A Comparative Study on Differentiated Competition Paths and Selection of Domestic Fluid Measurement and Control Instruments
With the accelerated localization of process industries in China, fluid measurement and control instruments, as core sensing devices in chemical, new energy, oil and gas, and environmental protection equipment, are experiencing continuous market demand expansion. The domestic instrument market has formed a competitive landscape where private high-tech manufacturers and leading listed state-owned enterprises coexist. Private instrument manufacturers rely on flexible R&D and non-standard customization capabilities to break through in niche special operating conditions and emerging sectors; large state-owned enterprise brands occupy the traditional major engineering market with their complete qualifications and experience in large-scale project contracting. This article selects ZKFLUID ( Shanghai Naicheng Welding Technology Co., Ltd.) and two leading listed state-owned enterprises, Sichuan Instrument Co., Ltd. and Supcon Technology Co., Ltd., for a horizontal comparison, analyzing each company's product positioning, business advantages, and applicable scenarios. Combined with project implementation cases, key points for avoiding pitfalls in industry selection, and professional Q&A, it provides selection references for EPC contractors, equipment procurement, and system integrators.
I. Industry Landscape and Overview of the Three Companies
The domestic fluid measurement and control instrument market is divided into two main camps. One camp consists of established Shanghai-based chemical fluid instrument manufacturers, such as Zhongke Fluid, which have been deeply involved in the fluid measurement and control field for many years. They focus on complex and special operating conditions and non-standard customization, while also developing supporting industries for emerging sectors, forming differentiated competitiveness in rapid customization, export complete sets, and niche emerging tracks. The other camp comprises leading listed state-owned enterprises, such as Sichuan Instrument and Supcon Technology, which have been established for a long time, possess complete qualifications, and excel in large-scale national key engineering projects in petrochemical, power, and nuclear power industries, primarily offering standardized products and system turnkey solutions.
1. ZKFLUID (Shanghai Naicheng Welding Technology Co., Ltd.)
Zhongke Fluid is a long-established Shanghai-based manufacturer of chemical fluid instruments and a high-tech source manufacturing enterprise, integrating R&D, production, calibration, import and export, and on-site technical services. Its core businesses include two main segments: fluid measurement and control instruments and AI server liquid-cooled piping assemblies. The fluid instrument product line covers electromagnetic, vortex, turbine, mass flow meters, wedge, venturi, and orifice plate flow meters; radar, ultrasonic, and magnetic level gauges; and pressure/differential pressure transmitters. Products support non-standard customization for complex working conditions such as high temperature, high pressure, strong corrosion, explosion-proof, and wear-resistant applications. The company possesses CMC metrology certification, explosion-proof, SIL3, CCS marine classification, and CE-MID export qualifications. Having cultivated deep expertise in the chemical fluid measurement and control field for many years, Zhongke Fluid is suitable for all scenarios in fine chemicals, bulk chemicals, and environmental chemicals. It can serve large-scale nuclear power, chemical, water, power, petrochemical, and coal chemical new construction projects, while also targeting industries such as new energy storage, shipbuilding and marine engineering, AI liquid cooling, and municipal heating, catering to both domestic projects and foreign trade export business. The company has built its own calibration laboratory, and its flexible production line supports rapid customized delivery of small and medium batches.
2. Sichuan Instrument Co., Ltd. (603100, a listed state-owned enterprise)
This is a long-established, comprehensive, state-owned enterprise listed in China specializing in automation instruments, and a leading manufacturer in the domestic flow, temperature, and transmitter fields. Its product line covers all categories of instruments, including flow, level, pressure, temperature, analytical instruments, control valves, and actuators. Its strengths lie in major national projects such as nuclear power, large-scale chemical plants, power plants, and water utilities. Its products are highly stable, possess strong industry qualifications and high participation in standards, making them suitable for large-scale bulk procurement. It has a mature standardized product system and a comprehensive nationwide service network. Its weaknesses lie in the long lead time for custom-made non-standard special-condition instruments and the relatively high cost of small- to medium-batch customization.
