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End Of Year

Loaner Meter & Recalibration Program Explained

In 2010, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) passed rules that require producers of greenhouse gases(GHG) to monitor and measure those gases being generated by their processes. Instruments being used to monitor and record, need to be re-certified through a NIST certified calibration process that ensures that the measurements are accurate. Thermal Instrument Company recommends a factory re-calibration of these instruments every 18 months, or sooner, if directed by local laws.

Thermal Instrument Company (TIC) has been supplying thermal mass flow meters to help its clients maintain and meet this regulation. Thermal Instrument offers Loaner Meters, Factory Re-Calibrations, and On-Site Re-calibrations to help manage this process.

The process is explained below.

Loaner Meter Program: Steps to acquire a Loaner Flow Meter:

  1. The operator visits our website and fills out an electronic form and clicks “Submit” at bottom of form to request a loaner meter. https://thermalinstrument.com/recalibration-loaner-form/

  2. Our technician receives the request electronically, then calibrates a meter from our fleet of loaner meters, to the specifications on the received form.

  3. The Loaner meter is then shipped to the customer address for immediate use in the customers monitoring system. Availability can vary depending on overall demand.

  4. The Field location then removes their previously purchased TIC flow meter from their monitoring system, replaces it with the just arrived Loaner flow meter.

  5. Send the original unit back to TIC for a full NIST certified factory re-calibration. Typical turn around from the time TIC receives the original meter and performs re-calibration can be up to two weeks.

  6. Once calibration is completed, the original meter is returned to the field, with a new Calibration Certificate valid for 18 months.

  7. Important - The Loaner Flow Meter is property of Thermal Instrument and must be returned to TIC, so the process can start over for the next client.

 

Important Notes:

  • Thermal Instrument can only calibrate and issue loaner meters for Thermal Instrument Meters

  • Plan accordingly, at certain times of year (holidays, year-end, etc.) the wait for a loaner meter or calibration services in general, may be longer due to demand.

  • Loaner meters are issued on a first come, first served basis. There are approximately 60 loaner meters, in continuous circulation, between field locations and our facility at all times.

  • The Loaner Meter arrives with a NIST Certified Calibration and Certificate for its temporary use at the site

The advantage to the Loaner Program is that there is practically no down time to the field and their compliance to the EPA GHG regulation stays in place throughout this process. Please contact Sales@thermalinstrument.com or dial 215-355-8400 Option 1 for Sales, for current pricing on this service.

On-Site Field Calibration Service

Another option that TIC offers for re-calibration services is the use of our Field Technician to travel on-site to perform calibrations. This option is best used when a site has multiple units at one location, or several sites that are located in close proximity to each other. To find out more about this service contact Kevin Johnson at Kevin@thermalinstrument.com or 215-355-8400 x 5212. Pricing for this service varies depending upon travel time and cost.

About Thermal Instrument Company

Thermal Instrument Company (TIC), established in 1959, headquartered in Trevose, Pennsylvania, provides leading edge instrumentation solutions for measuring the mass flow rate of liquids and gases.  TIC has been providing flow measurement solutions for more than 60 years to a variety of industries across the globe, and has an installed base in excess of 20,000 thermal mass flow measurement devices. TIC has provided flow measurement solutions for: Landfill Gas and Methane from Landfill and Wastewater sites; Natural Gas to boilers, furnaces, and in pipelines; Clean gases used in manufacturing processes; Water for cooling and pharmaceutical applications; and numerous other liquids and gasses used in environmental and industrial processes. TIC offers a full line of thermal mass flow meters and flow switches available in either an unobstructed path in-line model, or as an insertion probe model. For more information about Thermal Instrument Company’s flow measurement solutions, please visit our website or contact one of our sales representatives.

https://www.thermalinstrument.com/

RNG producers trust Thermal Instrument mass flow meters for accuracy, durability, and compliance, from raw gas measurement to pipeline injection.

For decades, Thermal Instrument Company, based in Trevose, Pennsylvania, has been at the forefront of industrial gas measurement solutions. What started in 1959 in Fred Curran’s basement has grown into a trusted, family- and veteran-run small business that designs, manufactures, and calibrates high-quality mass flow meters right here in the USA. Our equipment has been used in industries ranging from power generation to plastics manufacturing, but one area where our expertise is making a significant environmental and economic impact is in the Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) sector.

