Fluke Environmental Testers / Physical Property

Fluke Environmental Testers / Physical Property

Fluke offers Environmental Testers for HVAC, building diagnostics, and laboratory data logging. These instruments can provide readings of air pressure, velocity, relative humidity, and airflow. Fluke Environmental Testers are easy to use and feature Fluke's extremely durable construction. While there are numerous types of environmental testers designed to meet the needs of various applications, Fluke offers these types of environmental testers:

• Anemometer / Air Flow. Anemometers measure air movement. They are often divided into two categories: wind speed and air pressure
• Humidity Meters. Humidity meters measure the moisture content in the environment
• Hygrometers. Hygrometers measure relative humidity

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 or airflow. The term "Anemometer" 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. Fluke Anemometers can measure differential and static pressure, air velocity, and airflow.
 
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, temperarature 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 & tear vs hot-wire which are more susceptible failure with sudden shocks or drops   
• Vane type have less accuracy drift over time   
• Hot-wire anemometers are more accurate, 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.
 
This video demonstrates the features of one of Fluke's humidity meters.

 
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 hygro-thermometer allows 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

• Remote Connectivity: Fluke instruments have internet connection capabilities that allow for remote monitoring of multiple instruments
• 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