E&H 6AAB thermal mass flowmeter

E&H 6AAB thermal mass flowmeter

Proline t-mass A 150 Thermal Mass Flowmeter – Model Series 6AAB

Inline Thermal Gas Flowmeter for Cost-Effective Measurement of Utility Gases (DN 15–50)

1. Product Overview

The Endress+Hauser Proline t-mass A 150 (order code root 6AAB) is a compact inline thermal mass flowmeter specifically designed for cost-effective measurement and easy monitoring of utility gases in small line sizes. Where full-featured thermal flowmeters may be over-specified for simple utility gas applications, the 6AAB series delivers reliable direct gas mass measurement with negligible pressure loss and maintenance-free operation at an economical price point.

The t-mass A 150 inline device is specially designed for the cost-effective measurement of utility gases, in particular compressed air. It is a trending device aimed at sub-metering applications where accurate flow trending and consumption monitoring are required without the complexity or expense of higher-end instrumentation. Its 4-wire technology is contained within a rugged compact aluminum housing. It is orderable either with display or as a blind version. Customer-specific settings are saved on the display and can be transferred from one device to another by means of the display.-5-19

The 6AAB series employs the thermal mass flow measurement principle, providing direct mass flow readings without the need for separate pressure or temperature compensation. Simultaneously measures mass flow, gas temperature, and corrected volume (e.g., Nm³, SCFM), offering comprehensive data for process analysis.- This makes the 6AAB series the ideal entry point into Endress+Hauser‘s Proline family for users requiring reliable gas flow measurement with minimal capital investment.

Distributor: ST-YUKE CO., LIMITED — Authorized supplier of genuine Endress+Hauser instrumentation with global shipping capabilities and comprehensive technical support.

2. Technical Specifications at a Glance

Specifications derived from Technical Information document TI01019DEN_0320.-5-8-37

3. The Economic Advantage: Why Choose the A 150 Series

Unlike premium thermal mass flowmeters designed for high-accuracy custody transfer or critical process control, the 6AAB series is purpose-built for utility gas sub-metering and monitoring applications where cost-effectiveness is paramount. This architectural focus delivers several critical benefits:

Lower Initial Investment — The 6AAB series eliminates unnecessary features and certifications that drive up cost in higher-tier t-mass models (F, I series), providing only the essential functionality required for utility gas measurement at a significantly reduced price point.

Negligible Pressure Loss — The inline design creates minimal obstruction to flow, making the 6AAB suitable for installation in existing compressed air networks and gas distribution systems without compromising system pressure or requiring upsizing of compressors.-5-6

Maintenance-Free Operation — With no moving parts to wear or foul, the 6AAB series requires no routine maintenance or recalibration under normal operating conditions. The thermal mass measurement principle inherently avoids the mechanical wear issues associated with turbine or positive displacement meters.-5

Simple Commissioning — Guided operating menus and plain-text display options enable fast, efficient commissioning without specialized training. The optional display module can store user-specific settings and transfer them to replacement devices, minimizing downtime during service events.-19

Compact and Robust — The rugged compact aluminum housing with corrosion-resistant coating is rated IP66/67, suitable for outdoor installation in industrial environments without additional protection.-6-5

Multivariable Measurement — Simultaneously measures mass flow, gas temperature, and corrected volume (Nm³, SCFM, etc.), eliminating the need for separate temperature sensors or flow computers for standard gas monitoring applications.-

4. Four Size Variants — Complete Lineup of the 6AAB Series

The 6AAB series spans four distinct nominal diameter configurations, each engineered for specific flow capacity requirements. All variants share identical transmitter electronics, sensor technology, and communication capabilities — only the pipe diameter and flow range differ.

4.1 Model 6AAB15 — DN15 (½ inch)

The smallest variant in the series, 6AAB15 is optimized for low-flow utility gas applications requiring compact installation. Its ½-inch bore diameter is ideal for branch lines, individual machine monitoring, and small-scale compressed air distribution. This variant is particularly popular in food & beverage and pharmaceutical industries where precise low-flow gas measurement is required.-11

Typical applications: Individual machine compressed air consumption, nitrogen purging lines, laboratory gas supply monitoring.

