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Mechanical vs. Non-Mechanical Flowmeters

Insertion flowmeters provide a great alternative to inline flowmeters because they are typically less expensive and easier to install than inline meters. But how do you know which type of insertion meter to choose?

There are two primary types of insertion flowmeters: mechanical and non-mechanical. It’s vital to understand the application and benefits of each type of meter, to ensure the best instrumentation solution for your application. Continue reading “Mechanical vs. Non-Mechanical Flowmeters”

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Duct Traverse Process with Modern Technology

Picture this:
It is the first day on the job for a new contractor. Their project is to balance the HVAC system of a commercial office space. The contractor measures the total pressure and static pressure in the office duct work, using an air velocity manometer, and then calculates the velocity. The velocity measurement seems high, so the contractor is led to believe that either the measuring instrument isn’t precise enough, or the calculations are off. Therefore, the contractor turns to a duct traverse to check the velocity measurement. Continue reading “Duct Traverse Process with Modern Technology”

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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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Why Does the SMART Air Hood® Balancing Instrument Measure a Lower Flow than Traditional Air Flow Hoods?

Many new users of the award-winning SMART Air Hood® Balancing Instrument (Series SAH) compare their new readings to those of their old, traditional air flow hoods. While the readings on a 3 cone step diffuser, 4 way diffuser and many return registers are very similar; users have noticed that swirl diffusers, slot diffusers and other directional diffusers give a lower reading on the SMART Air Hood® Balancing Instrument when compared to traditional air flow hoods. Continue reading “Why Does the SMART Air Hood® Balancing Instrument Measure a Lower Flow than Traditional Air Flow Hoods?”