Air velocity sensors.

Users Can Combine Air Velocity Data With Existing Temperature Data for Unparalleled Insight Into Thermal Efficiency

The new PAV3000 series of economical, high-performance air velocity sensors with digital I2C output and a surface-mount footprint for thermal management and filter monitoring in even the most space-constrained locations has been announced by Posifa Technologies. Unlike thermistor-based solutions, the PAV3000 has a MEMS sensor core that is minimally affected by ambient temperature changes and which provides instant real-time feedback on proper air flow at critical locations.


Air velocity data perfectly complements temperature information to provide the best insight into thermal efficiency. Because the PAV3000 helps identify areas that require unusually high air flow to maintain stable temperatures, layouts for rack enclosures with air cooling — such as those found in data centers — can be modified to reduce cooling demands for increased energy savings. In applications such as HVAC systems, air velocity measurements can be used to determine when filters need to be replaced. This ensures hardware is adequately protected during heavy use, and it allows customers with light usage requirements to benefit from extended change intervals.

PAV3000 series devices feature Posifa's third-generation thermal flow die, which uses a pair of thermopiles to detect changes in temperature gradient caused by mass flow. The result is excellent repeatability of 1 % FS and accuracy of 5 % FS. The solid-state thermal isolation structure on the sensor die eliminates the need for a surface cavity or the fragile membrane used in competing technologies, making the sensor resistant to clogging and pressure shock.

Measuring air velocity at 7 m/s (PAV3005V) and 15 m/s (PAV3015V), the PAV3000 series devices offer extremely fast response times of 125 ms typical in a compact, robust package. The air velocity sensors feature a 12-bit digital output, 3.3 V supply voltage, and supply current of 13 mA.

#PAuto #Posifa

Air velocity & Tempearture sensor for thermal management.

Posifa Technologies has announced its new PAV1000 series of air velocity sensors for data centre thermal management and HVAC applications such as filter monitoring. Measuring air velocity at 7 m/s (PAV1005V) and 15 m/s (PAV1015V), the devices offer extremely fast response times of 125 ms typical in a compact, robust package.

 The PAV1000 series was designed as an economical, high-performance air velocity sensor for thermal management and filter monitoring in even the most space-constrained locations, such as rack enclosures with air cooling in data centers. Unlike thermistor-based solutions, the Posifa MEMS sensor core is minimally affected by ambient temperature changes and provides instant real-time feedback on proper air flow at critical locations.

Air velocity data perfectly complements temperature information to provide the best insight into thermal efficiency. By identifying areas that require unusually high air flow to maintain stable temperatures, layouts can be modified to reduce cooling demands for increased energy savings. In HVAC applications, air velocity measurements can be used to determine when filters need to be replaced. This ensures hardware is adequately protected during heavy use, while allowing customers with light usage requirements to benefit from extended change intervals.

The devices feature Posifa's third-generation thermal flow die, which uses a pair of thermopiles to detect changes in temperature gradient caused by mass flow. The result is excellent repeatability of 1 % FS and accuracy of 5 % FS. The solid-state thermal isolation structure on the sensor die eliminates the need for a surface cavity or fragile membrane used in competing technologies, making the sensor resistant to clogging and pressure shock.

The PAV1000 series offers an output voltage range from 0 VDC to 4.5 VDC, supply voltage from 5 VDC to 5.5 VDC, and supply current of 20 mA. The devices operate over a -25 °C to +85 °C temperature range.

#PosifaTech #DataCentres #HVAC

Low air velocity!

The EE660 from E+E Elektronik measures very low air velocity accurately. It is ideal for laminar flow monitoring and clean room applications. The transmitter is now also available with an RS485 interface.

It is suitable for accurate measurement of very low air velocity down to 0.15 m/s (30 ft/min). It features an E+E hot film sensing element, which offers excellent long-term stability and short response time. Furthermore, the sensing element is highly resistant to contamination and has a low angular dependency.