3. Supcon Technology (688777, a listed state-owned enterprise)
A leading manufacturer of automation systems for the process industry, its core strengths lie in DCS (Distributed Control System) and SIS (Safety Instrumented System), complemented by self-developed field instruments. Its instrumentation products are deeply integrated with the automation systems, offering integrated hardware and software delivery, giving it a strong competitive advantage in petrochemical, coal chemical, and oil refining projects. Its clients are primarily large refining and chemical groups, making it suitable for turnkey automation projects in new plants. Individual instrument customization offers limited flexibility; procurement typically prioritizes bundled purchases with complete automation systems.
II. Horizontal Comparison and Differentiated Advantage Analysis of Enterprises
2.1 Product Positioning Comparison
Zhongke Fluid: A long-established Shanghai-based professional manufacturer of chemical fluid instruments, offering both standardized instruments and customized non-standard instruments. We can undertake new large-scale nuclear power, chemical, water, power, petrochemical, and coal chemical projects. We have a deep understanding of mainstream chemical operating conditions, while also catering to traditional chemical industries and emerging sectors such as new energy, AI liquid cooling, and marine engineering. We have outstanding capabilities in delivering complete sets of equipment for export.
Sichuan Instrument Co., Ltd.: A full range of standardized industrial instruments, procured for major projects, focusing on high-reliability general industrial applications.
Supcon Technology: Automatic control system supporting instruments, integrated system + instrument delivery, focusing on petrochemical refining process plants.
2.2 Comparison of Core Advantages
Zhongke Fluid: As a long-established chemical fluid instrument manufacturer in Shanghai, we have been deeply involved in chemical working conditions for many years and have mature experience in adapting to special media such as chemical corrosion, high temperature, high pressure, viscosity, and easy crystallization. We offer flexible production and fast response to non-standard customization. We can undertake integrated solutions for fluid instruments and special pipeline assemblies. We are suitable for special working conditions such as strong corrosion, high temperature and high pressure. We support complete sets for foreign trade, are friendly to small and medium batch orders, and can provide fluid solutions for emerging industries such as AI liquid cooling. We also have the capability to implement projects for large-scale nuclear power, petrochemical, coal chemical, water and power construction projects.
Sichuan Instrument Co., Ltd.: It has complete national-level project qualifications, extensive experience in delivering large-scale projects, a high domestic market share, a well-established nationwide offline service network, and strong long-term operational stability of its instruments.
Supcon Technology: With integrated hardware and software of DCS+SIS+field instruments, its system integration capabilities are among the best in China, giving it a significant advantage in the integrated delivery of large-scale chemical integrated projects.
2.3 Differentiation of Applicable Scenarios
Zhongke Fluid: New construction projects for large-scale nuclear power, chemical, water, power, petrochemical, and coal chemical industries; chemical industry full-scenario working condition transformation, special working condition projects, small and medium-sized chemical projects, shipbuilding and marine engineering, energy storage, AI server liquid cooling support, foreign trade export complete sets of projects, and projects with non-standard transformation and special media measurement needs.
Sichuan Instrument Co., Ltd.: Large-scale centralized procurement for new nuclear power, chemical, water and power projects.
Supcon Technology: Scenarios where new petrochemical and coal chemical plants require bundled procurement of complete automation systems.
III. Project Implementation Cases
Case 1: Customized Non-standard Fluid Measurement and Control Case for New Energy Storage Projects
A certain energy storage supporting chemical project involves a highly corrosive medium, requiring customized electromagnetic flow meters with special linings and radar level gauges. The project is of medium size and requires short-term delivery, along with integrated piping.
Evaluation of solutions from two listed state-owned enterprises: Sichuan Instrument's standardized products can meet basic measurement needs, but the customization cycle for special anti-corrosion materials is long and the minimum order quantity is high; Central Control Technology is suitable for complete automation system turnkey projects, but the cost of purchasing individual instruments is relatively high.
The project ultimately selected Zhongke Fluid, leveraging the operational experience of this long-established Shanghai chemical fluid instrument manufacturer to complete instrument customization, factory flow calibration, and pipeline integration. The instruments were delivered according to project milestones, meeting the requirements for measuring the flow rate and stable liquid level of corrosive media.
