What LFE does

LFE Laboratorium für industrielle Forschung GmbH & Co. KG is a privately held German manufacturer founded in 1979 by Dr. Günter Schunck and headquartered in Bruchköbel, northeast of Frankfurt am Main. The company designs and builds process analytical instrumentation for industrial gas and water analysis, organized around three product families: the CONTHOS 3 platform for process gas measurement (thermal conductivity hydrogen analyzers and paramagnetic oxygen analyzers, including ATEX/IECEx-certified hazardous-area variants and a 180°C high-temperature version), the TOC-820 and supporting USR-F/USR-S ultrasonic filtration and cleaning systems for online TOC/TNb water analysis, and a components line consisting of OEM thermal conductivity detectors, an OEM specific gravity transducer, and Series 54 peristaltic pumps. Core technology rests on a patented thermal conductivity detector with spatially and electronically separated heating filaments introduced in 1980, a patented NDIR measurement principle for TOC developed with Hoechst AG in 1982, and high-temperature oxidation at approximately 950°C for water analysis.

LFE sells exclusively through a worldwide network of more than 20 specialized distribution partners covering Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, India, and the Americas, with no direct e-commerce channel and quote-based pricing on application-configured analyzers. End markets are 100% industrial B2B, spanning chemical and petrochemical plants, steel mills and metallurgical operations, refineries, hydrogen production including water electrolysis, power generation, and water and wastewater treatment facilities. The customer base is served under long product lifetimes with installed CONTHOS and TOC platforms in continuous process loops, supported by industrial communication interfaces (Modbus RTU/TCP, RS232/485, Ethernet Telnet) for integration with plant DCS/PLC systems.

Name

LFE

Legal name

LFE Laboratorium für industrielle Forschung GmbH & Co. KG

Website

https://lfe.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1979

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

LFE is a privately held German manufacturer founded in 1979 that designs and sells process analytical instrumentation — including CONTHOS 3 thermal conductivity and paramagnetic oxygen gas analyzers, TOC-820 online water analyzers, and OEM sensing components — to industrial chemical, petrochemical, steel, power, hydrogen, and water-treatment end customers through a 20+ partner worldwide distribution network.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Process Analytical Instrumentation

NAICS

Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (334516), Totalizing Fluid Meter and Counting Device Manufacturing (334514)

SIC

Laboratory Analytical Instruments (3826), Oil & Gas Field Machinery & Equipment (3533)

akta.pro primary industry

Process Analytical Instrumentation (Gas analyzers, spectroscopy, pH/ORP, conductivity) (IMAGAFAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Process Automation Instrumentation & Control (DCS, Valves, Actuators, Analyzers) (IMAHAHAM), Gas Quality Measurement, Sampling & Metering (Chromatography, Calorimetry, Custody Transfer) (EUAAABAL), Environmental Sensors (Temperature/Humidity/Gas/Air Quality) (HDAHALAD), Gas Processing Automation, Controls & Optimization (SCADA, APC, Digital Twins) (EUAAABAI)

Keywords

• Process analytical instrumentation
• Industrial gas analyzers
• Water quality analyzers
• Thermal conductivity detectors
• OEM analytical components

Headquarters

HQ city

Bruchköbel

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Process Gas Analyzers: Sale of CONTHOS 3 series thermal conductivity and paramagnetic oxygen gas analyzers, including standard, ATEX/IECEx explosion-proof, and high-temperature variants. Revenue is generated from product sales, configuration, and aftermarket support.
2. Process Water Analyzers: Sale of TOC-820 online TOC/TNb analyzers and supporting USR-F sample filter and USR-S sensor cleaning systems. Revenue from hardware sales with optional accessories and expansion modules.
3. OEM Components: Sale of OEM Thermal Conductivity Detectors (TCD) and OEM Specific Gravity Transducers for integration into third-party process gas analyzer systems. Also includes Series 54 peristaltic pumps as standalone components or system components.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

LFE designs, manufactures, and sells process analytical instrumentation for continuous industrial gas and water analysis. The core offering includes thermal conductivity hydrogen gas analyzers (CONTHOS 3 TCD series in standard, ATEX/IECEx explosion-proof, and high-temperature variants), paramagnetic oxygen gas analyzers (CONTHOS 3 PMD), on-line TOC/TNb water analyzers (TOC-820) using high-temperature oxidation with NDIR detection, supporting ultrasonic sample filtration and sensor cleaning systems (USR-F, USR-S), backpressure controllers (pControl 2F), and OEM components (modular TCD, peristaltic pump, specific gravity transducer) for integration into third-party analyzer systems.

