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Air Velocity and Flow Measurement with Pitot Tubes

Pitot Tubes Series 160, 166T, and 160S

Dwyer offers many styles of Pitot tubes. Pitot tubes are commonly used sensors for monitoring air velocity and flow rate in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. Some examples include the: Stainless Steel Pitot Tube Series 160, Telescoping Stainless Steel Pitot Tube Series 166T, and “S” Type Stainless Steel Pitot Tube Series 160S.

Henri Pitot

Pitot tubes are based on Bernoulli’s equation, which states that an increase in the speed of a fluid occurs simultaneously with an increase in dynamic pressure and a decrease in static pressure. Pitot tubes sense the dynamic pressure of the fluid flow at a particular point and were invented by French Engineer Henri Pitot in the early 18th century. Continue reading “Air Velocity and Flow Measurement with Pitot Tubes”

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Use of Gold Contact Snap-Action Switches

Push Button Snap-Action Switches

Many Dwyer Instruments, Inc. switch products have standard snap-action switches. Snap-action switches have a mechanical movement that snaps the contacts together and apart to make or break an electrical circuit.

Silver contact snap switches are very versatile and offer high contact ratings commonly up to 10 or 15 amps when used with 120 volts AC. These switches are often used for control circuits with heavier load requirements such as pumps, motors, fans, and incandescent light bulbs.  Continue reading “Use of Gold Contact Snap-Action Switches”

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Pressure Transducers: What are They and What to Consider

Pressure transducers can be used in off-road equipment, construction machinery, performance racing, railroads, engines, and other applications where a transducer may be exposed to shock and vibrations. Transducers can be exposed to shock and vibrations through normal use, as well as during maintenance. Although not all applications subject a transducer to shock or vibrations, these devices tend to be very sensitive and their ability to accurately read pressure can be affected easily. Continue reading “Pressure Transducers: What are They and What to Consider”