Additionally to current and voltage outputs, the device now features an RS485 interface with Modbus RTU or BACnet MS/TP protocol, which allows for easy integration into a bus system.

The EE660 is available for duct mount or with remote probe. The enclosure with external mounting holes facilitates installation with closed cover.

The measured data is also available on the optional display. Backlight and 180° rotatability allow for comfortable reading independent of the mounting conditions.

The EE660 is user configurable with jumpers on the electronics board or via software. The adjustment and the display setup can be performed with an optional configuration adapter and the free EE-PCS Product Configuration Software.

• E+E Elektronik products are marketed in Ireland by Instrument Technology.

 #EPulse #PAuto @ITL_IE

Non-contact water velocity sensor.

A new non-contact surface velocity radar (SVR) sensor that dramatically improves the simplicity and reliability of stream, river and open channel measurements has been launched by OTT Hydromet. Located safely above the water flow, the instrument is protected from the harmful effects of storms and floods, and can be easily integrated into a remote monitoring system.

A number of key features have been incorporated into the SVR 100, some of which are unique. Employing a highly accurate radar for non-contact operation the instrument also includes sensors for detecting potential sources of error. Measurement reliability is validated by meta data from an integrated sensor that detects the effects of bridge vibration from wind or vehicles, and another which monitors the angle of the SVR 100 to the water surface. With IP68 rating, it is extremely rugged and would even survive complete immersion.

Compact and lightweight the SVR 100 is quick and easy to install in unobtrusive locations, with no requirement for staff to enter the water, which saves time and money. Once installed, the SVR 100 operates on extremely low power with no ongoing requirement for calibration or maintenance. The addition of a level sensor and a datalogger enables the onsite computation of discharge, with multiple telemetry options.

The main advantage of the SVR 100 is its ability to measure accurately and reliably across a wide range of conditions, but especially during severe weather when there is a risk of flooding.

@OTTHydrometry #Environment #PAuto @_Enviro_News 

Air velocity with Modbus.

The EE671 compact air flow probe from E+E Elektronik measures air velocity up to 20 m/s (4000 ft/m) and is ideal for HVAC applications. The new version with Modbus RTU interface facilitates the EE761 integration into modern building automation systems.

The EE671 probe is dedicated for reliable air flow measurement in heating and ventilation systems. It features the new E+E VTQ thin-film flow sensing element. Due to innovative transfer molding, the sensing element is very robust and highly insensitive to contamination, which allows accurate and long-term stable measurements even under harsh conditions.

The probe is available with fixed cable or M12 connector. The alignment strip and the matching mounting flange allow for easy installation and precise positioning of the EE671 in the ventilation duct. The sensing head design is optimized for low angle dependency.

In addition to the Modbus version, the EE671 is also available with voltage output 0-1 V, 0-5 V or 0-10V. An optional configuration kit makes it easy to scale the output, set the Modbus parameters and perform the adjustment of EE671.

• E+E Elektronic products are marketed in Ireland by Instrument Technology.

 #Modbus. #epulse #PAuto 

How to Improve Aerodynamics with single point load cells and digital indicators.

Challenge – To Evaluate the Aerodynamics of Scale Models
Scale Engineering design and manufacture wind tunnels, industrial test rigs and research equipment for schools, universities and the commercial sector.  Their newly designed Scale Wind Tunnel can test the aerodynamics of scale models using the same principles as a full sized version, without the need for a huge test laboratory.  Recently used at Purbeck School’s Science Fair, the Scale Wind Tunnel uses two single point load cells and Intuitive2-L digital indicators, from Applied Measurements,  enabling students to evaluate, amend and improve their LEGO model design.

How Does It Work?