Product overview

LFE is a specialized manufacturer of process analytical instrumentation for industrial gas and water analysis. The product portfolio consists of three core product lines: (1) Process Gas Analysis products centered around the CONTHOS 3 platform including TCD (Thermal Conductivity Detector) hydrogen analyzers available in standard, ATEX/Ex d hazardous area, and high-temperature variants, plus PMD (Paramagnetic Oxygen) analyzers; (2) Process Water Analysis anchored by the TOC-820 analyzer with optional TNb measurement, supported by USR-F ultrasonic filter and USR-S ultrasonic cleaning systems; and (3) Components including OEM TCD, Series 54 Peristaltic Pump, and OEM Specific Gravity Transducer. All products feature industrial-grade communication interfaces (Modbus, RS232/485) and are designed for continuous monitoring applications in chemical, petrochemical, steel, power generation, and water treatment industries. The company operates from Bruchköbel, Germany, and was founded in 1979.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• CONTHOS: Process TCD and PMD gas analyzer series for hydrogen, oxygen, and industrial gas analysis applications.
• TOC-820
• USR-F
• USR-S
• pControl 2F
• OEM TCD
• Series 54
• OEM Specific Gravity Transducer

Products and services

• CONTHOS 3 - TCD Thermal Conductivity Hydrogen Gas Analyzer Series Microprocessor-controlled process gas analyzer based on the patented LFE thermal conductivity detector with spatially and electronically separated heating filaments. Delivers fast response (T90 ≤ 3 sec) with high corrosion resistance and high-temperature capability up to 180°C. Available in standard, ATEX Ex p pressurized enclosure, IECEx/ATEX Ex d explosion-proof transmitter, and high-temperature HT variants for hazardous area applications. Measures binary or quasi-binary gas mixtures including H2/N2, H2/Ar, He/Air, CO2/N2, CH4/H2 across trace to pure gas ranges. Used by chemical plants, steel mills, hydrogen producers, petrochemical facilities, and power generation operators.
• CONTHOS 3 - PMD Paramagnetic Oxygen Gas Analyzer Process oxygen analyzer using the magnetomechanical paramagnetic dumbbell principle with a temperature-controlled sensor. Delivers fast response (T90 ≤ 5 sec), intrinsic linearity, and measurement ranges from 0-5% to 0-100% O2 with optional automatic pressure compensation. Available in 19-inch rack mount (IP40) or field housing (IP65) configurations. Used for flue gas monitoring, inertization plants, biogas O2 measurement, air separation, and power plant oxygen monitoring.
• pControl 2F Backpressure Controller Precision absolute pressure controller designed for process gas analyzers that eliminates pressure errors at the source. Provides an extremely wide flow range (typically 5 to 700 ln/h) using a temperature-controlled piezo-resistive pressure transducer with pressure control approximately 0.2 bar above ambient (1.2 bar absolute), resolution below 0.3% of span, and reproducibility better than ±0.3% of span. Allows sample gas return to the process at defined higher pressure or disposal via flare or scrubber.
• TOC-820 On-line TOC/TNb Analyzer Continuous on-line total organic carbon analyzer using high-temperature oxidation at approximately 950°C followed by photometric CO2 analysis in dried reactor exhaust gas via a semiconductor-based NDIR photometer. Measurement ranges from 0-5 mg C/l to 0-5000 mg C/l (up to approximately 30g C/l with optional dilution), t90 response of approximately 6 minutes, and optional TNb (Total Bound Nitrogen) channel using electrochemical NO detection. Used for industrial wastewater, sewage plant influent and effluent, boiler feed water and condensate, drinking water, and airport de-icing water monitoring.
• USR-F Sample Filter System with Ultrasonic Irradiation Self-cleaning ultrasonic filter for process water analyzers using cross-flow filter element configuration with automatic ultrasonic cavitation cleaning at configurable intervals. Available with pore sizes from 1 to 200 µm for sample filtration, housed in an IP65 enclosure with PVDF housing and Hastelloy transducer membrane. Designed for long-term stable sample filtration with minimized filter maintenance in corrosive and contaminated process water.
• USR-S Ultrasound Cleaning System for Process Liquid Analytical Sensors Ultrasonic cleaning system for process liquid analytical sensors with a cross-flow vessel that accommodates up to 3 process liquid sensors (pH, conductivity, dissolved O2, turbidity). Uses automatic ultrasonic irradiation with a Hastelloy transducer membrane and an IP65 water-protected control unit for wall mounting. Designed for defined and constant cleaning in corrosive and contaminated process water.
• OEM Thermal Conductivity Detector (TCD) Modular thermal conductivity detector for OEM integration into process gas analyzers. Features ultra-fast response (T90 ≤ 3 sec), high-temperature capability up to 180°C, high corrosion resistance, and infallible containment. Includes RS232 or Ethernet interface with proprietary protocol and self-diagnosis features, with digitally available measured values for system integration.
• Series 54 Peristaltic Pump Microprocessor-controlled peristaltic pump for process analytical applications with user-selectable rotational speeds (0.2 to 50 rpm), IP65 protection class, digital remote control via optically isolated inputs, and Novoprene tubing for chemical resistance. Designed for sample transport, condensate transport, sample dilution, metering, and back-flushing.
• OEM Specific Gravity Transducer Continuous on-line gas density transducer using an acoustic measurement principle with high intrinsic linearity, long-term stability, and short response time. Operates via transferred amplitude of sound waves with reference chamber for atmospheric compensation. Measurement range of 0.2-2.2 specific gravity (SG) for gas density determination in process and OEM integration applications.

