What are the best accessories for portable measuring instruments?
 

• Airflow measurement cones make it easy to use portable vane and hot-wire thermo-anemometers as flowmeters.
   
• Transport bags and cases are specially designed for certain high-value instruments to simplify their transport while offering maximum protection against impact. They can also be used to group together instruments and any external probes, to meet all the needs of technicians working on site.
   
• Protective covers for instruments: these protect instruments from knocks and drops when they are used in high-risk environments.
   
• Mini portable wireless printer: this can be connected directly to the measuring instrument via an infrared link to print out a complete measurement report on site, in compliance with the regulatory requirements of certain HVAC-R inspections.
   
• Batteries and chargers: for even greater mobility with portable instruments and to cope with large-scale operations, an additional battery is sometimes advisable, despite the good average autonomy of portable measuring devices. A charger is also advisable in case of emergency!
   
• Extension leads and brackets: a wide range of accessories are available to help technicians access hard-to-reach areas. Accessories such as telescopic extensions for probes and tripods can be used to deal with all kinds of situations in the field.
   

Why and when to use a flow measurement cone?

Air flow measurement cones are one of the most important accessories for air conditioning and HVAC technicians. These devices are used in conjunction with vane or hot-wire anemometers to reliably and easily measure the volumetric flow rate of air leaving or entering a ventilation outlet, in supply or extract mode.

These cones are particularly useful for assessing the indoor air change rate, which is one of the most important parameters for ensuring good IAQ (indoor air quality) in a building. They are also essential for calculating the mixing ratio, a similar parameter that applies more specifically to setting up and maintaining pressure cascades in regulated environment areas.

With a portable thermo-anemometer, the use of a measuring cone makes it possible to obtain a faster and more accurate measurement than with the conventional method of calculating flow rate by scanning or point-by-point zoning (gridding). This method involves measuring the air velocity over the entire surface of a ventilation aperture, a lengthy process which provides a calculated average volume flow rate. This method is still effective, but less accurate and, above all, much more time-consuming to carry out. Furthermore, it cannot be applied to multidirectional flow diffusers.

A flow measurement cone, on the other hand, can be used to measure the flow rate of any type of ventilation unit or grille. The latest generation of measurement cones also incorporates an ingenious system known as a flow straightener. This honeycomb structure helps to reduce turbulence in the airflow, whatever the shape of the vent in question, and thus re-establishes a laminar flow that is much more suitable for measuring speed and flow using a vane anemometer. The shape of the honeycomb flow straightener also reduces the head loss induced by the cone when it is applied to the wall around the air vent. This technology provides first-rate measurement accuracy, in line with the latest requirements of current regulations, in particular those of the RE2020 ventilation protocol in France.

It is also necessary to use an airflow measurement cone adapted to the shape of the air vent to be measured. For example, a round cone is recommended for round vents, but the most important thing is the size: the cone must cover the whole of the vent, so its size must be greater than the vent opening.

Ventilation cones can therefore be bulky, and it's advisable to opt for a model that comes with a carrying bag adapted to its shape!

Why use a mini portable printer for measuring instruments?

The portable printer is one of the most widely used accessories by HVAC-R professionals in all sectors, but especially for routine inspection activities aimed at certifying that an installation complies with certain regulations in place. The technician can print out a report or certificate on the spot, in line with regulatory requirements, or simply the measurement results that are essential for reporting on an installation's operating status to its operator.

The KIMO KIMP23 printer is specially designed for KIMO's top-of-the-range Class 210 and 310 multifunction devices. It communicates with these devices via an IRDA infrared link, which is quick and easy to set up in any type of environment. Its proven thermal printing technology ensures that printed characters remain legible on paper for at least 10 years, for long-term archival of operating and compliance reports.

For further information:

• Measuring air flow rate at an air vent: getting it right 

• Offices, schools: measuring air quality for maximum occupant health and comfort 

• The importance of indoor air quality for health is clearer than ever 

• Quick and easy HVACR inspections: choosing the right measurement instruments 

• VOCs: what they are, where they come from, and how to measure them 

• Air flow: six reasons why DEBIMO blades are the superior choice 

• Using CO₂ concentration to measure air change rate 

• Indoor air quality matters in data centres too!