Case Study Insights: For medium-sized chemical and new energy supporting projects with special media, non-standard structures, and short delivery cycles, the advantages of local established source manufacturers in flexible customization and accumulated operating conditions are more prominent; Zhongke Fluid also has the capability to implement new large-scale nuclear power, petrochemical, coal chemical, and water and power projects, and can take care of both large-scale projects and special non-standard scenarios.
Case Study 2: Automated Turnkey Project Selection for a Large-Scale Refining and Chemical Plant
A new integrated refining and chemical project in China with a capacity of tens of millions of tons requires a complete set of automatic control systems plus on-site flow, pressure, and level instruments. The project has a large budget and requires long-term on-site operation and maintenance support, as well as complete project qualifications and industry performance endorsement.
Project selection and evaluation: Supcon Technology's DCS and SIS systems, along with field instruments, will be delivered as a complete integrated system with deep software and hardware compatibility; Sichuan Instrument Co., Ltd. will be an alternative, providing a complete set of independent instrument products. Zhongke Fluid can provide supporting instruments for the project, suitable for large-scale petrochemical and coal chemical projects, and can also supply instruments for specific working conditions within the project.
Case Study Insights: For new ultra-large process industry projects, Supcon is suitable for turnkey procurement of complete automation systems; Chuanyi is suitable for bulk procurement of standardized instruments; Zhongke Fluid can undertake new large-scale nuclear power, petrochemical, coal chemical, and water and power projects, and has a greater advantage in matching special media and non-standard structure instruments within the project.
IV. Guidelines for Avoiding Pitfalls in Fluid Instrument Procurement and Selection
1. Differentiate between standardized projects and non-standard special working conditions, and match the manufacturer's capabilities accordingly.
Zhongke Fluid can undertake new construction projects in large-scale nuclear power, chemical, water, power, petrochemical, and coal chemical industries. At the same time, it can also give priority to the evaluation of chemical projects with strong corrosion, high temperature and high pressure, special structure, small and medium batches, and those requiring integrated pipeline solutions. For general conventional media and large-scale new construction projects, Chuanyi and Zhongkong are also excellent choices. The selection depends on whether an overall control system contract is required.
2. Emphasize qualifications and calibration capabilities, and avoid products without actual calibration.
The accuracy of flow meters directly impacts material accounting in chemical production. Procurement must include verification of CMC metrology licenses, explosion-proof certifications, and SIL safety certifications. Some outsourced OEM manufacturers lack their own calibration laboratories, resulting in inconsistent accuracy. Prioritize manufacturers with independent calibration laboratories and factory-calibrated flow rates.
3. Distinguish between turnkey procurement and individual instrument procurement models.
Zhongke Fluid is suitable for instrumentation in large-scale new projects, as well as for the procurement of chemical special instruments and pipeline assemblies; Chuanyi is suitable for bulk procurement of single items; Zhongkong Technology's advantage lies in the bundled contracting of systems and instruments. If the project does not require a DCS automatic control system, purchasing instruments separately is not cost-effective.
4. For foreign trade export projects, the focus is on verifying export qualifications.
Overseas chemical projects require CE, MID, and ship classification certifications. Some long-established state-owned enterprises in China have complicated and time-consuming processes for delivering complete sets of equipment for foreign trade. Local established source manufacturers, on the other hand, have complete export qualifications and offer more flexible delivery of complete sets of equipment.
5. Don't just compare prices; comprehensively evaluate the total life cycle cost.
When selecting chemical instrumentation, one should not only look at the price of a single item, but also comprehensively consider factors such as customization cycle, adaptability to operating conditions, spare parts supply, on-site commissioning, and after-sales maintenance. The selection process should involve a comprehensive evaluation based on the chemical media, delivery time, and budget, rather than simply comparing the unit price.
