BK Precision Environmental Testers / Physical Property
Environmental Testers measure environmental elements such as humidity, air flow, temperature, water quality, and more. They are used in a variety of industries and range from simple devices to advanced, multi-parameter systems.
Hand-held environmental testers are easy to use and cost effective. They are durable and portable.
Environmental Tester Applications
Environmental testers are used in a variety of applications, including HVAC, quality control, scientific experiments, agriculture, athletics, pharmaceuticals, military, and more. Some specific examples include:
- Identifying when conditions for mold growth exist
- Monitoring conditions in laboratories, storage areas and other controlled environment settings
- Measuring air velocity/air flow in HVAC ducts and other small openings
- Generating comprehensive aiming solutions for precision shooting
- Measuring the noise of construction, power equipment, and more
- Troubleshooting corrosion in building water/waste water systems
- Measuring conductivity, TDS, salt concentration, pH, ORP and DO content
- Monitoring the effects of direct solar radiation on an exposed surface
- Measuring how hot it actually feels when the humidity is combined with temperature, air movement, and radiant heat
- Monitoring outdoor heat conditions for athletics
- Monitoring moisture in wood and other building materials, such as plaster board, concrete, brick, gypsum board, dropped ceiling, wallpaper, cinder block and mortar
- Measuring the moisture levels in wood burners or wood burning stoves
- Measuring electromagnetic field strength, including mobile phone base station antenna radiation, RF power measurement for transmitters, wireless LAN (Wi-Fi) detection/installation, wireless communication applications (CW, TDMA, GSM, DECT), and microwave leakage
- Measuring fluoride ions in drinking water and other aqueous samples
Types of Environmental Testers
There are numerous types of environmental testers designed to meet the needs of various applications. These devices include:
- Anemometer / Air Flow. Anemometers measure air movement. They are often divided into two categories: wind speed and air pressure
- Barometers and Altimeters. Barometers and altimeters measure atmospheric pressure
- Chlorine Testers. Chlorine testers measure the chlorine content of water
- Dissolved Oxygen Meters/Fluoride. Dissolved oxygen meters measure the amount of dissolved oxygen in water. Fluoride meters measure the amount of fluoride in water
- EMF/ELF Meters. EMF/ELF meters measure frequency of electric and magnetic fields
- Heat Index Monitors. Heat index monitors measure how hot it feels when humidity is combined with temperature, air movement, and radiant heat
- Humidity Meters. Humidity meters measure the moisture content in the environment
- Hygrometers. Hygrometers measure relative humidity
- Light Meters. See Products > Radiometric > Light Meters / Illuminance Meters
- Moisture Meters. Moisture meters measure the moisture in a variety of materials, such as wood, concrete, grain, and more
- pH Meters. pH meters measure the acidity or alkalinity of liquids
- Psychrometers. Psychrometers measure relative humidity by using the difference between two different thermometer readings
- Refractometers/BRIX. Refractometers measure index of refraction. BRIX is a specific application for sugar concentration in a liquid solution
- Scales/Weight. Scales measure the weight or mass of objects
- Sound Level Meters. Sound level meters measure sound pressure, vibration, levels, and/or frequencies
- Water Quality Meters. Water quality meters determine water quality by measuring various parameters such as pH, temperature, salinity, and more.
- Weather Measurement. Weather measurement devices are multi-parameter systems that measure an extensive list of weather parameters, such as air flow, wind chill, barometric pressure, and more
Key Features of Environmental Testers to Consider
- Environmental testers offer a variety of key features that make the user’s job easier. When considering key features, look for features that address the following categories:
- Accuracy
- Display options
- Durability
- Size
- Cost effectiveness
- Data storage
- Parameters measured
- Ease of use
Anemometer / Air Flow
Anemometers measure air movement. The term derives from the word
anemos, which means wind, and refers to any air speed measurement instrument. These meters are often divided into categories: wind speed and air pressure. They measure various parameters such as air velocity, dew point, humidity, wind chill, and temperature.
