Air Velocity Sensors
DPV-Net, DPV-201, DPV-421
The DPV series is aimed at internal and external clients, as it is compatible with 3rd party SCADA systems as well.
Sperosens is currently supplying two types of air velocity sensors to our customers, namely the FM series and the VC series.
The FM series uses the vortex shedding principle, where a known obstruction in the air flow path causes vortices of air behind the obstruction. The occurrence frequency of the vortices is directly proportional to the air velocity. Measuring the vortex frequency is accomplished using an ultrasonic transmitter/ receiver pair.
FM Series Advantages
- Low power consumption
- Available with 4-20mA or 0-1mA output
- No calibration required
- Little maintenance required (cleaning of ultrasonic head)
- Long life span
FM Series Disadvantages
- Single supplier of ultrasonic head, leads to issues with cost and availability.
The VC series uses the calorimetric measuring principle. Two measuring elements as well as a heat source are located on the measuring tip. The effect of the air flowing through the meter is that heat energy is absorbed and conducted away, resulting in a lower temperature. The resulting change in heating current to maintain the temperature is an indication of air velocity.
VC Series Advantages
- No internal PCB required for 4-20mA output
- Not available with 0-1mA output
- Series with best accuracy at lower air velocities
VC Series Disadvantages
- Single supplier of ultrasonic head, leads to issues with cost and availability.
- Fragile sensing element that can be damaged by mechanical shock
- Short life span due to corrosion of measuring elements
Sperosens is now introducing the new DPV series of air velocity sensors following almost two years of development and testing.
The DPV series uses the differential pressure measuring principle to determine the velocity of air flow. Air flow is channelled through a pipe of known dimensions. Within the pipe is an obstruction with pressure sampling points on both sides of the obstruction. The difference in pressure created by air flowing through the pipe is proportional to the air velocity.
Characterisation and accuracy verification were done with multiple visits to the CSIR wind tunnel facility. Reliability and longevity were verified with extended field trails at the worst underground mining conditions at various mines.
The new DPV series was developed to address a couple of challenges experienced with the two original air velocity sensor types. Some important characteristics are:
- Very low power consumption
- Available with 4-20mA or 0-1mA output
- No calibration required
- Long life span with minimal maintenance required
- Designed to survive the harshest ventilation conditions
- Mechanically robust
- Cost-effective manufacturing
- Improved accuracy over the full measuring range (±5%)
Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact your sales representative for more information.