The Scale Wind Tunnel has two OBUG-5kg single point load cells fixed at 90˚ to each other installed on a base plate inside the tunnel.  Once the scale model is mounted inside the tunnel, the air is forced into the tunnel through the laminar air intake and along a honeycomb structure to decrease the air turbulence.  As the tunnel narrows, the airspeed increases, allowing one OBUG single point load cell to measure the lift force and the other to measure the drag force (the resistance generated by the model inside the tunnel).  The results are relayed to two separate Intuitive2-L digital indicators for analysis, enabling the students to make necessary adjustments to their design.

OBU Single Point Compression Load Cells

• Dual Cantilever Design
•  IP65 Protection Rating as Standard (IP67 Optional)
• High Accuracy <±0.03% of Rated Capacity
• Sense Wire Facility
• Moment Insensitive
• Aluminium Construction – Light Weight and Low Cost
• Customisation Available
• Optional Integration on Finished Weighing Platform

Their range of OBU single point load cells are extremely resistant to off-centre loading thanks to their dual cantilever design.  They are moment insensitive meaning that only one unit is required centrally positioned to make a weighing system, or, as in the case of Scale Engineering, allows them to be used in tandem to create a dual-axis measurement system with minimal crosstalk.  This makes them incredibly cost-effective and ideal for applications where a low cost is essential.  Our single point load cells have an IP65 protection rating with an option to increase to IP67 on some capacities if you need them for an even harsher environment.  Their common uses include low force measurement applications such as manufacturing, testing, research and development such as the Scale Wind Tunnel application.  Their aluminium construction makes them very lightweight, while still delivering highly stable and accurate results to <±0.03% of the rated capacity.

Intuitive2-L Load Cell Digital Indicators

•  6 Digit Display
• Simple and Easy to Use – No-Menu Programming
• IP65 Protection Rating
• 20-Bit A/D Converter
• Can Power up to Four 350Ω Strain Gauge Load Cells
• Modular Construction
• Variety of Display Colour Options

The Intuitive2-L digital indicators are easy to use and simple to set-up giving you a fast effortless installation.  The 4 panel buttons, on-display prompts and no-menu programming really does mean you can quickly and easily calibrate and install the digital indicator straight into your application for immediate use.  The display also has a 10Vdc excitation supply which can power up to four 350 Ohm load cells giving you a versatile complete monitoring system.  Its modular construction means you can configure the Intuitive2-L digital indicator to match your needs, making it unique to you and your application.

The indicator’s bright 6-digit LED display offers superb resolution and stability all thanks to its fantastic 20-bit A/D converter and highly stable strain gauge bridge excitation source.  The Intuitive2-L digital indicator is IP65 protection rated and comes with a variety of digit colour options to suit your application environment.  For example, to easily differentiate the lift force and the drag force results the Scale Wind Tunnel used one indicator with a red display and the other green.  We chose the Intuitive2-L digital indicator because of its modular construction and variety of optional alarm relays, analogue and digital outputs, enabling the Intuitive2-L to be tailored to the exact specification of the Scale Wind Tunnel.

@AppMeas #PAuto #Lego

Air velocity transmitter for HVAC.

Accurate Control of Ventilation and Air Conditioning Systems

The EE650 air velocity transmitter from E+E Elektronik is optimized for accurate, reliable and long-term stable measurement of air velocity in ventilation ducts. With selectable measuring ranges 0-10/15/20 m/s (0-2000/3000/4000 ft/min) and high accuracy, the EE650 suits perfectly all common HVAC applications. The new E+E VTQ flow sensor element of EE650 operates on the thermal anemometer principle, is very robust and highly insensitive to pollution.

Thanks to the design and the innovative flow profile of the VTQ flow sensor element manufactured by E+E in thin-film technology, EE650 features an outstanding resistance to contamination. The sensor element impresses also with high mechanical stability realized through state-of-the-art transfer-moulding technology. The exceptional long-term stability and the wear-free thermal measuring principle minimize the EE650 maintenance demand and ownership costs.

