Laminar flow element: instrumentation alternative?

[JoeFrickinFriday]

I have a Meriam laminar flow element. To use it, you measure the pressure differential across the element, as well as the humidity, temperature and absolute pressure upstream of the element. Then some math happens, and you end up with a flow rate.

You can make all of those measurements with a collection of off-the-shelf sensors, and then do the math yourself in a computer. Alternatively, Meriam offers the MDT500 Multivariable Transmitter, which combines all the instrumentation (except humidity) into one package and outputs a flow rate signal. This is attractive because I would like to send the LFE and transmitter out as a complete flow measurement system for calibration.

The problem: $3775 is the best price I can find anywhere, which is high enough to require a complicated/time-consuming purchase process.

My question: is there a similar product offered by a competitor for less than $3500? I haven't found anything yet, just wondering if someone else happens to know of something.

Thanks...

 

[BigInch]

Call the vendor and tell him to charge $3499 for the device and $276 for the documentation.