Quantifiable outcome

• T90 response time ≤ 3 seconds for TCD gas analyzers
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

21 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Light4CleanWater ConsortiumcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2011European Union funded research, technological development and demonstration project focused on a novel system to break down hazardous substances in wastewater streams. LFE is a consortium member along with other European partners including the Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB. This represents LFE's R&D investment supported by BSFZ/BMBF funding for innovative product development.
• Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGBcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch partner in the EU-funded Light4CleanWater project for developing novel systems to break down hazardous substances in wastewater streams.
• BSFZ (Bescheinigungsstelle Forschungszulage) / BMBF (Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung)minorOthersGerman government funding body for research subsidies. LFE receives funding support for innovative and risky in-house research and development activities.
• ECM ECO Monitoring a.s. (Slovakia)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistribution partner for process gas analyzers in Slovak Republic. Located at Nevädzová 5, 821 01 Bratislava.
• AMCS Ltd. (United Kingdom)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistribution partner for process gas analyzers in United Kingdom. Located at 14 Woodside, South Marston Park, Swindon, Wiltshire SN3 4WA.
• JCT Analysentechnik GmbH (Austria)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistribution partner for process gas analyzers in Austria. Located at Werner Heisenberg-Strasse 4, 2700 Wiener Neustadt.
• PSA Ingenieros (Spain)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistribution partner for process gas analyzers in Spain. Located at C/ Agustina de Aragón 147-40, 28342 Vademoro (Madrid).
• FG-Tech AS (Norway)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistribution partner for process gas analyzers in Norway. Located at Strømtangvegen 21, 3950 Brevik.
• Tecnova HT (Italy)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistribution partner for process gas analyzers in Italy. Located at Via Castellazzo 29, 20010 Pregnana Milanese (MI).
• DIGITRANS SMPC (Greece)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistribution partner for process gas analyzers in Greece. Located at 15 E.Veniamin Str, GR-50131 Kozani.
• FST International H.C. Ltd (Taiwan)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistribution partner for process gas analyzers in Taiwan/Asian-Pacific region. Located at 8F-2, No. 95, Weixin St., Zhubei City, Hsinchu County 30281.
• M&C TechGroup China Co. Ltd.minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistribution partner for process gas analyzers in China. Located at 8F-A, No.2.Bldg., 518 XinZhuan Road, Caohejing Hi-Tech Park, Songjiang Dist., 201612 Shanghai.
• ONUEE Electronics Ltd (China/Shenzhen)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistribution partner for process gas analyzers in China/Shenzhen region. Located at D2-6A, TCL Science Park, No.1001 Zhong Shan Yuan Rd., NanShan, Shenzhen 518000.
• Analytical Control Engineering Pty Ltd (Australia)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistribution partner for process gas analyzers in Australia. Located at 27/17 Lorraine Street, Peakhurst NSW 2210.
• Alam Mulia Teknologi Sdn Bhd (Malaysia)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPETRONAS-licensed distribution partner for process gas analyzers in Malaysia. Located at No 12, Ground Floor, Jalan Eco Perindustrian 1/3C, Eco Perindustrian 5, 42300 Bandar Puncak Alam, Selangor.
• DONGMOON ENT Co.,Ltd. (Korea)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistribution partner for process water analyzers in Korea. Located at #501~#505 Woolim e-BIZ Center II, 12, Digital-ro 33-gil, Guro-gu, Seoul 08377.
