TruFlo Sample Monitor

Continuous real-time flow measurement

Eliminates guess work

Sounds an out-of-range alarm

Reduces sample repeats

Ideal for sample introduction by peristaltic pump or natural aspiration

Suitable for all ICP-OES and ICP-MS models

Download our TruFlo flyer PDF

Download Instructions for Cleaning and Handling the TruFlo

Part Number Description
70-803-0643 TruFlo Sample Monitor 0 - 4.0mL/min
70-803-0774 TruFlo Sample Monitor 0 - 0.05mL/min
70-803-0788 TruFlo Sample Monitor 0 - 1.0mL/min
70-803-0890 TruFlo Sample Monitor for HF 0 - 4.0mL/min
70-803-0892 TruFlo Sample Monitor for HF 0 - 0.05mL/min
70-803-0891 TruFlo Sample Monitor for HF 0 - 1.0mL/min

Do you ever need to repeat the analysis of a sample due to:

With the digital display of the TruFlo Sample Monitor, you always know the actual rate of sample uptake to your nebulizer. This enhances the day-to-day reproducibility of your results and reduces the need to repeat measurements due to a blocked nebulizer, worn pump tubing or incorrect clamping of the pump tube. And the borosilicate glass sample path ensures that there is no memory effect or sample contamination. The TruFlo can even sound an alarm if the sample uptake is outside your specified limits.

The TruFlo is also ideal if you are relying on the natural aspiration of the nebulizer. Many operators, particularly of ICP-MS, use natural aspiration in order to eliminate the effect of peristaltic pump noise from their measurements. With the TruFlo, you always know what your sample uptake is and you can take immediate corrective action if there is any change. You can also record your sample flow so that you can check that you are using the same flow from day to day.

The actual sample flow is shown on the TruFlo's inbuilt digital display and a graph of the flow versus time can also be displayed on your computer.

You can set the upper and lower limits of your acceptable sample flow range.

You can receive a warning on the screen, as well as an audible alarm, if the sample flow moves outside the acceptable range.
This can happen if the flow is restricted due to a blockage or a leak. It can also occur when the pump tubing wears out. Pump tubes are often replaced either too early or too late.

You always know the actual sample flow and you do not need to worry about converting pump revolutions to sample flow.

The realtime flow display enables you to optimise the pressure on the peristaltic pump tubing, helping you to maximise the tube life and improve analytical precision. Too much pressure will result in faster tube wear and more noise. Too little pressure may result in irregular flow. In the above display the clamp was tightened by a half turn at each arrow.

TruFlo specifications

Flow sensor: non-invasive thermoelectric sensor
Calibrated flow range: The TruFlo can be used at sample flows below the calibrated minimum with very good repeatability but the accuracy may be outside the specified range.
Calibration solution: Deionized water. The TruFlo is effective in identifying any change in sample flow with non-aqueous solutions, even though the absolute accuracy of the flow reading may be outside the specified range. With V2.0 software (released June 2014) users can calibrate the TruFlo with their own samples. Calibration profiles for specific solutions can be created, edited, deleted, imported or exported.
Accuracy of flow reading: +/-5% error (with deionized water, within calibrated flow range).
Weight: 300g
Size: 100 x 40 x 60mm

Part Number Measurable flow range (mL/min) Calibrated flow range (mL/min) Internal volume (mL) Sample path
70-803-0643 0 - 4.0 0.2 - 4.0 0.12 Borosilicate glass + PEEK
70-803-0774 0 - 0.05 0.001 - 0.05 0.033 Quartz + PEEK
70-803-0788 0 - 1.0 0.03 - 1.0 0.055 Borosilicate glass + PEEK
70-803-0890 0 - 4.0 0.2 - 4.0 0.12 HF resistant
70-803-0892 0 - 0.05 0.001 - 0.05 0.033 HF resistant
70-803-0891 0 - 1.0 0.03 - 1.0 0.055 HF resistant

Non-aqueous solutions

The TruFlo is normally calibrated for aqueous solutions. With non-aqueous solutions, it can be reliably used to detect any change in the sample flow, but the actual flow reading will not be correct. If you routinely run non-aqueous solutions you can order a TruFlo calibrated for your specific application. You will need to specify what solution you are using and the TruFlo will be supplied pre-calibrated for your solution. When you order the TruFlo, simply add:

Part number 70-TFCAL, TruFlo calibration service.

General purpose flow measurement

The TruFlo is a precision device for micro flow measurement and has many applications other than monitoring ICP sample flows. It incorporates an accurate flow sensor to facilitate real time measurement of low liquid flow rates. The inert flow path comprises PEEK, borosilicate glass and Teflon, making it suitable for use with most liquids. And the flow rate can be logged by your computer as well as displayed on the inbuilt screen. We can even customize the output to fit your requirements. Please contact Glass Expansion to discuss how the TruFlo can assist with your flow sensing requirements.

QA Kit

The QA Kit is a convenient package combining the TruFlo Sample Monitor, Inline Particle Filter, Eluo Nebuliser Cleaning Tool and Eluo Adaptor for Inline Filter.

The QA Kit enhances the day-to-day reproducibility of your results and greatly reduces the chance of a blocked nebulizer.

Ordering Information

Part Number Description
70-803-1108 Inline Filter for 1/16 inch Tubing
70-803-1183 Inline Filter for 1.3mm Tubing
70-803-1160 Eluo Adaptor for Inline Filter
KT-1136 QA Kit
70-803-0749 Fitting Seal (Ferrule) 1/16 inch (PKT 10)
70-803-0748 Fitting Seal (Ferrule) 1.3mm (PKT 10)

Customer comments

(In response to a using the TruFlo) Yes I am very happy with the TruFlo, I wasn't aware of the software that came with it which I find quite useful to check how flowrate has changed with time. I export the data from the TruFlo software as a csv file.

Government Toxicology laboratory - UK

The NEW TruFlo system is working really well.

University biology laboratory - Australia

If sample flow rate is suspect for some reason, one way to monitor it would be with Glass Expansion's TruFlo Sample Monitor.

Environmental consultant - USA

(In reference to the TruFlo) It works exceptionally well. I have two units connected to ICPs and have saved a great deal of troubleshooting time because of them.

Manufacturer - USA

(In reference to the TruFlo) A nice piece of kit to help with sample intro trouble shooting.

Minerals laboratory - Australia

(In reference to the TruFlo) No need to convince me - I consider this an essential tool for every lab that uses ICP-OES, ICP-MS.

University Analytical Chemistry Department - Canada

The TruFlo from Glass Expansion is a great diagnostic tool for flow rate control.

QC Laboratory - USA

We like the TruFlo monitor. It has helped us on a number of occasions to track down some minor issues and we use it constantly while running our ICP.

Oil company - USA

I just had a frustrating fiasco with a happy ending that might prove helpful to others. We were experiencing random high drifts (>10% over 5 minutes) ... I purchased a liquid flow meter from a popular ICP supplies vendor and installed it on the carrier line. Sure enough, the flow rate was making fairly abrupt changes consistent with the observed drifts in the ICP emission. I finally figured out it was a worn teflon rotor in the FAST switching valve ... I have found the sample flow meter to be a very handy diagnostic tool ... It is the TruFlo from Glass Expansion. I saw it at Pittcon and remembered it when the problem arose.

Chemical manufacturer - USA