From Flares to Fuel: A Changing Approach to Landfill Gas

Historically, many landfill sites managed the gases produced from decomposing waste, primarily methane (CH₄) and carbon dioxide (CO₂), by capturing the mixture and burning it off at flares. This reduced harmful emissions, but it also left valuable energy literally going up in smoke.

As technology and environmental initiatives advanced, a shift began. Instead of destroying the gas, landfill operators now clean and refine it to isolate pure methane. This scrubbing process removes CO₂, particulates, condensation, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other contaminants. What remains is pipeline-quality renewable natural gas, a clean, marketable energy source that can be injected into the national gas grid, used to power equipment onsite, or both.

RNG production not only provides a valuable commodity but also generates carbon credits, offering landfill owners an additional revenue stream while reducing environmental impact.

RNG Beyond Landfills

While landfills remain a key source of RNG, the process is now being applied to other methane-rich sources, including:

  • Abandoned coal mines capturing methane emissions

  • Food processing facilities reclaiming gas from waste byproducts

  • Wastewater treatment plants converting digester gas into usable fuel

These operations all share the same challenge: accurately and reliably measuring gases before, during, and after processing. That’s where Thermal Instrument’s mass flow meters excel.

Where Thermal Instrument Fits In

Our thermal mass flow meters are already in use at numerous RNG facilities across the country, helping operators optimize performance and meet regulatory requirements. Here’s how we help at every stage:

  1. Measuring Raw Gas Before Processing

Before the scrubbing process begins, our meters can be calibrated to very specific gas mixtures, ensuring accuracy even with challenging compositions. This is critical for baseline measurements, system design, and compliance documentation.

  1. Monitoring Finished RNG

Once the methane is cleaned and pressurized, it must meet strict quality and flow standards before entering a pipeline or fueling onsite equipment. Our meters deliver precise, repeatable readings that help operators verify production output, track performance, and ensure contractual obligations are met.

  1. Measuring CO₂ and Other Byproducts

In RNG production, waste streams still matter. By accurately measuring CO₂ and other off-gases, operators can improve process efficiency, confirm environmental compliance, and document emissions reductions for carbon credit verification.

Built for Harsh Conditions

RNG environments are tough; corrosive gases, moisture, and particulates can challenge standard equipment. That’s why Thermal Instrument Company’s flow meters are designed for durability:

  • Special alloy construction withstands aggressive chemical exposure.

  • Backup sensors built into each unit extend operational life and maximize return on investment.

  • Proven performance in industries that demand rugged reliability, from oil refineries to wastewater treatment.

Staying Accurate for the Long Haul

Flow measurement accuracy can drift over time, but downtime is costly. That’s why we offer a comprehensive recalibration program to keep meters in peak condition:

  • Factory recalibration for complete verification and adjustments

  • Loaner meters available to keep operations running while your unit is serviced

  • Field service calibration under appropriate site conditions to minimize disruption

This commitment to long-term accuracy ensures RNG facilities can maintain compliance, maximize efficiency, and avoid costly production interruptions.

Why RNG Producers Choose Thermal Instrument

The success of RNG projects depends on precision, reliability, and responsiveness, all qualities we’ve built our business on for over 60 years. Our local manufacturing model means we control every step of the process, working with suppliers within a 50-mile radius to ensure quality, rapid customization, and on-time delivery. When RNG operators call, we respond quickly, because downtime isn’t an option.

Whether it’s measuring raw landfill gas, monitoring purified methane headed for a natural gas pipeline, or quantifying CO₂ for emissions reporting, Thermal Instrument’s mass flow meters give RNG producers the accuracy, durability, and peace of mind they need to operate successfully in a growing renewable energy market.

If you’re an RNG facility operator, landfill gas manager, or part of a wastewater or food processing operation looking to maximize the value of your gas streams, contact Thermal Instrument Company today. Our experts will help you choose the proper flow meter for your application and keep your system running smoothly for years to come.


