BASIS™ 2 Mass Flow Instruments: Impressive Specs in a Compact Form Factor

Alicat^® Scientific released the newest generation—BASIS 2—of BASIS electronic mass flow controller (MFC) and meter (MFM). Using MEMS thermal technology, the Alicat engineering team identified a critical point of a small footprint, affordability, excellent repeatability, and impressive accuracy. BASIS mass flow devices are easily automated and integrated, especially in systems with other Alicat devices.

BASIS 2 meters and controllers boast the following specifications:

• Accuracy: As good as ± 1.5% reading or ± 0.2% full scale, gas dependent
• Repeatability (2σ): ± 0.25% of reading or ± 0.05% of full scale
• Maximum footprint (WxDxH): 3.31” x 1.00” x 1.83”

The compact form factor of BASIS 2 is ideal for integration into portable and low‑mass gas mixing systems. The all‑metal flow bodies mean they have none of the fragility of similar plastic assemblies. Users can run the devices immediately with digital inputs, analog voltage or current regulation—without needing to disassemble or rewire the instrument. Although small in size, Alicat BASIS 2 provide best‑in‑class accuracy, nine calibrated gases for in‑field gas selection, a totalizer function for dosing and dispensing, and easy digital or analog communications. Full scale flow ranges for the BASIS 2 product line run from 100 SCCM to 20 SLPM at this time, with plans for an expanded range of flows to be released soon.

David Davis, VP of Engineering at Alicat said, “We’re so glad to back this product with Alicat engineering and production. Historically, OEM engineers have come to Alicat for a robust, adaptable product, and stayed for the short lead times, rapid custom engineering, and responsive customer service and support. With this new generation of BASIS, we believe gas flow technicians and gas mixing process engineers will be excited to get upscale features and performance in one of the smallest, lowest‑cost electronic mass flow instruments, anywhere.”

BASIS 2 instruments are frequently used to upgrade rotameters or fixed orifices in processes across industries. Read more below about common applications of BASIS 2 mass flow meters and controllers.

Sensitive systems such as gas chromatographs need accurate, repeatable carrier gas flow, or their chemical analysis readings will vary unacceptably. Highly precise flows generate trustworthy results that are repeatable. Using a BASIS 2 controller lets chromatograph manufacturers tightly regulate carrier gas flow rate through a repeatability of ± 0.25% of reading or better, ensuring accurate chemical compound detection.

BASIS 2 controllers support industrial gas manufacturers in moving away from hand‑adjusted gas pressure and flow in burners and towards automated, repeatable production processes. Programmable burner lathes remove the variability of subjective user responses and changes in atmospheric pressures—key in ceramic furnaces and glass manufacturing. Alicat BASIS 2 supports stepping away from hand operation, and introduces manufacturers into the world of electronically regulated burners and flame control. In the MEMS‑thermal class of MFC’s, only Alicat BASIS 2 offers in‑field customer selection of hydrogen. Other burner gases—oxygen, methane, and air—are also included.

Consistent, scriptable processes of BASIS 2 allow rapid iteration and ramping of growth recipes into production. BASIS 2.0 controllers provide accurate and responsive gas flow, helping to optimize bubble size in the reactor. Large turndown ratios (1,000:1) and integrated gas selection (9 gases) reduce the number of devices needed for processes. A sophisticated built‑in totalizer with digital scripting capability also helps control cell growth and costs.

Alicat flow and pressure devices are crucial various processes, including perfecting hydrogen energy generation, spinning glass optical fibers for telecommunications, testing rocket parts for leaks, heating furnaces for ceramics, and generating pharmaceuticals through biochemical processing.

For a closer look at Alicat Scientific’s BASIS 2 meters & controllers, please visit the model page.