There are a variety of types of anemometers, including sonic, vane (windmill), hotwire, cup, and laser. They are used in numerous applications such as HVAC, agriculture, athletics, construction, and more. These devices are accurate, portable, and durable.
Anemometer Applications
- Measure air velocity/air flow in HVAC ducts and other small openings
- HVAC installation, repair, diagnostics and optimization
- Promote good indoor air quality
- Maintain a comfortable environment
- Monitor indoor vs. outdoor pressure relationships and manage the building envelope
Types of Anemometers
- Sonic. These anemometers use ultrasonic sound waves
- Vane (Windmill). Vane anemometers combine a propeller and a tail on the same axis. Vane type anemometers have a vane similar to a propeller/impeller. The air flow thru the mechanical vanes or blades is translated into a velocity flow rate such as ft/min or meters/sec
- Hot-wire. These use electrically heated wires. The air cools the wire, and the device uses the temperature change to calculate the measurement
- Cup. The wind moves past the cups and turns the shaft. The air flow is measured by counting the number of turns of the shaft over a period of time
- Laser. These anemometers use a beam of light to measure the speed of particles
Vane and hot-wire types are the most popular.
Key Features of Anemometers to Consider
- Telescoping probe designed to fit into HVAC ducts and other small openings
- Datalogging and PC Communications
- Water resistant housing
- Multifunction capability: InfraRed Thermometer, temperature probe, humidity, CO detection, light measurement, and/or more depending on model
Vane Type vs Hot-wire Anemometer
- Vane type are mechanical, more susceptible to long term wear and tear compared to hot-wire, which are more susceptible to failure with sudden shocks or drops
- Vane type have less accuracy drift over time
- Hot-wire anemometers are more accurate plus have better resolution and faster response to rapid flow changes
- Hot wire anemometers are easier to insert in ducts
Humidity Meters
Humidity Meters measure the moisture content in the environment by measuring relative humidity, present temperature, dew points, and other parameters. They are used in a variety of applications and come in a variety of styles.
Humidity meters are different from, yet similar to, hygrometers and psychrometers, which measure relative humidity. Humidity refers to the amount of moisture present. Relative humidity is the ratio of the moisture present compared to the amount of moisture needed for saturation. Hygrometers and psychrometers both calculate relative humidity, while humidity meters measure moisture content by measuring various parameters such as temperature, dew points, and more.
Humidity Meter Applications
- Maintaining optimal comfort levels and good indoor air quality
- Identifying when conditions for mold growth exist
- Identifying when low humidity conditions for static electricity exist
- Measuring behind walls or in difficult to access locations
- Using air temperature and dew point temperature to indicate where condensation may occur
- Monitoring conditions in laboratories, storage areas and other controlled environment settings
Key Humidity Meter Features to Consider
- Humidity level alarms
- Remote probe allows for measurements behind walls or in difficult to access locations
- Indoor/outdoor models allow you to simultaneously read the humidity and temperature, indoors and outdoors
- Optional NIST calibration certificate satisfies ISO and other regulatory body requirements for product accuracy traceability to nationally recognized reference standards
Hygrometers
Hygrometers measure relative humidity. They are often used in homes, offices, and other confined areas. The two main types are digital and analog. They provide accurate measuring and monitoring of temperature and humidity in a wide range of professional and industrial applications such as film processing, printing, hospitals, and laboratories.
Hygrometers are different from humidity meters, which measure humidity based on temperature, dew point, and relative humidity. Humidity refers to the amount of moisture present. Relative humidity is ratio of the moisture present compared to the amount of moisture needed for saturation. Hygrometers and psychrometers both calculate relative humidity, while humidity meters measure moisture content by measuring various parameters, such as temperature, dew points, and more.
