Datasheet
SLQ-HC60
Milliliter Flow Meter for Hydrocarbons
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1 Introduction SLQ-HC60
The SLQ-HC60 Liquid Flow Meter enables fast, non invasive measurements of liquid flow up to 80 ml/min. This
product line is especially suited for process monitoring applications in automation technology which require high
sensitivity in the milliliter range. It is suited for use with almost all hydrocarbons, as for example, alcohols, oils,
gasoline, diesel, etc. and many other chemicals. Excellent chemical resistance is ensured: The flow path of the SLQ-
HC60 Liquid Flow Meters is formed by a simple, straight glass capillary. This Swiss made, non invasive flow meter is
based on Sensirion’s patented CMOSens® Technology (US Patent 6,813,944 B2). An internal fourth generation
MEMS sensor chip combines a thermal high precision sensor element with amplification circuits and digital
intelligence for linearization and temperature compensation on one single microchip – the product’s core element.
2 Sensing Performance
In Table 1 the flow sensor’s performance for use with Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) is given. For other hydrocarbons the
values will be slightly different as the performance depends on the medium used. Due to the optimized output signal
the repeatability is nearly constant over a wide flow range. The repeatability depends on the integration timea of the
analog signal acquisition. Longer integration time leads to better repeatability of the flow measurement (see table 1).
The temperature compensation is optimized for use with IPA and shows very good performance for most
hydrocarbons and other media.
Table 1: Model specific performance of SLQ-HC60 for IPA (all data at 20°C, 1 barabs unless otherwise noted)
Parameter Condition SLQ-HC60 Units
Maximum Flow Rate Best Performance 80 ml/min
Reduced Performance
1
0
0
Repeatabilityb
(whichever is greater)
0.2 sec integration time
1.5
% m.v.
0.2
% F.S.
2 sec integration time
1
% m.v.
0.07
% F.S.
Flow Detection Response Time
< 50
Accuracy
c
10
% m.v.
Response Time On Power
-
Up
120
Mounting Orientation Sensitivity
d
For IPA
0.25
ml/
min
Operating Temperature
Temperature Compensated
+10…+40
°C
Functional +0 ... +55 °C
Ambient storage T
emperature
(
empty flow channel
)
-
10…+60
°C
a This refers to the time over which the analog acquisition device averages the input signal. Refer to the datasheet of your
device.
b For medium IPA using 1 σ standard deviation of consecutive flow measurements.
c With IPA, 2.5-80 ml/min, after conversion of the Vout signal via the exponential relation. See section 3.1
d Normal position: Horizontal Flow channel, connector horizontally.
Maximum flows up to 80 ml/min
Sensitive to lowest flows
Straight flow path, no moving parts
Fast response time: < 50 ms
Optimized for hydrocarbons
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3 Output Signal and Media Compatibility
3.1 Output Signal
The SLQ-HC60 flow meter comes with
an analog output (0…10V). Depending
on the media used, the output will be
about 5 Volt at zero flow. For positive
flow rates the output signal increases
logarithmicallya with the flow rate for
IPA (see figure 1). This signal
characteristic has the advantage that
the flow meter can be used at various
flow rates with a constant relative error
and makes measurements for a wide
spectrum of liquids possible.
3.2 Signal for Other Media
For other media but IPA the form of the
sensor signal will differ slightly as is
demonstrated in figure 2. When using
the sensor with other media but IPA,
ask Sensirion for advice on how to
handle the sensor signal to suit your
requirements.
Because of the drastically different
sensor response the sensor is not
suited for use with water or aqueous
solutions.
3.3 Maximum Flow Rate for
Common Media
Due to the measurement principle, the
thermal properties of the medium
determine the sensor characteristics
and the dynamic range of the device.
For most hydrocarbons and most other
media this range extends to about 80
ml/min. With reduced performance even
rates of 100 ml/min or higher can be
reached for some media. For low viscosity (< 1
centipoise) media the dynamic range can be limited
by turbulence.
The dynamic ranges for various media are given in
Table 2. For other media similar values can be
expected.
Attention: If unsure about your medium please
contact Sensirion for assistance.
a The flow rate for IPA is given by Flow[ml/min] = (Exp[(Vout-5)/0.729]-1)/3 for positive flow rates, i.e. above 5V. For negative
flow rates the signal is symmetric: Flow[ml/min] = - (Exp[(5-Vout)/0.729]-1)/3. In Excel or when programming one can use the
following formula for the full flow range: Flow[ml/min] = SIGN(Vout -5)*(EXP[SIGN(Vout -5)*( Vout -5)/ 0.729)]-1)/3 where SIGN
is -1 if the argument is negative and +1 if the argument is positive.
b At reduced requirements on accuracy (repeatability for other media but IPA) and exchangeability of sensors.
