Precise flow regulation

By Caroline Blauvac and Jean Baudu, Messer France

Simon Schaeffer, production manager at Bürkert Fluid Control Systems

How would you describe your line of business?

The Bürkert family business is one of the leading suppliers of fluid measurement and control systems, including mass flow controllers for gases. We are the only company that can offer the whole product range from a single source. At our Systemhaus locations, we develop turnkey application-specific systems to meet our customers’ requirements.

Where are mass flow controllers (MFCs) needed?

Flow control is essential in most process engineering operations. It is a key contributor to the efficiency, reliability, quality and safety of the processes. MFCs for gases, for example, are needed in fermenters, in surface treatment, glass-making, laser cutting, the food and beverage industry as well as medical devices.

What role does the calibration of MFCs for gases play?

As automated control depends on the results of measurements, calibrating the MFCs with the operating gas is key to achieving precise, reproducible results. This is the only way to optimise product quality and process costs. The argonkrypton filling for double glazing, for example, has to be added in a very precisely controlled way.

Which gases do you use?

We use approximately 40 different calibration gases, some of them in pure form such as argon, helium or methane, others in a wide variety of mixtures. We keep 150 gas cylinders in stock for this purpose.

Why did you choose Messer?

In 2008, our MFC production moved from Germany to Triembach-au-Val in Alsace, France. We needed new suppliers. Messer responded quickly and efficiently to our complex inquiry and soon became a trusted partner.

What expectations do you have of your gas supplier?

We expect a lot because our customers also expect a lot of us. The gas supplier has to understand our needs and be able to respond quickly. This applies equally to special mixtures, delivery times, technical support and training in the safe use of gases. Messer is a company that takes the initiative and ensures that we can plan efficiently.