Hygrometers Applications
- Residential
- Heating/Cooling
- Greenhouses
- Industrial spaces
- Incubators
- Saunas
- Commercial buildings
Types of Hygrometers
- Digital. Digital hygrometers use non-moving sensors. They record high and low readings.
- Analog. Analog hygrometers are easy to use and read, are very accurate, and have a fast response time
Key Features of Hygrometers to Consider
- Datalogger date/time stamps and stores readings on an SD card in Excel® format for easy transfer to a PC Display
- Multi-parameter measurements
- Hanging and standing bracket allows flexible positioning on a wall or desktop
This video discusses the damaging effects of mold, such as structural damage and illness, and how hygrometers can be used to control moisture that causes mold. Key features include the dew point measurement and the humidity alarm that alerts the user when the room reaches specified humidity levels.
Light Meters
Our selection of dedicated Light Meter only models may be found under
Products >
Radiometric > Light Meters / Illuminance Meters.
Multifunction meters combining additional measurements such as Hygrometer, Temperature, Air Flow may also be found under their respective sub category. For example for humidity and light: Environmental Testers / Physical Property > Hygrometer
Moisture Meters
Moisture Meters measure the moisture in a variety of materials such as wood, concrete, grain, and more. They are used in numerous professions as well as by homeowners to determine the extent of moisture problems. Common applications include agriculture, construction, and home inspections. Moisture meters come in a variety of styles to meet a range of needs.
Moisture Meter Applications
- Monitor moisture in wood and other building materials, such as plaster board, concrete, brick, render, gypsum board, dropped ceiling, wallpaper, cinder block, and mortar
- Measure the moisture levels in wood burners or wood burning stoves
Types of Moisture Meters
- Pin – Moisture pins are used for contact moisture readings. These pins are easily replaceable
- Pinless -- Pinless moisture sensors allow the user to monitor moisture in wood and other building materials without causing surface damage
- Remote Probe –Remote probes are used for contact moisture readings on hard surfaces
Key Features of Moisture Meters to Consider
- Numerous wood calibration scales
- Pinless measurement depth from 0.78" (20mm) to 1.6" (40mm) below the surface
- Data Hold
- Adjustable alarm levels
pH Meters
pH Meters measure the acidity or alkalinity of liquids. Most of them have a special probe connected that measures the pH and a screen that displays the information. The probe is usually made of glass. These meters range from simple devices to complex systems.
pH Meter Applications
- Agriculture
- Fish farming
- Aquariums
- Boilers
- Cooling towers
- Drinking water
- Food and Beverage
- Hydroponics
- Laboratories
- Chemical industry
- Pools/Spas
- Water treatment
Key Features of pH Meters to Consider
- RENEW feature that tells you when it’s time to replace your pH electrode
- CAL feature that tells you when it’s time to recalibrate your meter
- Flat Surface pH electrode that is completely waterproof and rugged enough to withstand harsh environments
- Memory stores 15 readings
- “On-the-Spot” measurements
Sound Level Meters
Sound Level Meters measure sound pressure, vibration levels, and/or frequencies. They are often used in industrial, environmental, and aircraft noise pollution studies. Sound level meters are accurate and easy to use. They are designed to meet the measurement requirements of Safety Engineers, Health and Industrial safety offices, and quality control in various environments.
Sound Level Meter Applications
- Workplace noise management. Devices can be used to determine hearing protection needs as well as to reduce employee distraction
- Residential areas. The meters measure the noise of construction, power equipment, industrial noise, and more
- Agency and government requirements. The meters measure noise to make sure it adheres to requirements such as city ordinances or the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards
Key Features of Sound Level Meters to Consider
- Meets ANSI and IEC 651 Type 2 standards
- High and low measuring ranges
- Tripod mount ideal for field use
- Data logging
- Optional 94/114dB calibrator to perform “before” and “after” calibration checks per ANSI standards
- Bright LED's alert user when sound level is too high or too low