Conversion: Signal to Flow (for positive flow rates)a
Flow[ml/min] = (Exp[(Vout-5)/0.729]-1)/3
= 1/3 * (e(Vout-5)/0.729-1)
Table 2: Examples for common media
Medium Maximum Flow Rate Units
IPA 80 (100b)
ml/min
Ethanol, Methanol, Gasoline ~50
Acetone ~ 40
Diesel, Petroleoum, Veg. Oils 80 (100b)
Silicon Oil, Ether < 100
Figure 1: Sensor Signal for IPA
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
-120 -100 -80 -60 -40 -20 0 20 40 60 80 100 120
Flow [ml/min] (IPA)
Vout [Volt]
Figure 2: Sensor Signal for Various Media
5
6
7
8
9
10
0 20 40 60 80 100
Flow [ml/min]
Vout [Volt]
Ethanol
IPA
Diesel
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3.4 Exchangeability
Every SLQ-HC60 is calibrated for IPA. This makes the sensors also exchangeable for use with other media, meaning
that once the sensors are characterized for a particular medium the same values can be used for further sensors.
Depending on the media, variations between sensors of 6– 20% are typical.
4 Cleaning
Due to the measurement principle the sensor is sensitive to deposits on the inside of the sensor’s capillary.
Especially when changing from one liquid to another sufficient cleaning steps have to be performed to avoid non-
soluble remainders on the capillary wall. Inadequate cleaning can lead to an offset and low repeatability. The
cleaning procedure has to efficiently remove contaminations from the borosilicate glass surfaces. This is the material
which is used for the straight flow channel inside the flow meter.
Any form of mechanical cleaning has to be avoided. This will easily damage the internal capillary.
5 Electrical and Mechanical Specifications
5.1 Electrical Specifications
Table 2: DC Characteristics.
Parameter Conditions Min. Typ. Max. Units
Power Supply DC, VDD 16 24 26 V
Operating Current VDD = 24 V ---- , no load 3 4 mA
Analog Out Voltage Range 0 10 V
Load at Analog Out 10 k
Capacitive Load at Analog out Tbd pF
5.2 Electrical Connector and Pinout
Connector Type: Lumberg Pico (M8) male, 8-pole, threaded lock.
Pin
Function
Connect to
Color (pigtail cable)
1
Power Supply 24V
(
+
)
of Power Supply
white
2
Do not use.a
brown
3
green
4
yellow
5
gre
y
6
Analog Out 0
-
10 V
(
+
)
of Signal Acquisi
tion
pink
7
GND
Connect to ground/(
) of Power
Supply and Signal Acquisition
blue
8
GND
red
Note: Pins 7 and 8 have to be connected to ground of the Power Supply and the Signal Acquisition. Pins 2-5 are
used in the calibration procedure, they have no functionality in normal use. Pins 2-5 cannot be used “as” the ground;
they are not connected with Pins 7 and 8 inside the sensor.
5.3 Fluidic Connections
The repeatability of the measurement depends on a laminar flow of the liquid. Especially with low viscosity media
improper connections to the sensor can unnecessarily reduce the maximum flow rate. Tubing with an inner diameter
of less than 1.8 mm should be avoided. Make sure that the tubing has been cut properly.
a Or connect to common ground with Pin 7 and 8. Never connect to (+) of Power Supply!
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5.4 Mechanical Specifications and Pressure Rating
Table 3: Mechanical Specifications and Pressure Rating
Parameter SLQ-HC60
Fluid Connector Standard (Fittings) ¼-28 flat bottom port for 1/8”, 3mm OD tubing
Wetted Materials:
Internal Sensor Capillary Material Duran® (borosilicate glass 3.3)
Fitting Material 100% PEEK™ (polyetheretherketone)
Additional Sealing Material Tefzel® (ETFE)
Overpressure Resistance
3 bar
45 psi
Maximum Pressure Drop
(at 80 ml/min flow rate for IPA) 40 mbar
Internal Sensor Capillary, Inner Diameter 1.8 mm
Protection Class IP 65
To
tal Mass
53 g
6 Physical Dimensions
7 Ordering Info
The SLQ-HC60 can be ordered in the Flow Meter Kit
at quantities up to 3 units. The Flow Meter Kit
contains the sensor, the suitable connecting cable, a
set of compression fittings for 1/8’’ OD tubing and a
set of various barb connectors for easy setup for
testing.
When ordering the SLQ-HC60 alone without the Flow
Meter Kit it comes only with the cables but without
fitting material.