Example order codes:

6AAB15-AADBCADSAA12K+AA — DN15 with display, standard calibration-4

6AAB15-AADAAAASAD23H — DN15 blind version without display-

6AAB15-1EP2/0 — DN15 with lap joint flange connection-4

4.2 Model 6AAB25 — DN25 (1 inch)

The 6AAB25 configuration serves as the most popular variant for general-purpose compressed air and utility gas monitoring. The 1-inch bore handles typical sub-metering flow rates while maintaining low pressure drop. This variant is widely specified for chemical processing facilities, manufacturing plants, and industrial boiler air monitoring.-12-11

Example order codes:

6AAB25-AADBCADSAA12K+AA — DN25 with display, standard calibration-12

6AAB25-C4DBCADSAA12H — DN25 with ATEX/IECEx approval-34

6AAB25-14R5/0 — DN25 with lap joint flange, 4.4–660 lb/h measurement range-12

4.3 Model 6AAB40 — DN40 (1½ inches)

Engineered for medium-flow utility gas applications, 6AAB40 bridges the gap between DN25 and DN50 variants. This configuration is frequently deployed for main distribution branch lines and gas metering in mid-sized production facilities. It offers higher flow capacity while maintaining the compact footprint and economical pricing of the A 150 series.-11

Typical applications: Main compressed air branch lines, carbon dioxide distribution, argon blanketing systems.

Example order code:

6AAB40-XXXXXXXXXXXXX — Configured per customer requirements (contact ST-YUKE for specific ordering assistance)

4.4 Model 6AAB50 — DN50 (2 inches)

At the top of the size range, 6AAB50 delivers the maximum flow capacity available in the inline t-mass A 150 platform. This 2-inch variant is specifically designed for larger utility gas headers and main plant distribution lines where higher flow rates must be measured accurately. Despite the larger bore, the A 150 series maintains its cost-effectiveness advantage over higher-tier inline meters.-6-11

Typical applications: Main plant compressed air headers, natural gas sub-metering, large-scale nitrogen distribution.

Example order codes:

6AAB50-AADBCAASAD2SG+AK — DN50 with display, PN40 EN flanges, Chinese language display-6

6AAB50-AADACADSAABSL — DN50 with display, standard calibration-34

Flow ranges approximate; actual values depend on gas type, pressure, and calibration option selected.

5. Order Code Breakdown: 6AAB15-AADAAAASAABSG+AA

To facilitate precise device configuration, specification verification, and procurement, each 6AAB-series flowmeter carries a comprehensive order code that encodes every built-in feature. The following analysis decodes the complete order code structure using the example 6AAB15-AADAAAASAABSG+AA:

Root Code: 6AAB15

6AAB = Proline t-mass A 150 series product family

15 = Nominal diameter DN15 (½ inch)

Feature Breakdown (Sequential positions after hyphen):

This order code breakdown follows the Endress+Hauser product configuration schema. For verification of any existing device or to build a custom configuration, the order code can be entered into the Endress+Hauser Device Viewer (www.endress.com/deviceviewer) to retrieve complete specification details.-

Additional example order codes in the field:

6AAB15-AADBCADSAA12K+AA — DN15, with display, HART, cable gland M20, ½” NPT connection-4

6AAB25-AADBCADSAA12K+AA — DN25, with display, HART, 1″ lap joint flange connection-12

6AAB50-AADBCAASAD2SG+AK — DN50, with display, PN40 EN1092-1-B1 flanges, Chinese language display-6

6AAB25-C4DBCADSAA12H — DN25, ATEX/IECEx certified, 4–20mA HART-34

6. Measuring Principle

The thermal mass flow measurement principle employed by the 6AAB series is based on the cooling effect of a flowing gas stream passing over a heated resistance element. Two sensing elements reside within the flow stream: one serves as a temperature reference monitoring the actual process temperature, while the other is maintained at a constant differential temperature above the process temperature by controlled heating current. As gas mass flow increases, more heat is extracted from the heated sensor, requiring greater electrical current to maintain the temperature differential. This heating current is directly proportional to the mass flow rate — with no separate pressure or temperature compensation required under stable gas composition conditions.–19

Direct Mass Flow Output — The 6AAB series provides direct mass flow readings in engineering units (kg/h, lb/h, Nm³/h, SCFM, etc.) without requiring external pressure or temperature transmitters or flow computers.

