The right mass flow meter for every medical device

Sensirion AG: The Swiss sensor manufacturer Sensirion has expanded its SFM3xxx platform for flow measurement in medical applications. For the first time, the flow sensor range now includes autoclavable mass flow meters. Thus, the five products in the platform now offer the right solution for all gas flow measurement applications in medical technology.

The SFM3xxx platform from Sensirion consists of five mass flow meters. These mass flow meters offer a comprehensive range of features, making them suitable for a variety of medical applications. All the sensors of the SFM3xxx platform share characteristics such as high precision and robustness. The fully calibrated and temperature-compensated sensors measure the flow rates of air and other non-aggressive gases bidirectionally and highly accurately. They also impress with very low pressure drop and fast response time.

Thanks to their common and individual features, the platform’s five mass flow meters offer a broad range of capabilities for gas flow measurements in all medical devices. The digital mass flow meter SFM3000, which is already established on the market, is suitable in particular for high-volume applications where cost is paramount. With the SFM3100, Sensirion offers an analog prod-uct that can be easily integrated into existing devices. A temperature sensor in the gas channel of the sensor enables highly precise temperature compensation and eliminates the need for an additional temperature sensor. The new mass flow meter SFM3200 offers a broad dynamic measurement range and high precision at low flow rates. Thanks to the very low pressure drop in the flow body, this sensor is particularly suitable for medical ventilation and other respiratory applications. With the SFM3200-AW and SFM3300-AW, Sensirion now offers two autoclavable mass flow meters. Thanks to their robustness, the new sensors can be treated in an autoclave, thus making them reusable. The SFM3200-AW offers exceptional performance at low flow rates, while the SFM3300-AW is notable for its stability in varying inlet conditions. Sensirion is also working on the development of a disposable product.

The comprehensive range of features of the SFM3xxx platform ensures the products cover all gas flow metering requirements in medical technology. The sensors can be used in a wide range of medical applications, such as ventilation or anesthesia, inhalers, drug delivery and metabolic measurements. The mass flow meters SFM3000, SFM3100 and SFM3200 are particularly suitable for inspiratory flow measurements, while the autoclavable sensors are the first choice for expiratory respectively proximal flow measurements.

Like all sensors from Sensirion, the outstanding performance of the SFM3xxx is based on the patented CMOSens® Technology. This enables integration of sensor and evaluation circuit on a single CMOS silicon chip. The result is an ultra-precision system that offers long-term stability for sophisticated and cost-sensitive applications. The technology is also highly resistant to environmental effects, which is why CMOSens®-based flow sensors are perfect for use as sterilizable sensors.

Come and visit Sensirion, November 16–19, 2015, in Düsseldorf at the COMPAMED trade fair, hall 8a, booth H19.6, and find out more about the SFM3xxx platform for medical applications. For more information, go to: www.sensirion.com/gasflow and www.sensirion.com/aw-sensors.

About Sensirion

Sensirion AG, headquartered in Staefa, Switzerland, is the world's leading manufacturer of digital microsensors and systems. The product range includes humidity and temperature sensors, mass flow controllers, gas and liquid flow sensors, and differential pressure sensors. An international network with sales offices in the USA, Germany, China, Taiwan, Japan and Korea supplies international OEM customers with tailor-made sensor system solutions for a vast range of applications. Among other things, these include analytical instruments, consumer goods and automobiles, as well as the medical and HVAC industries. One of the hallmark features of Sensirion products is the use of patented CMOSens® Technology. CMOS-based sensor elements and systems permit intelligent system integration, including calibration and a digital interface. Sensirion's credentials as a reliable OEM supplier are underscored by its ISO/TS 16949 certification.