose the L meter for inline monitoring, LB for portable verification, LC for low‑flow control (ccm), or LCR for rapid control and dispensing at 1–10 L/min—all with live temperature and optional pressure readouts, bleed ports for fast de‑aeration, and PLC‑friendly I/O.
We can offer various different analogue input / output signals as well as many digital communications options.
Quote - Configure your device
Or if you would prefer to contact us by phone or email to discuss your your liquid flow meter or controller, please call 01953 609930 or email sales@pctflow.com.
Overview: Laminar differential pressure measurement for liquids
Alicat liquid meters and controllers route the fluid through a laminar flow element (LFE). Two pressure taps measure the differential pressure across the LFE; with a known geometry (and the Poiseuille relationship), the instrument calculates volumetric flow. A temperature sensor stabilises readings, and an optional gauge pressure sensor displays line pressure. Because liquids are (effectively) incompressible, volumetric flow is the right quantity to report—no gas law compensation is required. The architecture has no heated elements and no moving parts, delivering instant on behaviour and very fast response.
Key technology advantages
Fast dynamics: measurement updates in ~10–20 ms on meters; control response from ~30–100 ms on controllers (model and setup dependent).
Multi parameter display in real time: volumetric flow, fluid temperature and (optionally) line pressure on the front panel.
Low pressure drop designs and quick de aeration via front bleed ports improve commissioning and accuracy.
Overview: Alicat L / LB / LC / LCR liquid series
L Series — Fixed liquid flow meters (volumetric)
Use case: inline monitoring and verification of liquid flow with local display.
Ranges: 0.5 ccm to 10 L/min full scale.
Accuracy: ±2% of full scale; 50:1 turndown; ~20 ms indication response.
Features: front bleed screws to remove air; optional pressure sensor.
LCR Series — Higher flow controllers
Use case: rapid liquid control and dispensing at higher rates.
Ranges: typically 1 to 10 L/min full scale; ±2% FS; fast ~100 ms typical control response.
Benefits: custom orifice sizing for your duty; same display/comms/bleed port conveniences as LC.
Features & benefits
Instant on: accurate in <1 second, ideal for intermittent or mobile use. (L, LB, LC, LCR)
Multi variable visibility: see flow, temperature and pressure on one screen—fewer instruments to wire, fewer failure points. (L, LB, LC, LCR)
Precision dispensing: optional firmware/hardware packages support batch dosing with fast valve response and tuneable PID. (LC, LCR)
Broad range coverage: 50:1 turndown reduces the need for multiple SKUs per line. (All)
Connectivity that fits your plant: analogue I/O, serial ASCII/Modbus as standard, with EtherNet/IP, EtherCAT, PROFIBUS/PROFINET as options for PLC integration. (All)
Hazardous area options: ATEX/CSA (e.g., Ex nA IIC, T4) available for Zone 2/Class I Div 2. (L, LC, LCR)
Calibration & assurance: supplied with NIST traceable calibration and backed by a limited lifetime warranty. (All)
Portable verification: LB gives you quick checks and validation anywhere without cabling—handy for commissioning and service teams. (LB)
Ultra fast to stable: meters indicate within ~10–20 ms; controllers settle quickly (as fast as ~30–100 ms), cutting cycle times on dosing and batching. (L, LC, LCR)
They use laminar differential pressure across a flow element and compute volumetric flow—ideal for incompressible liquids—while also showing temperature and optional pressure.
For liquids, Alicat reports volumetric flow (mass isn’t required for incompressible media). Pressure and temperature are shown for context and diagnostics.
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