Thermal Instrument Company
217 Sterner Mill Road
Trevose, PA 19053
www.ThermalInstrument.com
P: 215-355-8400 | F: 215-355-1789

About Thermal Instrument Company

Thermal Instrument Company (TIC), established in 1959, headquartered in Trevose, Pennsylvania, provides leading edge instrumentation solutions for measuring the mass flow rate of liquids and gases.  TIC has been providing flow measurement solutions for more than 60 years to a variety of industries throughout the globe, and has an installed base in excess of 20,000 thermal mass flow measurement devices. TIC has provided flow measurement solutions for: natural gas to boilers, furnaces, and in pipelines; clean gases used in manufacturing processes; methane and landfill gas from wastewater and landfill sites; water for cooling and pharmaceutical applications; and numerous other liquids and gasses used in environmental and industrial processes. TIC offers a full line of thermal mass flow meters and flow switches available in either an unobstructed path in-line model, or as an insertion probe model. For more information about Thermal Instrument Company’s flow measurement solutions, please visit our website or contact one of our sales representatives.

https://www.thermalinstrument.com/

Built Close to Home: How Thermal Instrument’s Local Manufacturing Supports Quality and Community

In today’s globalized world, many businesses rely on suppliers from across the globe. But at Thermal Instrument, we’re proud to buck this trend, keeping our supply chain close to home, right within a 50-mile radius of our headquarters in Philadelphia, PA. For us, local manufacturing isn’t just about logistics; it’s about ensuring quality, responsiveness, and a commitment to our community.

The Power of Local Partnerships: Thermal Instrument began over six decades ago in the basement of founder Fred Curran’s home. His vision was simple: build reliable, high-quality flow meters that serve the needs of American industries. Today, that vision has expanded, but the commitment to local craftsmanship has remained unchanged.

We work closely with five machine shops, three electronic board houses, and other essential suppliers, each located within a short drive from our facilities. These partnerships are more than business transactions; they’re built on decades of collaboration and trust. The proximity allows us to be hands-on and involved, fine-tuning and customizing components in real time. When we needed a specialized sensor installation, for example, we didn’t need to wait weeks for international shipping or wade through red tape. Instead, a local partner was on-site within hours, and together, we tackled the job with precision and speed.

Why Local Matters: Our customers across industries—whether they’re power plants, pharmaceutical companies, or food and beverage manufacturers—count on us to deliver. When a customer reaches out with a unique need, we can quickly coordinate with our local suppliers to develop a custom solution. This collaborative agility is only possible because of our local partnerships.

With local suppliers, we benefit from:

  • Speed: When a customer’s process is on hold due to a specific part requirement, waiting for parts from overseas simply isn’t an option. Our local suppliers offer “just-in-time” delivery, allowing us to access critical materials as soon as they’re needed.

  • Customization: If a client needs a specialized component, we can meet face-to-face with our partners to discuss the design, adjust specifications, and ensure that every piece meets the exact requirements. This hands-on approach allows us to exceed customer expectations consistently.

  • Quality Control: By keeping the manufacturing process local, we maintain tight control over the quality of every part and product. Our partners know our standards, and they deliver materials and components that meet those high expectations every time. There’s no waiting for samples or risking miscommunication over long distances—just straightforward collaboration.

Building Community, Creating Jobs: Our decision to keep suppliers local has a positive impact that goes beyond our business. By working with local partners, we’re helping to create jobs and grow our community. These aren’t just any jobs; they’re specialized positions that foster skill development in machining, electronics, and advanced manufacturing.

This isn’t just about Thermal Instrument; it’s about strengthening the local economy and supporting businesses that help each other succeed. Our community includes veteran-owned shops, family-run businesses, and companies with a commitment to quality that matches our own. By choosing local suppliers, we’re able to keep our production “Made in America,” and that’s something we’re immensely proud of.

One of our long-standing clients, a major energy provider, needed a custom solution for a hydrogen flow measurement application. Given the critical nature of hydrogen in their cooling systems, any downtime was costly. With our established network of local suppliers, we could immediately get the necessary components and have our team and partners work together to customize a solution.

Within days, the components were delivered and integrated into our client’s systems, restoring their operations with minimal downtime. The client expressed immense gratitude, remarking that the speed and precision would have been impossible to achieve with non-local suppliers.

