Application
HVAC Commissioning
Air and water flow, temperature, differential pressure and humidity verification during commissioning and troubleshooting.
Why this measurement is difficult to get right
Commissioning work is done against a schedule with limited access to the plant, and the instruments are portable and battery-powered. A reading has to be obtained in minutes, frequently through an access hole that has to be cut on the day.
The measurements themselves are routine, but they are frequently taken at conditions well away from design, which is why recording the operating condition alongside the reading matters as much as the reading itself.
What has to be measured
- Air velocity and volumetric flow at terminals, in ducts and at fan inlets.
- Water flow in heating and chilled water circuits.
- Differential pressure across coils, filters, valves and fans.
- Supply, return and surface temperature, plus relative humidity.
Which instrument measures what
| Quantities to measure | Instrument family |
|---|---|
| Duct and terminal airflow | Flow measurement - thermal mass and vane anemometers |
| Water flow | Ultrasonic and electromagnetic flow meters |
| Differential pressure and static pressure | Differential pressure instruments |
| Temperature and humidity | Temperature measurement and environmental monitoring |
| Recording over an operating cycle | Data acquisition and monitoring |
Practical considerations
- Probe length and access hole size determine which airflow instrument is practical on site.
- Battery life and portability weigh more heavily than long-term stability for a commissioning instrument.
- Where results are handed to a building management system, confirm the protocol and addressing before ordering.
Frequently asked
HVAC Commissioning questions
Why is differential pressure used so much in HVAC work?
It is the most direct indicator of whether a filter is loaded, a coil is fouled or a fan is delivering. It requires two pressure connections rather than a full flow measurement, which makes it fast and inexpensive to take.
Quoting for hvac commissioning
Send the measurand, the range and the conditions, and we will confirm the instrument family, the configuration and the lead time.
Request for quotation
Request a quotation - HVAC Commissioning
Send the technical detail and we will confirm availability, lead time and terms. In-stock items ship within 48 hours; customized specifications typically take 2-10 days. Minimum order quantity is 1 pc.