Wide range pyroelectric anemometers for gas flow measurements

Abstract

Studies of pyroelectric anemometers (PAs) have demonstrated that these sensors have an extraordinarily wide operational range and excellent resolution. Measurements were conducted in two structures: a 3.3-mm-diameter pipe with an anemometer located in the center of the pipe and a 4.5-cm-diameter pipe with anemometers placed in the center and on the walls of the pipe. These measurements demonstrated that the PA can detect flows from approximately 1 mL/min to over 20 L/min in the 3.3-mm-diameter tube. Based on the measurements, It is concluded that the PA shows promise as a good flow transfer standard and as a candidate for monitoring extremely low flow rates.<>