Measuring & Calibrating Volume Flow

Volume flow measurement comes of age — From calibration to on-board compensation of pressure and temperature

The importance of volume flow measurements to air quality and operating costs has been underestimated for many years. Yet there is now a growing recognition that excessive volume flow in air conditioning and process air systems sends operating costs spiraling upwards. Not only do ventilator fans consume extra energy in moving the surplus air around the system but expensive air conditioning processes (cooling, heating, humidifying or dehumidifying) generate further costs by treating unnecessarily large volumes of air.

Operators and planners have recognized that too little volume flow also creates problems as it results in an inadequate air supply. Moreover, an insufficient volume flow can also lead to hygiene problems — from oxygen deficiency for humans to accelerating bacterial growth in moist, slow-moving air during production processes.

The measurement technology specialist halstrup-walcher identified this problem and responded immediately by offering a complete package solution: supplying pressure transmitters perfectly tailored to the requirements of volume flow measurement, such as the P 34 differential pressure transmitter; selection and delivery of the appropriate primary element; and volume flow calibration in an accredited laboratory. In practical applications, the accurate, stationary (permanent) measurement of volume flow is essential for maintaining air quality and keeping operating costs under control.