Airflow Measurement / TAB

Alnor, Testo, Fluke, Extech and TSI Capture Hoods, Flow Hoods, Anemometers, Hot Wires, Pitot Tubes and Static Pressure Tips for Measuring Airflow and Static Pressures.

TruTech Tools knows airflow, and we can introduce you if you like! Measuring airflow is easy, measuring airflow accurately however is a challenge! Using the right tools and the right process can simplify otherwise what might seem a daunting process.

When selecting an airflow measurement instrument, it is important to consider your application. Vane anemometers are often ideal because they do not require air density correction. When considering hand held instrumentation, typically hot wires are suited for very low velocity measurements, vane anemometer for mid level and Pitot tubes for high velocity measurements. While all of these have some overlap, we have found the vane to be one of the most useful tools when trying to select a single instrument for multiple applications typical to residential and light commercial applications. For air balancing and quick measurement consider a capture hood. While they are initially more expensive, if you do a lot of air-side work, there could be considerable labor savings.

Sub-Categories

Capture Hoods

Capture hoods are used for measuring air velocity and volume at registers and grills. Most hoods use differential pressure or hot wire technology for measurement. Smaller hoods are ideal for residential commissioning while larger hoods can be used for residential and commercial applications.

Anemometers (vane and hot-wire)

Anemometers are used to measure airflow and volume at registers and in ducts. Vane anemometers measure airflow independent of the air density making them ideal for many applications where measurement without the need for corrections is desired. Hot Wire anemometers are used for low velocity measurements and require corrections for high accuracy measurements. Hot wires are ideal for airflow measurements at fume hoods and other low flow applications.

Pressure Matching / TrueFlow

Pressure matching methods use a calibrated flow plate inserted into the filter rack in conjunction with a manometer to indirectly measure airflow. This is a quick and easy method often used by auditors and HVAC technicians.

Differential Pressure Manometers

Differential pressure manometers are used in conjunction with Pitot tubes or static pressure tips to measure pressures or velocities directly. Low range manometers are required for use with a Pitot tube. Higher range or duel range manometers can be used for static pressure measurement.

Pitot Tubes & Static pressure Tips

Pitot Tubes are the standard air measurement device against which all other methods are tested and verified. Pitot tubes are ideal for medium to high velocity airflow measurements and require density corrections for highest accuracy. Static pressure tips only measure static pressure and can be used with a manometer to verify air-side performance of HVAC systems.