The ABB Sensyflow FMT700-P is a thermal mass flow measurement system for air, developed for applications where fast response and high measurement accuracy are essential.
Unlike conventional volumetric flow measurement, the thermal measurement principle directly determines mass flow. ABB states that the measurement is independent of operating pressure and temperature, so separate pressure and temperature compensation is not required.
The complete FMT700-P system consists of three main elements:
• Flowmeter sensor / measuring tube
• Measuring section
• Supply and evaluation unit
The measuring tube contains the measuring elements and is installed into the measuring section using quick-clamping connections. The measuring section provides the required inlet and outlet sections and can incorporate an air filter or flow conditioner. The supply/evaluation unit provides power to the sensor and converts the sensor signal into standard mass-flow output signals.
ABB also offers the FMT700-P Compact, which integrates the transmitter into the measuring system. The standard FMT700-P uses a separate supply/evaluation unit, available as a 19-inch plug-in version or desktop unit.
Key Features
• Direct thermal mass flow measurement of air
• Measurement independent of operating pressure and temperature
• No additional pressure and temperature compensation required
• Measuring accuracy up to <0.8% of measured value
• Response time less than 25 ms
• Measuring range up to 5000 kg/h
• Wide measuring range up to 1:60 depending on configuration
• Measuring tube nominal diameters from DN 25 to DN 200
• Complete measuring system with inlet and outlet sections
• Flow conditioner or air filter option
• Quick-clamping connection between measuring tube and measuring section
• Separate supply and evaluation unit for standard FMT700-P
• 19-inch plug-in or desktop evaluation unit
• Six-digit display on the evaluation unit
• Automatic identification of the connected nominal diameter
• Diagnostic functions for operation and monitoring
• Designed for dynamic air-flow measurement applications
Suitable Applications
Automotive Engine Test Benches
The FMT700-P is particularly associated with engine intake-air measurement. Its very short response time allows rapid changes in air flow to be detected during dynamic engine testing. ABB describes it as a reference system for intake-air measurement used by leading automotive manufacturers.
Engine and Component Testing
The instrument can be used for testing engines and related components where dynamic air-flow behavior needs to be measured accurately. ABB has specifically referenced applications involving turbochargers, throttle valves, intake fans and air filters.
Quality Assurance
The high measurement accuracy and rapid response make the FMT700-P suitable for air-flow measurements used in production and quality-control testing.
Research and Development
The system is designed for R&D environments where repeatable and highly dynamic air mass-flow measurement is required.
Automotive Emissions and Powertrain Testing
The FMT700-P platform can be integrated into automotive test systems for evaluating air intake and powertrain performance. ABB has also described applications related to fuel-cell research, where air entering a fuel cell is measured dynamically.
Selection Notes
The FMT700-P is a system-level test measurement solution, so it should not be selected like a simple inline industrial flowmeter.
When requesting a quotation, confirm:
• Measured medium: air
• Required mass-flow range
• Required measuring accuracy
• Required response time
• Measuring tube nominal diameter
• Measuring section dimensions
• Required inlet and outlet sections
• Need for air filter or flow conditioner
• Supply/evaluation unit type
• 19-inch rack or desktop installation
• Required output/interface configuration
• Whether the FMT700-P or FMT700-P Compact is required
• Test-bench installation requirements
The measuring tube size is particularly important. ABB lists six nominal diameters from DN 25 to DN 200, and the measuring tube is installed into the corresponding measuring section using quick-clamping connections.
For a new test-bench project, the required flow range and nominal diameter should be confirmed before selecting the complete system. ABB's published maximum of 5000 kg/h represents the upper end of the available measurement capability, not a universal measuring range for every DN configuration.
FAQ
What is the ABB Sensyflow FMT700-P?
It is a thermal mass flow measurement system designed for direct measurement of air mass flow, particularly in test benches, quality assurance and R&D applications.
What does the FMT700-P measure?
It directly measures the mass flow of air. ABB specifically positions the instrument for intake-air measurement and dynamic air-flow testing.
Does the FMT700-P require pressure and temperature compensation?
No. ABB states that its direct mass-flow measurement is independent of operating pressure and temperature and does not require additional pressure and temperature compensation.
What is the response time?
The current ABB product page specifies a response time of less than 25 ms.
What is the measurement accuracy?
ABB specifies measurement accuracy of up to less than 0.8% of measured value, depending on the applicable configuration and measurement conditions.
What is the maximum measuring range?
ABB specifies measurement up to 5000 kg/h, with the actual measuring range depending on the selected measuring tube and system configuration.
What pipe sizes are available?
The measuring tubes are available in nominal diameters from DN 25 to DN 200.
What is the difference between FMT700-P and FMT700-P Compact?
The standard FMT700-P uses a separate supply/evaluation unit, while the FMT700-P Compact integrates the transmitter into the measuring system.
Is the FMT700-P suitable for automotive testing?
Yes. Automotive engine and intake-air test benches are one of its primary application areas. ABB describes it as a reference system for intake-air measurement used by leading automotive manufacturers.
Can it measure hydrogen?
The FMT700-P platform has been used in hydrogen fuel-cell research to measure the air entering fuel cells. However, the exact gas, calibration and configuration must be confirmed for a specific application rather than assuming the standard air configuration is suitable for hydrogen measurement.
Is the FMT700-P a normal industrial process flowmeter?
It is better understood as a high-performance test-bench thermal mass flowmeter. ABB's thermal mass portfolio positions the FMT700-P as a reference-class meter for test benches, while other Sensyflow/SensyMaster models target OEM and industrial process applications.