At Thermal Instrument, we believe in the power of local. By working with suppliers close to our headquarters, we maintain control, ensure quality, and foster a collaborative environment that directly benefits our clients. When you choose Thermal Instrument, you’re not just getting a product; you’re investing in a local manufacturing process that prioritizes precision, reliability, and community.


Thermal Instrument Company
217 Sterner Mill Road
Trevose, PA 19053
www.ThermalInstrument.com
P: 215-355-8400 | F: 215-355-1789

About Thermal Instrument Company

Thermal Instrument Company (TIC), established in 1959, headquartered in Trevose, Pennsylvania, provides leading edge instrumentation solutions for measuring the mass flow rate of liquids and gases.  TIC has been providing flow measurement solutions for more than 60 years to a variety of industries throughout the globe, and has an installed base in excess of 20,000 thermal mass flow measurement devices. TIC has provided flow measurement solutions for: natural gas to boilers, furnaces, and in pipelines; clean gases used in manufacturing processes; methane and landfill gas from wastewater and landfill sites; water for cooling and pharmaceutical applications; and numerous other liquids and gasses used in environmental and industrial processes. TIC offers a full line of thermal mass flow meters and flow switches available in either an unobstructed path in-line model, or as an insertion probe model. For more information about Thermal Instrument Company’s flow measurement solutions, please visit our website or contact one of our sales representatives.

https://www.thermalinstrument.com/

How to avoid installation mistakes when working with Model 62-9 Insertion Probe Flow Meters

Thermal Instrument Model 62-9/9500P inserted into pipe

Installed Model 62-9/9500P Insertion Probe

Over the years our technicians have fielded numerous questions about meter performance and many of those solutions come back to some common installation mistakes. When it comes to Thermal Instrument Mass Flow Meters there are a couple things that you can check very easily when you experience a problem or suspect something is not 100% accurate with the measurement values. Here are a couple of suggestions from our technicians to common questions we receive.

Scenario: I know I have flow, but Flow Meter is not measuring anything.

Solution:

Check to make sure that the insertion probe flow meter is properly inserted into the line to the correct depth. With Thermal Instrument Model 62-9 insertion probes, the sensors are located on the bottom 3” section of the probe closest to the tip. Make sure that the tip of the probe is inserted to the proper depth depending upon the line size. Ideally you want that sensor right in the middle of the flow profile. Additionally, check all your connections and make sure that the meter is powered on and that the output cables are securely attached at the transmitter.

Scenario: As my flow rate increases, the meter seems to be consistently reading lower

Solution:

First, make sure that the sensors are facing into the flow stream. Thermal Instrument marks each Model 62-9 with a Flow Direction Arrow just underneath the transmitter condulet. Make sure that the arrow is facing in the same direction as the flow. Next, if you are running an application that is dirty or has particulates in the flow stream, check to make sure that the sensor area does not have a coating on the meter. Our meters are designed so that they can be removed from the line (please make sure you follow local safety regulations) and then simply wipe any buildup off of the probe that may have accumulated down at the bottom where the sensors are located.

For more information visit our FAQ page or feel free to contact us to speak with one of our technicians. Phone: 215-355-8400 then Option 3 on phone menu for Tech Support.


Thermal Instrument Company
217 Sterner Mill Road
Trevose, PA 19053
www.ThermalInstrument.com
P: 215-355-8400 | F: 215-355-1789

About Thermal Instrument Company

Thermal Instrument Company (TIC), established in 1959, headquartered in Trevose, Pennsylvania, provides leading edge instrumentation solutions for measuring the mass flow rate of liquids and gases.  TIC has been providing flow measurement solutions for more than 60 years to a variety of industries throughout the globe, and has an installed base in excess of 20,000 thermal mass flow measurement devices. TIC has provided flow measurement solutions for: natural gas to boilers, furnaces, and in pipelines; clean gases used in manufacturing processes; methane and landfill gas from wastewater and landfill sites; water for cooling and pharmaceutical applications; and numerous other liquids and gasses used in environmental and industrial processes. TIC offers a full line of thermal mass flow meters and flow switches available in either an unobstructed path in-line model, or as an insertion probe model. For more information about Thermal Instrument Company’s flow measurement solutions, please visit our website or contact one of our sales representatives.

https://www.thermalinstrument.com/

Thermal Instrument Renews UL/CSA Safety Approval on Model 62-9 & 62-9DT with Integral or Remote Electronic Transmitter Model # 9500P

Our flow measurement instrumentation is used around the world to help our customers measure processes and provide accurate reporting. With the renewed safety certification in place and the commitment to continuous improvement from Thermal Instrument Company (TIC), our customers can have the continued confidence to install our instrumentation in the tough applications we have been known for.