Multivariable Measurement — Each 6AAB unit simultaneously measures mass flow, gas temperature, and corrected volume (normal or standard conditions), delivering comprehensive process data through a single device.

Gas Selection — The 6AAB series is factory-configured for specific gases. Standard supported gases include air, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and argon — the most common utility gases in industrial applications.-5-19

Air-Based Calibration — Factory calibration is performed on air traceable to international standards, eliminating the expense of real-gas calibration for standard utility gas applications. For applications requiring higher accuracy on specific gases, custom calibration options are available at order time.

7. Wetted Materials and Process Connections

The 6AAB series employs high-quality stainless steel materials suitable for clean utility gas applications:

Material specifications derived from Technical Information document.-5-37

Process connection standards available:

EN flanges: DN15 to DN50, PN 40 (EN 1092-1 B1/DIN 2501)-6

ASME flanges: ½ to 2 inches, Class 150/300

JIS flanges: 10K (upon request)

Threaded connections: NPT ½ to 2 inches; BSPT R½ to R2

Lap joint flanges: Available for easy removal and installation-4

Housing and Protection:

Compact aluminum housing with corrosion-resistant coating

IP66/67 enclosure protection rating, suitable for outdoor installation

Operating ambient temperature: –40 °C to +60 °C (–40 °F to +140 °F)-12-4

8. Key Advantages and Differentiating Features

Cost-Effective Sub-Metering Solution — The 6AAB series is purpose-built for utility gas sub-metering applications where the measurement accuracy of higher-tier instruments (t-mass F or I series) would be over-specified. It delivers reliable flow trending at an entry-level price point.

Negligible Pressure Loss — Unlike orifice plates or turbine meters that create significant pressure drop, the 6AAB inline design causes minimal flow restriction, preserving system pressure and reducing compressor energy consumption.-5-6

Maintenance-Free Operation — With no moving parts, the 6AAB requires no routine maintenance, lubrication, or recalibration under normal operating conditions. This dramatically reduces total cost of ownership compared to mechanical gas meters.-5

Optional Display with Data Backup — The optional 4-line backlit graphic display module (order code position 040 = C) provides local readout of all process variables and diagnostic information. User-specific settings can be saved to the display module and transferred to a replacement device, minimizing downtime during service events.-5-19

Easy Commissioning — Guided operating menus and plain-text display (on display-equipped variants) enable fast, efficient commissioning without specialized training or configuration software.

Self-Diagnostics and Error Monitoring — The 6AAB continuously monitors its own operational status and reports diagnostic information via the HART communication channel, improving plant availability and enabling predictive maintenance.-19

High Turndown Ratio — Up to 100:1 turndown enables accurate measurement across a wide range of flow conditions, from low-flow idle periods to peak production demands, using a single device.

Automatic Data Recovery for Servicing — When the optional display module is used, device configuration is stored on the display. During replacement, the new device automatically adopts the saved settings, eliminating reconfiguration time.-5-19

9. Supported Gases and Application Suitability

The 6AAB series is factory-configured for the following utility gases:

Primary Supported Gases:

Air — Compressed air systems, pneumatic networks, HVAC, combustion air

Nitrogen (N₂) — Inerting, purging, blanketing, food packaging

Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) — Food & beverage carbonation, welding shielding gas, pH control

Argon (Ar) — Welding shielding gas, metallurgical processes, laboratory applications

Why Only Four Gases? — Unlike higher-tier t-mass models (F 300/F 500 series) that support up to 21 gases, the 6AAB series is purpose-limited to the most common utility gases to reduce cost and simplify ordering for sub-metering applications. For applications requiring measurement of hydrogen, natural gas, methane, propane, or custom gas mixtures, ST-YUKE recommends upgrading to the Proline t-mass F 300 (6F3B) or F 500 (6F5B) series.

