Sensirion expands its flow sensor portfolio for ventilators

Sensirion, the sensor expert for medical ventilation and the world’s leading manufacturer of flow sensors, is expanding its product portfolio for the MD&M West 2021 medical technology trade fair. Three new flow sensors for respiratory applications are now available worldwide via distributors. All three products are next-generation sensors that belong to the popular SFM3xxx platform and are suitable for inspiratory applications at ambient pressure. The SFM3003 has an extended flow range between -150 and 300 slm, while the SFM3013 is resistant to overpressure (up to 1 bar) and calibrated for heliox. Lastly, the SFM3119 adds a digital sensor to the SFM31xx series of compact sensors.

The SFM3003 is based on the technology used in the SFM3019 sensor, which was brought onto the market during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide a high volume of flow sensors for inspiratory flow measurements in medical ventilators. Compared to the SFM3019, the SFM3003 comes with a wider flow range and improved specifications. The flow of air, oxygen and mixtures thereof at rates between -30 and 300 slm can be measured with excellent accuracy, reliability and long-term stability – no recalibration required. Furthermore, the SFM3003 has a very low pressure drop, ultra-fast response time and optimal signal-to-noise ratio. The SFM3013 is a variant of the SFM3003. It offers additional resistance against overpressure (up to 1 bar gauge pressure), and is also calibrated for heliox gas. Both sensors are the ideal solution for high-volume applications that prioritize cost efficiency.

The SFM3119 is a compact digital flow meter. It is the successor to the SFM3100 flow sensor. Compared to its predecessor, the SFM3119 comes with a digital I2C output and improved specifications. The SFM3119 is highly accurate and fast at measuring flows of air, oxygen and mixtures thereof between -10 and 240 slm. It has a compact design and can be easily integrated into existing devices. Furthermore, the SFM3119 flow meter has a low pressure drop. It is particularly suitable for inspiratory flow sensing in applications such as ventilation and anesthesia, and for mixing oxygen and air to a very precise degree.

All three new flow sensors are part of the proven SFM3xxx platform, and share the characteristics of high accuracy, very low pressure drop and fast signal sampling. These fully calibrated and temperature-compensated sensors can accurately measure flow rates in both directions.

“The three new flow sensors are the ideal complement to our product range. Our customers can now find the right sensor for all respiratory applications,” says the product manager responsible for the sensors, Pauline Simonet. “In addition to these sensors, we also provide our customers with comprehensive support and all important documents (data sheets, application notes, engineering guide, CAD files, etc.) so that starting new projects can be easy and straightforward.”