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Mass flow controllers

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Comparing Mass Flow Controller Technologies

Selecting the right mass flow controller (MFC) depends on your specific application parameters, process gases, and pressure constraints. Use the technical comparison matrix below to evaluate our core instrument configurations.

Controller SeriesTechnology TypeTypical Flow RangeResponse TimeTemperature rangeKey Advantage
Standard MC SeriesDifferential Pressure50 slpm to 5000 slpm< 10 ms−10 – 60°CHigh-speed, multi-gas calibration, and drop-in versatility.
Whisper™ Low Pressure DropDifferential Pressure0.5 sccm to 1000 slpm50 – 100 ms control response−10 – 60°COperates with minimal system pressure drop, ideal for low-pressure gas delivery.
Basis 2.0 Series (OEM)Thermal Mass100 sccm to 100 slpm< 6 ms0 – 50°CHighly accurate for stable, long-term continuous gas flow processes for OEM applications.
CODA Coriolis SeriesCoriolis (Direct Mass)Up to 300 kg/h< 100 ms-35° to +70° CMeasurement independent of fluid composition; excellent for high pressure and unknown gas mixes.
IS-Max™ SeriesDifferential PressureCustom Configured< 50 ms-20 – 70 °CIntrinsically safe design certified for hazardous environments and explosive areas.

Need help finding the right product? Please feel free to get hold of us by Live Chat (during office hours), by calling 01953 609930 or email us on sales@pctflow.com.

Our range of gas mass flow controllers are equipped with advanced thermal mass flow sensors, manufactured by Alicat Scientific and distributed throughout the UK by PCT. We have a complete range which allows us to control a range of flow rates. From the smallest device, which includes a precise mass flow sensor capable of controlling flow rates from as little as 0.00025 sccm (Standard Cubic Centimetres per Minute), up to our largest models. Some of these are designed to leverage the principles of Coriolis mass flow measurement, capable of controlling up to 5000 slpm (Standard Litres Per Minute).

Video: Why Choose an Alicat Mass Flow Controller?

We have MFCs suitable for many different types of industry and application, from vacuum mass flow controllers to bi-directional. Our Whisper MFC series is a personal favourite as it offers class-leading low-pressure drop.

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Applications

Common uses and applications to measure and control the flow rate gas and liquids are present throughout Research, Academia, Industry, Analytical and the Environmental Industries to name just a few. Some examples would be:

  • Gas mixture generation
  • Glass preform control
  • Analyzer plasma gas control
  • Analyzer calibration gas control
  • Bio-reactor feed gas control
  • Burner gas control
  • Sputtering process control
  • Coating technology gas control
  • Brewing process gas (N2, O2, CO2)
  • Nitriding gas control
  • Metals industry Argon lance gas control
  • Flame spraying
  • CVD process gas control
  • Hydrogen fuel cell testing
  • Surface treatment gas control
  • Fibre drawing gas control
  • Analyzer carrier gas control
  • Welding gas control
  • Fuel cell flow control
  • Modified atmosphere packaging gas control
  • Ice-cream and fondant aeration
  • Microbiology process control
  • Solar panel coating control
  • Micro-Reactor gas control
  • ALD ultra-fast flow control
  • Vacuum deposition gas control
  • Semiconductor gas delivery
  • Leak detection systems

Frequently asked questions

Yes. The Whisper Series are specifically designed for high flow burner applications at low inlet pressures (for example when used with town gas). Furthermore, with tunable PID the modulation of each gas supply can be matched to eliminate the potential for an over-rich flame at one extreme and "flame blow out" at the other.
Unfortunately not. The MC Series is rated to 10 barG, however the good news is that the Alicat MCQ-5SLPM-d/5M,5IN,GAS:O2 is rated to 22 barG.
The MCV Series is specifically designed for vacuum systems, conforming to the NESSI Standard, and with its soft seat is ideal for very precise ultra-low control. In addition, the integrated pneumatic shut-off valve ensures positive shut-off. As the instrument fits to the industry size envelope and the electrical connections can be made to match any configuration, the MCV Vacuum Series mass flow controller is an ideal "drop in" replacement for any other manufacturers device without any difficulty.
Yes. The Alicat BASIS instrument range is designed to be exactly that. Flow ranges span from 1 sccm to 20 slpm across the range with up to eight gases being pre-loaded (Air, CO2, Ar, O2, N2, N2O, He and H2 - please ask about other gases). The MFC is instantly on – no need for warm up – and very fast in its control response (100 ms).
A mass flow controller is a precision device used to measure and control the flow of gases or liquids based on mass, rather than volume. It actively regulates the flow to maintain a desired setpoint, even when system pressure or temperature changes.
While both measure flow by mass, a mass flow controller includes a control valve that adjusts flow to match a setpoint. In contrast, a mass flow meter only measures flow without providing any control functionality.
PCT supplies MFCs compatible with a wide range of gases and liquids. Common examples include air, nitrogen, argon, oxygen, CO₂, hydrogen, and specialty gases. Liquid-compatible MFCs are also available for chemical and life science applications.
Yes. Many of our MFCs support digital interfaces like RS485, Modbus, and Ethernet-based protocols, allowing for remote setpoint control and real-time data monitoring via SCADA or PLC systems.
MFCs are widely used in semiconductor manufacturing, analytical instruments, environmental testing, gas mixing, biotechnology, and R&D labs—anywhere precise, stable flow control is critical.
Absolutely. Our team will guide you in choosing the best MFC based on your required gas or liquid type, flow rate, control precision, and system compatibility. We also provide support with integration and calibration.

Help and advice

A member of our team will be happy to assist with any questions you may have.

Ask the team