Sensors and fluid measurement

Manufactured from acrylic, low-cost probes such as the standard Pitot-static probe shown here, include a temperature-compensated differential pressure transducer system with an analogue-to-digital converter for low-noise communications. Direct-to-USB versions are also available. Typical applications include:

• Low-interference, high-bandwidth measurements
• Micro-UAV airspeed systems
• Custom/unconventional probe fabrication
• Large probe arrays.

Simultaneous sampling data acquisition system, streaming (via USB) at up to 62 kHz. 8 analogue inputs, 18-bit fully-differential with adjustable range up to +/- 10 V. Also includes 8 digital I/O channels, one output clock channel and one 12-bit analogue output. Hardware and software triggering capability. May also be upgraded for on-board power, storage and wireless communication for telemetry applications.

Our custom-made probes are designed for specific applications and requirements. These can be constructed from stainless steel (for durability and use in harsh environments) or plastic (for a lower cost solution), and using our high-resolution 3D printing capability, even highly complex, exotic probe configurations are possible.

PID bi-directional MOSFET motor controller with encoder feedback.

A custom-designed 19-hole vorticity probe, this probe provides local spatial velocity gradients and more precise flow angularity measurements than conventional five- and seven-hole probes. Typical applications include:

• Measurement of swirling flows
• Velocity measurements requiring very high accuracy
• Measurements requiring very high reliability or robustness.

This constant current anemometer design uses a two-stage gain and two-stage active filter and buffer. Ultra-low noise levels are achieved through active cable compensation and shielding. A small-footprint surface-mount version is also available.

This directional velocity probe system offers unparalleled functionality in a highly compact, minimally intrusive package. This probe is undergoing certification for use on aircraft, but may equally be used in wind tunnel measurement or motorsport track testing. Features include:

• Seven-plus-one hole probe for velocity measurement, referenced to true local static pressure
• Seven-channel, temperature-compensated differential pressure transducer array
• Absolute static pressure and local air temperature sensors for high-accuracy data reduction
• Inertial positioning sensor for automated probe alignment
• Humidity sensor for density correction and condensation warning
• 16 bit, 1000 Hz data acquisition, streaming via RS-485
• Integrated sting and case heaters for de-icing
• Compact, in-line sensor package: 28 mm diameter, 80 mm long
• Solid stainless steel construction
• Sting diameters down to 3 mm OD available.

Manufactured from stainless steel, these micro-miniature conventional seven-hole probes have an outer diameter of 1.8 mm and a 45˚ conical tip. The probe shown here is pictured next to the head of a pin. Typical applications include:

• Measurement of highly sheared flows
• Measurement of sensitive flows
• Measurement in small facilities or of small models.

These miniature single-sensor hot-wire probes feature a sting and prongs of stainless steel, with epoxy filler, and are designed for low-interference intrusive flow measurements. Typical applications include:

• Measurement of fine-scale turbulence
• Model-integrated stings
• Measurement in small models.

Compact, modular array of up to 64 pressure transducers. Transducers are installed in 8-element units, and each unit may have a different full-scale range; this modularity provides maximum flexibility in the application. Transducer units are self-detecting and factory-calibrated, allowing the user to easily swap elements while in use. Features include:

• Array of 8, 16, 24, 32, 40, 48, 56 or 64 transducers, either differential or absolute
• Full-scale sensor ranges down to 250 Pa
• Local temperature and absolute (atmospheric) pressure sensors included, for maximum accuracy
• Humidity sensor for density correction and condensation warning
• Remote fluid temperature sensor also included, for local state estimation
• IMU for orientation and vibration detection
• External trigger input
• 16 bit, 1000 Hz data acquisition, streaming via USB
• USB powered - no additional external power supply required
• Supplied either as OEM unit (pictured) or with protective enclosure.

We can produce probes with complex geometries such as this new 37-hole, 12mm diameter omnidirectional velocity probe, using high-resolution rapid prototyping techniques. Together with our low-cost, small-size transducer arrays, these probes offer excellent range and precision, even functioning in regions of reversed flow. Typical applications include:

• High-precision air data systems
• Meteorological monitoring stations
• Measurement of mixing/swirling flows.