Key Application Areas:

10. Installation and Operational Requirements

To ensure optimal measurement performance, the following installation guidelines should be observed:

Inlet/Outlet Straight Runs — For inline thermal mass flowmeters, a minimum of 5 × DN upstream straight pipe and 3 × DN downstream straight pipe is recommended. For installations immediately downstream of valves, elbows, or reducers, longer straight runs (10 × DN) are advised to ensure a fully developed flow profile.

Orientation — The 6AAB series can be installed in any orientation (horizontal, vertical, or inclined). However, the measuring tube must remain fully filled with the gas medium; condensate or liquid entrainment should be avoided as thermal mass measurement is calibrated for single-phase gas flow.

Flow Direction — The 6AAB series is a unidirectional flowmeter (positive flow direction only). Installation must align with the flow direction arrow marked on the device housing. For bidirectional measurement applications, ST-YUKE recommends the 6F3B or 6F5B series with bidirectional sensor option.

Environmental Conditions — The compact aluminum housing (IP66/67) is suitable for outdoor installation. The operating ambient temperature range is –40 °C to +60 °C (–40 °F to +140 °F).-12-4

Medium Temperature — The 6AAB series is rated for gas temperatures from –40 °C to +100 °C (–40 °F to +212 °F). For applications requiring higher gas temperatures (up to +180 °C), ST-YUKE recommends upgrading to the Proline t-mass F 300 (6F3B) or F 500 (6F5B) series.-5-8

Electrical Connections — Standard M20 × 1.5 cable gland entries accommodate signal and power cabling. HART communication requires a minimum load resistance of 250 Ω between device and power supply.-6

Power Supply — The 6AAB series operates on 18–30 V DC power supply (4-wire technology).-6

11. Communication and I/O Configuration

The 6AAB transmitter supports HART communication with the following I/O options:

Standard Output Configuration:

4–20mA HART analog output (for mass flow or corrected volume)

Pulse/frequency output (for totalization)

Status output (for diagnostic or limit alarms)

HART Communication Capabilities:

Digital access to all process variables (mass flow, gas temperature, corrected volume)

Remote device configuration and parameter adjustment

Diagnostic data retrieval and device status monitoring

Multi-drop mode for multiple instruments on a single 4–20mA loop

The 6AAB series does not support Modbus RS485, PROFIBUS, or EtherNet/IP. For applications requiring these digital fieldbus protocols, ST-YUKE recommends the Proline t-mass F 300 (6F3B) or F 500 (6F5B) series with Modbus RS485 option.

12. Why Source the 6AAB Series from ST-YUKE CO., LIMITED

ST-YUKE CO., LIMITED is a recognized distributor of Endress+Hauser instrumentation, providing the full Proline t-mass A 150 series (6AAB15, 6AAB25, 6AAB40, 6AAB50) with:

Genuine product certification — Every unit sourced directly from Endress+Hauser manufacturing facilities

Global shipping — Express delivery to major industrial centers worldwide

Technical pre-sales support — Order code configuration assistance and application engineering

Competitive pricing — Volume discounts available for OEMs and system integrators

Post-sales documentation — Complete technical information packages (TI, BA, KA, GP) provided with each shipment

For inquiries, quotations, or technical consultation regarding any 6AAB-series model, contact ST-YUKE CO., LIMITED directly.

Upgrade Paths Available:

For larger pipe sizes (DN 80–1500) → Proline t-mass I 300 (6I3B) or I 500 (6I5B) insertion series

For extended gas support (21 gases + mixtures) → Proline t-mass F 300 (6F3B) or F 500 (6F5B) series

For higher accuracy and SIL 2 certification → Proline t-mass F 300 (6F3B) or F 500 (6F5B) series

For high gas temperatures (up to +180 °C) → Proline t-mass F 300 (6F3B) or F 500 (6F5B) series

13. Downloads and Supporting Documentation

The following official Endress+Hauser documents provide complete technical information for the 6AAB series (available via www.endress.com or through ST-YUKE CO., LIMITED):

These documents contain the full technical data necessary for engineering, procurement, installation, and maintenance of the 6AAB series inline thermal mass flowmeters.-1

14. Model Comparison: 6AAB Series vs. Higher-Tier t-mass Series