Flow Meters for Compressed Air and Gas
Do You Know How Much Compressed Air and Gas Your System Is Wasting?
Leaks, inefficiencies, and unmonitored usage in compressed air and gas systems can quickly increase energy costs and decrease performance. Without accurate measurement, it is difficult to identify problems, cut waste, or control expenses.
SUTO iTEC has more than 20 years of experience tackling these challenges. Our high-precision flow meters for compressed air and gases give you the data you need to identify waste, improve efficiency, and make informed decisions.
Our Flow Meters
We supply two types of flow meters: thermal mass flow meters for dry, clean gases and pitot tube meters for wet air at compressor outlets. Below is a quick overview; our experts are ready to help you choose the right model.
S401 Thermal Mass Flow Meter for Compressed Air and Gases
The S401 compressed air flow meter is designed to be easy to use, affordable and offers a wide measuring range.
S415 Compact Flow Meter for Compressed Air and Nitrogen
The S415 and S418 offer reliable and efficient compressed air flow and consumption measurement directly at the point of use.
S418-V Compact Flow Meter for Vacuum Applications
The S418-V is designed to monitor power vacuum pumps and offers convenient installation, great flexibility and a very short response time.
S421 Thermal Mass Flow Sensor for Compressed Air and Gases (Inline-Sensor)
With a wide measuring range, high resolution and sampling rate, the S421 offers very fast and precise measurement.
S430 Pitot Tube Flowmeter for Wet Compressed Air
The S430 is suitable for use in wet and hot air and is characterised by long-term stability, wide turndown ratio and good temperature stability.
Why Measure Compressed Air Flow and Consumption?
Why It Matters
In many industries, compressed air is essential, yet its usage is often overlooked. This results in wasted energy, higher costs, and missed optimization opportunities.
The breakdown shows how compressed air is typically used and lost:
45–50% Production – energy invested in generating compressed air
25–30% Leaks – invisible losses through leaks in the system
10–15% Artificial demand – unnecessary consumption due to excessive pressure or misuse
5–10% Inappropriate uses – when compressed air is applied where other energy sources would be more efficient
Altogether, up to 30% of compressed air is wasted, driving up operational costs and reducing efficiency.
Key Benefits of Measurement
The flow measurement of compressed air and gas offers valuable advantages, which include:
- Energy Savings:Â Optimizes air consumption to minimize waste and reduces operating costs.
- Leak Detection:Â Reduce downtime and enable prompt repairs by spotting leaks and inconsistencies early.
- System Health Monitoring:Â Take proactive steps to remain ahead of performance issues and make sure your compressed air system runs reliably for a longer period.
- Performance Evaluation:Â Use benchmark system measurements to guarantee constant quality and gradually increase efficiency.
- Strategic Planning:Â Capacity planning, upgrading of systems, and creation of scalable systems that can accommodate future needs using accurate data insights
Proactive compressed air monitoring can lead to significant cost savings. Talk now to our expert to find the best possible solution for your requirements.
Different Flow Meter Types at SUTO ITEC and where to install
SUTO iTEC offers a range of flow meters that meet diverse industrial needs. Our flow meters are built to deliver accurate measurements, even under extreme conditions.
There are two main types of flow meters:
1. Thermal Mass Flow Meters
Thermal mass flow meters are highly effective for monitoring compressed air and gas flows in controlled environments.
- Ideal for:Â Dry, clean air or technical gases such as nitrogen, oxygen, or carbon dioxide.
Advantages:
- Easy to install. No extra temperature- or pressure compensation needed.
- Long-term stable measurements.
- Minimal maintenance requirements.
Available Products:  S401/S421: Flow Meters for main header measurements, S451/S453: Heavy-duty flow meters for outdoor installation or hazardous areas, S415/S418: Compact flow meters for point-of-use measurements.
2. Pitot-Tube Flow Meters
These sensors are designed for wet air applications and are ideal for measurements before filtration, directly at the compressor outlet.
- Ideal for:Â Wet and humid air (higher water content), often found in compressor outlets.
Advantages:
- No drying or filtration is required prior to the point of measurement.
- Perfect for energy audits and compressor performance evaluations.
Available Products: S430 Flow Meter, S435 OEM Compressor Flow Meter
Where to install?
This illustration shows the point of usage and installation for the different types of flow meter solutions at SUTO iTEC.
Our expert team is happy to assist you in finding the perfect flow meter for your application. Request us now.
Measuring Various Gases with SUTO iTEC Flow Meters
The adaptability of SUTO iTEC’s compressed air and gas flow sensors is one of its most outstanding features. These flow meters can be used for a large variety of industrial gases. This makes them ideal for various applications across various industries.
Compatible Gases
SUTO iTEC flow meters can measure a wide variety of gases, including:
- Nitrogen (Nâ‚‚):Â Food packaging, electronics, and chemicals.
- Oxygen (Oâ‚‚):Â Medical, welding, and glass production.
- Carbon Dioxide (COâ‚‚):Â Beverages, fire systems, and chemical processes.
- Argon:Â Welding and insulation.
- Helium:Â Leak detection and cryogenics.
- Hydrogen (Hâ‚‚):Â Energy and chemical industries.
- Gas Mixtures:Â Based on the specific gas constants, gas mixtures can be measured.
This versatility makes SUTO iTEC flow meters the ideal solution for diverse gas measurement applications.
SUTO iTEC’s flow meters for compressed air and gas are used across a wide range of industrial applications.
- Main Header Pipes:Â Monitor and record total compressed air consumption for the entire system to identify overall efficiency.
- Production Lines or Machines:Â Measure specific energy costs for individual machines or production areas.
- Medical and Industrial Gas Monitoring:Â Ensure high-precision gas flow measurements in environments requiring strict compliance.
Because compressed air is a universal utility, our flow meters are found in almost every industrial sector—from automotive, aerospace and manufacturing to food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, electronics, textiles and more.
Selecting the flow meter for compressed air and gas most suited for your application depends on several factors:
Type of Air or Gas
- Is it clean and dry, or dirty and wet?
- Thermal mass flow meters are ideal for dry gases, while pitot-tube flow meters excel in wet conditions.
Pipe Size and Flow Rates
- Choose a meter that matches your system’s pipe diameter and expected flow rates.
Installation Considerations
- Ensure there’s enough space for installation and check if insertion under pressure is required.
Output Signals and Compatibility
- Look for interfaces that integrate seamlessly with your system, such as Modbus or 4…20 mA analog.
SUTO iTEC’s experienced team can help guide you through the selection process to find the right flow meter for your application.
Data Collection and Analysis
Once collected, your flow data becomes a valuable asset. You can connect SUTO iTEC flow meters to the S331 Data Logger or S551 Portable Data Logger to store and analyze data locally, or send it to the S4M Smart Monitoring Software for remote analysis.
Turning Data into Action
Use your data to monitor performance, detect problems early, track energy usage and support audits. Turning insight into action helps increase efficiency and reduce costs. Contact us for further information.
SUTO iTEC has been known for more than twenty years as a trusted and well-respected flow meter supplier, providing solutions to compressed air and gas.
Why we stand out?
- State-of-the-Art Technology:Â Our flow meters provide you with accurate measurements and very user-friendly installation and operation.
- Detail Focus:Â At every stage of the design and manufacture of a product, we pay attention to every detail that makes our products so precise and durable.
- Proven Results:Â Companies worldwide have been able to minimize energy waste, save them money and ensure their processes.
- Dedicated After-Sales Service:Â We support our products with life-long care and professional guidance.