Product
Article
Number
Flow Meter Kit
SLQ-HC60 1-100870-01
SLQ-HC60
1
-
100605
-
01
Attention
Mechanical shocks and connecting to the fitti
ngs with excessive force can lead
to stress on the
internal
thin walled glass capillary and can cause it to break. Test for leakage after every time new connections
are made.
Refer to Handling Instructions for precise information. !
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8 Important Notices
8.1 Warning, personal injury
Do not use this product as safety or emergency stop devices or in
any other application where failure of the product could result in
personal injury. Do not use this product for applications other than
its intended and authorized use. Before installing, handling, using
or servicing this product, please consult the data sheet and
application notes. Failure to comply with these instructions could
result in death or serious injury.
If the Buyer shall purchase or use SENSIRION products for any
unintended or unauthorized application, Buyer shall defend, indemnify
and hold harmless SENSIRION and its officers, employees,
subsidiaries, affiliates and distributors against all claims, costs, damages
and expenses, and reasonable attorney fees arising out of, directly or
indirectly, any claim of personal injury or death associated with such
unintended or unauthorized use, even if SENSIRION shall be allegedly
negligent with respect to the design or the manufacture of the product.
8.2 ESD Precautions
The inherent design of this component causes it to be sensitive to
electrostatic discharge (ESD). To prevent ESD-induced damage and/or
degradation, take customary and statutory ESD precautions when
handling this product.
See application note “ESD, Latchup and EMC for more information.
8.3 Warranty
SENSIRION warrants solely to the original purchaser of this product for
a period of 12 months (one year) from the date of delivery that this
product shall be of the quality, material and workmanship defined in
SENSIRIONs published specifications of the product. Within such
period, if proven to be defective, SENSIRION shall repair and/or replace
this product, in SENSIRION’s discretion, free of charge to the Buyer,
provided that:
notice in writing describing the defects shall be given to
SENSIRION within fourteen (14) days after their appearance;
such defects shall be found, to SENSIRION’s reasonable
satisfaction, to have arisen from SENSIRION’s faulty design,
material, or workmanship;
the defective product shall be returned to SENSIRION’s
factory at the Buyer’s expense; and
the warranty period for any repaired or replaced product shall
be limited to the unexpired portion of the original period.
This warranty does not apply to any equipment which has not been
installed and used within the specifications recommended by
SENSIRION for the intended and proper use of the equipment. EXCEPT
FOR THE WARRANTIES EXPRESSLY SET FORTH HEREIN,
SENSIRION MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR
IMPLIED, WITH RESPECT TO THE PRODUCT. ANY AND ALL
WARRANTIES, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, WARRANTIES
OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE, ARE EXPRESSLY EXCLUDED AND DECLINED.
SENSIRION is only liable for defects of this product arising under the
conditions of operation provided for in the data sheet and proper use of
the goods. SENSIRION explicitly disclaims all warranties, express or
implied, for any period during which the goods are operated or stored
not in accordance with the technical specifications.
SENSIRION does not assume any liability arising out of any application
or use of any product or circuit and specifically disclaims any and all
liability, including without limitation consequential or incidental damages.
All operating parameters, including without limitation recommended
parameters, must be validated for each customer’s applications by
customer’s technical experts. Recommended parameters can and do
vary in different applications.
SENSIRION reserves the right, without further notice, (i) to change the
product specifications and/or the information in this document and (ii) to
improve reliability, functions and design of this product.
Copyright© 2001-2007, SENSIRION.
CMOSens® is a trademark of Sensirion
All rights reserved.
Trademarks where mentioned. E.g.
PEEK™ is a trademark of Victrex PLC
Tefzel® is a registered trademark of DuPont Corporation
Duran® is a trademark of the SCHOTT-Group
FCC and CE Statement
This product has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules (FCC CFR
47). These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment
generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If
this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on,
the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one of more
of the following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and the
receiver
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different
from that to which the receiver is connected.
Consult a dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for
help.
The devices fully comply with norm EN 50081-2 (Emission Test Series)
as well as EN 50082-2 (Immunity Test Series). ESD protection up to
2kVolt.
8.4 RoHS and WEEE Statement
The SLQ product family complies with requirements of the following
directives:
EU Directive 2002/96/EC on waste electrical and electronic
equipment(WEEE), OJ13.02.2003; esp. its Article 6 (1) with
Annex II.
EU Directive 2002/95/EC on the restriction of the use of
certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic
equipment (RoHS), OJ 13.02.2003; esp. its Article 4.
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SENSIRION AG
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+82
-
31
-
440
-
9925~27
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.
Phone:
+1
805
409 4900
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USA
SENSIRION China Co. Ltd.
Phone
:
+86 755 8252 1501
Room 2411, Main Tower Fax: +86 755 8252 1580
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:
+81 3
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3444
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4940
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