The IP65 / NEMA 4 enclosure protects optimally the electronics against pollution. Due to its design, the EE650 can be very easily installed and commissioned. The mounting flange facilitates precise positioning of the probe in the air stream. The duct version can be also mounted directly onto the ventilation duct. With the remote probe version, the sensing probe can be installed up to 10 m away from the electronics.

The measuring range, the output signal (4-20 mA or 0-10 V) and the response time can be selected with jumpers on the electronics board. The maintenance is considerably simplified by a digital interface which allows for EE650 to be adjusted by the user.

• E+E products are marketed in Ireland through Instrument Technology.

#Epulse #HVAC #PAuto 

Transmitter for very low air velocity.

High measurement accuracy down to 0.15 m/s

The new EE660 air velocity transmitter from E+E Elektronik measures air velocity down to 0.15 m/s and is particularly suitable for laminar flow control and other clean room applications. The E+E thin film sensor used in EE660 operates on the hot film anemometer principle which is characterized by high accuracy, excellent long-term stability and lowest sensitivity to dirt. The low angular dependence additionally simplifies installation of the transmitter.

The air velocity transmitter is available for wall or duct mounting as well as with remote probe. The large, flush-mounted LCD display with backlight is 180° rotatable and ensures optimal readability of the measured data.

The EE660 has a current and voltage output, whereby both signals are available on the terminal. The measurement range and the response time can be selected via jumpers. An optional kit facilitates easy adjustment of the transmitter and configuration of the display.

External mounting holes allow quick and easy installation of the transmitter with closed cover. This keeps the electronics protected from construction site pollution. In addition, the electronic components are located on the underside of the PCB and are thus safe from mechanical damage during installation.

• E+E products are marketed in Ireland by Instrument Technology.

Miniature air flow transmitter for HVAC

The new transmitter EE671 from E+E Elektronik measures air velocity up to 20 m/s. Thanks to its compact design it is ideal for mass applications in HVAC. The flow sensing element sets new standards in terms of accuracy and resistance to pollutants.

The built-in VTQ flow sensing element based on thin-film technology works on the hot-film anemometer principle. Thanks to its innovative design - made possible by the use of the latest transfer molding technology - the sensor is particularly resistant to contamination. A high reproducibility of the sensor characteristics, fast response time, low angle dependence and excellent long-term stability are further advantages of the high-quality sensing element.

The EE671 is available with cable or plug connection. An alignment strip on the probe and matching mounting flange simplifies installation and ensures proper alignment of the sensor. The flange enables the immersion depth to be infinetly variable.

The measured air velocity is available as linear voltage output (optional 0-1V, 0-5V or 0-10V). The digital interface in combination with a configuration kit allows the customer to set the measurement range, to configure the output signal and to adjust the transmitter.

The EE671 is suitable for use in heating and ventilation systems, for flow monitoring and control or for inlet air monitoring in ovens.

• E+E Elektroniks products are marketed in Ireland by Instrument Technology.

Guarding the Hovercrafts' drivetrains!

Monitran is supplying Southampton-based Griffon Hoverwork with condition monitoring systems for 12 of its Griffon 8000TD hovercrafts, ordered by the Indian Coast Guard.

The system, designed and developed by Monitran as a turnkey solution, employs 14 MTN/1100W general purpose constant-current analysis sensors with AC outputs, sealed to IP68 (submersible) and supplied with marine-approved cables. These feed into a bulkhead-mounted waterproof cabinet that contains 14 MTN/8066 g-mac signal conditioning units.

Each g-mac unit provides analogue (AC) outputs proportional to velocity and peak g, which feed into a PCB-mounted microcontroller programmed by Monitran to drive a touch-screen display on the front of the cabinet. Several screen views are available but the most useful show:
The current numeric mm/s values of all sensors;
The mm/s values of all sensors shown as a bar chart, with each bar showing current value, threshold and maximum value recorded; and
The mm/s values of all sensors as lines on a 360o dial.

All of the above also include a colour-coded status indicator; green to denote below-threshold and red to denote above-threshold.