TIC continues to look for ways to offer more features to keep our instrumentation up to the challenges. The insertion probe style sensor teamed up with the 9500P transmitter can be installed in both gas and liquid applications for flow measurement. This is truly a unique feature made possible by the TIC engineered sensor. The 9500P Transmitter offers a standard 2 Line Display, 4-20mA Flow Output, Optional 4-20 mA Temperature output, Micro-USB Software Connection, RS485 Modbus, Hart, and Pulse outputs to name a few. New features are always in development, and we will be making more announcements in the future.


Thermal Instrument Company
217 Sterner Mill Road
Trevose, PA 19053
www.ThermalInstrument.com
P: 215-355-8400 | F: 215-355-1789

About Thermal Instrument Company

Thermal Instrument Company (TIC), established in 1959, headquartered in Trevose, Pennsylvania, provides leading edge instrumentation solutions for measuring the mass flow rate of liquids and gases.  TIC has been providing flow measurement solutions for more than 60 years to a variety of industries throughout the globe, and has an installed base in excess of 20,000 thermal mass flow measurement devices. TIC has provided flow measurement solutions for: natural gas to boilers, furnaces, and in pipelines; clean gases used in manufacturing processes; methane and landfill gas from wastewater and landfill sites; water for cooling and pharmaceutical applications; and numerous other liquids and gasses used in environmental and industrial processes. TIC offers a full line of thermal mass flow meters and flow switches available in either an unobstructed path in-line model, or as an insertion probe model. For more information about Thermal Instrument Company’s flow measurement solutions, please visit our website or contact one of our sales representatives.

https://www.thermalinstrument.com/

  • For years our products have stood up to the harshest conditions

  • Our products have been reliable and robust

  • Now we have the formal backing from an accredited organization

Thermal Instrument Renews CE / REACH European Union Safety Standards on Model 600-9/FS16 & Model 62-9/FS16

Thermal Instrument is happy to announce that we have recently completed an extensive review of our FS16 transmitter / switch to maintain compliance with European Union safety standards. Additionally, the unit was subjected to extensive REACH regulation for hazardous materials that may be part of any electronic circuit.

Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals, known as REACH, was a directive put in place by the European Union to identify harmful chemicals that may be in products that people may use or be exposed to. Manufacturers are required to identify and submit on a regular basis a list of all materials that are contained within their product for review.

Our Flow Sensor with the mated FS16 Transmitter / Switch with (2) relays built into the design along with an optional 4-20mA flow output have been a successful addition to our product line and is a economical flow instrument option for our customer sin the European Union and around the world.

Our most current certificate can be found on our website at:

https://thermalinstrument.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Declaration-of-Conformity_Signed-RY.pdf

About Thermal Instrument Company

Company (TIC), established in 1959, headquartered in Trevose, Pennsylvania, provides leading edge instrumentation solutions for measuring the mass flow rate of liquids and gases.  TIC has been providing flow measurement solutions for more than 60 years to a variety of industries throughout the globe, and has an installed base in excess of 20,000 thermal mass flow measurement devices. TIC has provided flow measurement solutions for: natural gas to boilers, furnaces, and in pipelines; clean gases used in manufacturing processes; methane and landfill gas from wastewater and landfill sites; water for cooling and pharmaceutical applications; and numerous other liquids and gasses used in environmental and industrial processes. TIC offers a full line of thermal mass flow meters and flow switches available in either an unobstructed path in-line model, or as an insertion probe model. For more information about Thermal Instrument Company’s flow measurement solutions, please visit our website or contact one of our sales representatives.