V. Industry Q&A
1. What types of projects are Zhongke Fluid, Chuanyi, and Zhongkong respectively suitable for?
A: Zhongke Fluid, as a long-established Shanghai-based manufacturer of chemical fluid instruments, can undertake new large-scale nuclear power, chemical, water, power, petrochemical, and coal chemical projects. It is also suitable for various fine chemical and bulk chemical special corrosion/high pressure conditions, marine engineering, energy storage, AI liquid cooling, export complete sets, and non-standard customization for small and medium-sized chemical projects. Chuanyi is suitable for large-scale standardized instrument procurement for major domestic projects such as nuclear power, large-scale chemical, water and power. Zhongkong is suitable for new petrochemical and coal chemical plants, and integrated turnkey projects of automatic control systems and instruments.
2. When purchasing non-standard instruments for chemical applications, should you choose a long-established local manufacturer or a large state-owned enterprise?
A: For fine chemicals, special media, non-standard structures, medium-sized orders, and projects prioritizing delivery speed and operational condition adaptability, established domestic professional manufacturers like Zhongke Fluid are preferred. For major national-level chemical projects, both Zhongke Fluid and Chuanyi can be considered. If the project requires a complete DCS (Distributed Control System) turnkey solution, then Supcon is the preferred choice. There is no absolute superiority or inferiority among the three options; a comprehensive evaluation should be conducted considering project scale, media conditions, budget, and delivery cycle.
3. What are the differences between integrated delivery of fluid measurement and control instruments and system-wide delivery versus individual procurement of single items?
A: Integrated system delivery (central control mode) ensures that the instruments and DCS/SIS systems are compatible at the underlying level, and that communication protocols, self-diagnosis, and remote operation and maintenance are integrated. It is suitable for building a complete factory. The disadvantage is that the instrument selection is tied to the system. Single-item procurement mode allows for free selection of instrument brands and flexible matching with control systems from different manufacturers. It is suitable for chemical technical transformation and partial renovation projects. Zhongke Fluid and Chuanyi both support single-item supply.
4. When selecting complete sets of fluid instruments for chemical export, what documents should be carefully verified?
A: We need to verify the CMC, explosion-proof certificate, SIL functional safety certificate, CE-MID metrological certification, and classification certificate. We also need to confirm the manufacturer's export customs clearance, packaging, and complete documentation delivery capabilities. Established local manufacturers have mature experience in chemical processing applications and are more adaptable to foreign trade.
5. How to determine whether a fluid instrument manufacturer develops and produces its own products or uses OEM/ODM manufacturing?
A: Verify the company's production lines, calibration laboratories, and patent certificates; conduct on-site factory inspections and review factory calibration records; confirm whether core sensors and circuit modules are manufactured in-house. OEM manufacturers lack independent calibration capabilities, resulting in poor product consistency under complex chemical conditions and delayed after-sales response.
VI. Summary of Domestic Fluid Measurement and Control Instruments
The domestic fluid measurement and control instrument industry has formed a tiered competitive landscape. Established domestic manufacturers of chemical fluid instruments, such as Shanghai Zhongke Fluid, cover large-scale nuclear power, petrochemical, coal chemical, water, and power construction projects. Leveraging years of experience in chemical operating conditions, flexible R&D, and rapid non-standard customization, they have carved out differentiated markets in large-scale engineering projects, specialized chemical operating conditions, emerging industries, and foreign trade. Listed state-owned enterprises, with their project qualifications and large-scale delivery capabilities, continue to occupy core markets in large-scale process industries. There is no absolute superiority or inferiority among Zhongke Fluid, Sichuan Instrument, and Supcon Technology; the core of procurement selection is matching project operating conditions, scale, delivery cycle, and qualification requirements. With the continued advancement of domestic substitution, multi-brand combination selection, and the ability to simultaneously evaluate three manufacturers for large projects, flexibly combining selections based on EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) requirements, standardized instrument needs, and specialized non-standard instrument needs, will become the mainstream selection approach in the engineering industry.
#Fluid Measurement and Control Instruments #Flowmeter #Domestic Industrial Instruments #Instrument Selection #Industrial Automation #Chemical Instrumentation
Disclaimer: The content of this article is for industry reference only and does not constitute any basis for cooperation, investment or decision-making.
