Technical Specifications

The FRS is a thermal MEMS flow rate sensor from Copley Scientific, built for inlet flow rate measurement in delivered dose uniformity (DDU) testing and aerodynamic particle size distribution (APSD) measurement of orally inhaled and nasal drug products. It measures bi-directional airflow from -200 to +200 StdL/min with a resolution of 0.1 StdL/min, and calculates volumetric flow from built-in temperature and pressure sensors. The sensor is designed to pair with a Copley Flow Controller, and the reading displays on the connected Breath Actuation Controller or Critical Flow Controller and appears in their reports. The specifications below cover the standard unit; inlet filters and calibration certificates are ordered separately.

Model/Part Number: FRS (catalog number 8100)

Flow Measurement

• Operation principle: thermal (MEMS)

• Standard flow rate range: -200 to +200 StdL/min

• Standard flow rate resolution: 0.1 StdL/min

• Standard flow rate accuracy: typically ±1.75% of reading; maximum ±2.5% of reading or ±0.2 StdL/min, whichever is greater

• Flow resistance: < 4 kPa at 200 StdL/min

• Bi-directional airflow measurement: yes

• Volumetric flow calculation: yes, from built-in temperature and pressure sensors

• Volumetric mode: flow rate calculated from live temperature and pressure conditions

• Standard mode: flow rate calculated from pre-set temperature and pressure conditions

Connectivity and Reporting

• Compatible controllers: Breath Actuation Controller BAC 100i/-R; Critical Flow Controller TPK 200iX/-R

• External device interface: BAC, TPK, or PC

• Reporting: flow rate and calibration data via RS-232

• Display: flow rate reading shown on the BAC or TPK screen and included in BAC/TPK reports

Power

• Power supply: 5 V DC, mains power supply provided

Standard Accessories Included:

• FRS Flow Rate Sensor base unit (catalog number 8100)

• Mains power supply

• Operating manual

Items Excluded:

• Inlet filters (required for operation; pack of 12, catalog number 8106, ordered separately)

• In-line adapter kit (catalog number 8105)

• ITW holder (catalog number 8139)

• Re-calibration certificate (catalog number 8110)

• Flow controller (BAC 100i/-R or TPK 200iX/-R), ordered separately

• Calibration certificates beyond the standard factory documentation

Pre-installation Requirement:
Install the FRS in line with the flow controller and the inhaler testing apparatus, with the inlet filter fitted at the sensor inlet. Confirm the airflow direction matches the bi-directional measurement setup. Connect the RS-232 interface to the BAC, TPK, or PC as appropriate, and connect the 5 V DC mains power supply. Allow the sensor to reach ambient temperature before the first measurement if it has been stored in a different environment. Confirm the flow controller recognises the sensor before the first test run.

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Why This Sensor Belongs in an Inhaler Testing Lab

Flow rate is the variable that decides whether an inhaler test means anything. In DDU and APSD testing, the inlet flow rate sets the particle entrainment and deposition profile, and a flow rate that drifts or reads inaccurately changes the result without changing the sample. The FRS flow rate sensor measures bi-directional airflow from -200 to +200 StdL/min with a resolution of 0.1 StdL/min, and it calculates volumetric flow from built-in temperature and pressure sensors rather than assuming standard conditions.

The pairing with Copley flow controllers is what makes it practical. The flow rate reading appears on the BAC or TPK screen and in the BAC/TPK reports, so the sensor does not add a separate readout to the bench. The RS-232 interface sends flow rate and calibration data for deeper analysis, and the low flow resistance of under 4 kPa at 200 StdL/min means the sensor does not distort the flow it is measuring.

For buyers sourcing through OS4U, the configuration questions are the inlet filter supply, whether the in-line adapter kit and ITW holder belong in the order, and whether a re-calibration certificate should be scheduled with the purchase. The Copley Flow Rate Sensor FRS page lists the current accessories and controller compatibility.

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Key Benefits

Bi-directional measurement in one sensor

The FRS flow rate sensor for inhaler testing measures from -200 to +200 StdL/min in both directions. Breath actuation testing and critical flow testing share one sensor rather than needing separate instruments.

Volumetric and standard modes

Volumetric mode calculates flow from live temperature and pressure conditions; standard mode uses pre-set conditions. The mode matches the test requirement, and the built-in T and P sensors support the calculation.

Accuracy that holds across the range

Typically ±1.75% of reading, with a maximum of ±2.5% of reading or ±0.2 StdL/min, whichever is greater. At low flow rates, the ±0.2 StdL/min floor keeps the accuracy specification meaningful.

Low flow resistance

Under 4 kPa at 200 StdL/min. The sensor measures the flow without adding enough resistance to change it, which matters in a test where the flow profile is the variable under control.

Reading appears where the operator already looks

The flow rate displays on the BAC or TPK screen and appears in the BAC/TPK reports. No separate readout, no additional data reconciliation.

Data output for analysis

Flow rate and calibration data via RS-232, with rapid data output for in-depth analysis. The sensor supports the record trail the test method requires.

Designed for the Copley controller platform

The FRS is designed for use with the BAC 100i/-R or TPK 200iX/-R. The sensor and controller are matched, so setup does not require compatibility testing.

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Solving the Problems That Slow Inhaler Flow Testing Down

Getting flow readings that drift during a test sequence? The thermal MEMS sensor with volumetric calculation from live T and P conditions gives a flow reading tied to actual conditions. The reading does not depend on assumed standard conditions.

Needing both breath actuation and critical flow testing? Bi-directional measurement from -200 to +200 StdL/min covers both directions. One sensor serves both controller types.

Worried the sensor changes the flow it measures? Flow resistance is under 4 kPa at 200 StdL/min. The sensor is designed to measure the flow without distorting it.

Reading flow rate from a separate display and reconciling later? The flow rate appears on the BAC or TPK screen and in the BAC/TPK reports. No separate readout to reconcile.

Needing data for deeper analysis? Flow rate and calibration data via RS-232, with rapid output. The data supports the analysis the test method requires.

Worried about sensor contamination? An inlet filter is required and fits at the sensor inlet. The filter protects the sensor from particles, and replacement filters are available in packs.

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Budgetary Price and Final Price Calculation

Copley Scientific does not publish a budgetary price for the FRS flow rate sensor on its website, brochures, or distributor listings. The product is quotation-based, which is standard for specialised pharmaceutical testing equipment. No price figure is stated here because a published figure does not exist.

To obtain the budgetary price and complete the requested calculation:

• Contact Copley Scientific or their regional distributor and request a budgetary quotation for catalog number 8100 (FRS Flow Rate Sensor).

• Once the budgetary price is received, multiply it by 300 to obtain the final price.

The related catalog numbers for the quotation request are: 8100 (FRS Flow Rate Sensor), 8105 (FRS In-line Adapter Kit), 8139 (ITW Holder for FRS), 8106 (Pack of 12 Inlet Filters), and 8110 (Re-calibration Certificate).

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Warranty & Support

We provide a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty covering parts and labor. Technical support, installation assistance, and operational training are also available. Replacement parts and consumables are available throughout the product’s service life.

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