• SE ANALYTIKS CO.,LTD (Thailand)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistribution partner for process water analyzers in Thailand. Located at 85/20 Moo. 3, Phala, Banchang, Rayong.
• PT Suplintama MajuSemesta (Indonesia)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistribution partner for process gas and water analyzers in Indonesia. Located at Jl. Tomang Raya No. 12D, Jakarta 11430.
• VN INSTRUMENT CO., LTD (Vietnam)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistribution partner for process gas and water analyzers in Vietnam. Located at Floor 6, Viet A Tower, No. 9 Duy Tan Street, Dich Vong Hau Ward, Cau Giay District, Ha Noi City.
• Sunny Limited (Japan)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistribution partner for process gas and water analyzers in Japan. Located at 194 Yamashita-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama 231-0023.
• VANKO Analytical & Instrumentation Specialists (Canada)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistribution partner for the Americas (Canada) with Edmonton head office. Located at 4408 - 51 Ave., Edmonton, AB T6B 2W2. Contact: Allan Lyster, Product Manager, Analytical.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Hach (Danaher): Process water analysis specialist (TOC, BOD, COD) within Danaher's water platform. Directly comparable to LFE's TOC-820 product line for industrial wastewater, drinking water, and pure-water monitoring applications.
• AMETEK Process Instruments: US-based process gas analyzer manufacturer offering thermal conductivity, infrared, and paramagnetic analyzers for hydrogen, oxygen, and binary gas measurements — directly overlapping LFE's CONTHOS 3 use cases.
• Servomex (Spectris): UK-based specialist in process gas analysis (paramagnetic, zirconia, IR, TCD) for industrial, medical, and laboratory applications. Directly comparable product lines in binary gas mixture measurement and hazardous-area analyzers.
• M&C TechGroup: Germany-based direct competitor in process gas analysis with comparable product families (thermal conductivity, paramagnetic, infrared gas analyzers) and a parallel global distributor model targeting chemical, petrochemical, and environmental applications.

Broad incumbents

• SICK AG: German-based sensor and process analytics company offering gas analyzers and process instrumentation for industrial emission monitoring, biogas, and process gas analysis with comparable TCD/IR measurement technologies.
• Endress+Hauser: Swiss-based process instrumentation leader offering TOC, pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, and gas analysis measurement instruments for similar industrial process and water-treatment applications. Family-owned with global coverage.
• Emerson Process Management (Rosemount / BINOS): Global process instrumentation incumbent whose BINOS NDIR gas analyzer platform traces its measurement principle back to LFE's founder Dr. Schunck. Competes head-to-head in process gas analysis with vastly larger installed base, service network, and product breadth.
• Yokogawa Electric: Japanese process automation and measurement company offering gas analyzers and process water analyzers for chemical, petrochemical, power, and water-treatment customers globally. Competes in similar end markets with broader instrumentation portfolio.
• ABB Measurement & Analytics: Global process analyzer and automation provider offering thermal conductivity, paramagnetic, and IR gas analyzers for similar industrial customer segments (chemical, petrochemical, power, water). Multi-national scale with extensive service network.
• Siemens Process Analytics (Ultramat): Industrial automation giant whose Ultramat series of NDIR gas analyzers is built on microflow-sensor technology originally developed by LFE's founder. Competes broadly in process gas analysis within much larger automation portfolios.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/lfe-gmbh-co-kg

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about LFE