The cabinet also feeds a status indicator in the hovercraft’s cockpit to give the pilot an indication of vibration levels.

Tony Roxburgh, Project Manager of Griffon Hoverwork comments: “A hovercraft’s drivetrain experiences a wide range of loads, in terms of torque and RPM, during operation as it tends to be worked hard when a crew is responding to an emergency. The Indian Coast Guard requested that their 8000TDs be fitted with an integrated engine and gearbox vibration monitoring system to warn the pilot if the drivetrain experiences any abnormal vibrations.”

Other requirements included that the system be lightweight, compact, compliant with marine regulations and itself tolerant to high levels of vibration. In addition, provision had to be made for maintenance engineers to view the vibration levels on any given sensor in order to identify which component(s) might be wearing or developing faults; a requirement that was easily met thanks to each g-mac having a buffered native accelerometer output presented on a BNC connector.

Andy Anthony, Monitran’s Managing Director, comments: “Monitran is increasingly undertaking turnkey projects, and developing engineered solutions from the sensor up. The project with Griffon Hoverwork also exemplifies what can be achieved with a relatively humble, general purpose accelerometer like the MTN/1100W.”

Air speed & temp

Industrial air velocity/temperature transmitter/indicator

The FMA1000 Series industrial air velocity and temperature transmitter/indicator is designed and manufactured by Omega. It displays air velocity as well as air temperature.

Applications include research and development labs, HVAC applications, and other manufacturing processes. The sensor design is based on three RTD elements, one measures air temperature and the other two measure air velocity by measuring the heat loss from the RTD sensor as it cools down by the air flow.

This series offers many standard features such as back-lit LCD display of air velocity and temperature (can be displayed in different Engineering Units), two analogue outputs corresponding to air velocity and temperature, high and low velocity voltage alarm outputs, USB serial interface, and a Windows based PC interface software.

The sensor probe is available in fixed top, right angle mount, and remote probe configurations.

IS down under!

Intrinsically safe sensors are awarded ANZEx for use in mining applications in Australia and New Zealand.

All of Monitran's Group 1 intrinsically safe accelerometers and velocity transducers have been approved by certification body Simtars to ANZEx for use in mining applications throughout Australia and New Zealand. This certification is in addition to the (EU) ATEX and (International) IECEx approvals Monitran's Group I sensors already possess.

Andy Anthony, Monitran's Operations Director, comments: "Many countries, whilst acknowledging international standards like IECEx, still impose their own standards for certain applications. We sought ANZEx in response to requests from end-users based in Australia and New Zealand, and companies based elsewhere wishing to supply machinery into these countries."

Eight products have been certified to ANZEx. Of these, four are from the MTN/1100 family of general purpose accelerometers with isolated AC outputs, which are ideal for vibration analysis. Included within the family, and certified to ANZEx, are the MTN/M1100I and MTN/M1100IC which are top-entry devices with integral cables and connectors respectively. Both have a temperature range of -55 to 140 degrees Centigrade and are sealed to IP67. Also included are the side-entry equivalent devices, the MTN/M1100IS and MTN/M1100ISC.

Two ANZEx-certified sensors come from Monitran's MTN/1185 family of general purpose accelerometers with DC outputs, which are ideal for machine protection. These are the MTN/M1185IC and its waterproof variant, the MTN/M1185IWC, which are both top-entry devices with integral cables and which have an operating temperature range of -25 to 90 degrees Centigrade.

The remaining two sensors come from Monitran's MTN/1187 family. Again, the sensors have DC outputs but this time proportional to RMS acceleration. The ANZEx-certified devices are the MTN/M1187IC and its waterproof variant the MTN/M1187IWC.

Anthony concludes: "Our ANZEx-approved sensors can be used for vibration analysis with intrinsically safe data loggers or integrated directly in machine control circuitry (such as PLCs) to afford machine protection - and therefore mine safety."