What is a common application of a thermal mass flow sensor?

A thermal mass flow sensor is specifically designed to measure the flow of gases. This type of sensor operates based on the principle that when a gas flows over a heated element, it carries away heat at a rate that is proportional to the mass flow rate of the gas. The sensor typically consists of two temperature sensors: one that is heated and another that measures the temperature of the gas. By evaluating the temperature difference, the sensor can determine the mass flow rate of the gas.

Measuring the flow of gases is a significant application for thermal mass flow sensors because they provide accurate and reliable measurements under varying conditions of pressure and temperature, which is crucial in many industrial processes. Their ability to measure low flow rates and the direct relationship to mass flow rather than volumetric flow makes them particularly useful in applications involving gas flow in chemical processing, HVAC systems, and environmental monitoring.