Velocity probe for laboratory fume hood
Velocity probe for laboratory fume hood is backordered and will ship once restocked.
The importance of the velocity probe in a laboratory fume hood
Functions, mechanism and crucial role in security
In a laboratory, the fume hood is one of the most essential safety devices. It protects operators from chemical vapors, harmful gases, and dangerous particles generated during manipulations.
To guarantee this protection, the fume hood must maintain a constant frontal air velocity , often called the suction velocity .
That is precisely the role of the air velocity sensor .
This probe allows for real-time measurement of the speed of air drawn into the fume hood , in order to verify that the ventilation system is working correctly.
Without this measure, it would be impossible to guarantee that contaminants are captured and removed effectively .
In modern ventilation control systems, such as the smart controllers used in laboratories, the probe is an essential component to ensure safety and regulate airflow .
Definition of an air velocity probe
The air velocity probe is a sensor used to measure the speed of air circulation in a fume hood or ventilation system.
Its main functions are:
- measure the frontal suction speed
- check that the airflow is sufficient
- trigger an alarm in case of a fault
- transmit the data to the ventilation controller
In modern systems, the probe sends this information to the controller which automatically adjusts the ventilation .
In systems like SMARTFLOW , the probe measures the front velocity and allows the controller to ensure sufficient airflow for operator safety .
The role of the probe in laboratory safety
The probe's main mission is to ensure the safety of users of the fume hood .
It acts as a permanent surveillance system .
When the air velocity becomes insufficient, the probe immediately detects the anomaly and the system triggers:
- a loud alarm
- a visual alarm
- an alert message on the controller
This allows the user to be informed that a ventilation problem is present.
The frontal velocity may become insufficient for several reasons:
- excessive opening of the fume hood window
- faulty fan
- obstructed ventilation system
- incorrect system settings
- significant pressure losses
Thanks to the probe, these situations are detected immediately .
How an air velocity sensor works
The operation of a probe is based on measuring the airflow that passes through the sensor .
This measurement is then converted into a speed value, usually expressed in:
- m/s (meters per second)
- ft/min (feet per minute)
The measured value is then transmitted to the ventilation controller.
This can then:
- adjust the fan speed
- regulate the airflow
- trigger an alarm if necessary
In advanced systems, the probe allows automatic regulation of ventilation in order to maintain a constant frontal velocity .
Automatic front speed maintenance
In modern laboratories, the goal is not just to measure air velocity, but to automatically maintain it at a safe level .
This is referred to as airflow regulation .
In this type of system:
- the probe measures the frontal velocity
- the controller compares this value to the setpoint
- the fan speed is adjusted automatically
This regulation guarantees a constant forward speed , even when:
- The window of the Sorbonne has been moved.
- several fume hoods operate simultaneously
- the pressure of the ventilation network varies
Relationship between the probe and the position of the window
In many laboratory ventilation systems, the air velocity depends directly on the position of the fume hood window .
The more the window is open, the more the airflow must increase to maintain sufficient frontal velocity.
That's why some systems use:
- a window position sensor
- an air velocity probe
The sensor measures the height of the window while the probe checks that the actual speed remains sufficient .
This dual control allows:
- improved accuracy
- enhanced security
- energy optimization
Speed sensor and energy optimization
Beyond safety, the probe also plays an important role in reducing the energy consumption of laboratories .
Ventilation represents one of the most significant energy consumption areas in scientific buildings .
Thanks to the speed sensor, it becomes possible to:
- adjust the airflow to the actual needs
- reduce ventilation when the fume hood is closed
- automatically increase the flow rate when the window is opened
This allows:
- improved energy efficiency
- a reduction in operating costs
- intelligent ventilation
Positioning the probe in the fume hood
To function correctly, the probe must be installed in a precise location within the fume hood .
Proper installation practices are essential to ensure reliable measurement.
It is recommended:
- to avoid dead zones in air circulation
- do not install the probe directly in the extraction duct
- to position the probe in order to measure the actual airflow in the fume hood
Proper installation ensures accurate measurement and effective regulation .
The security alarms related to the probe
When the speed measured by the probe becomes too low, the system displays an alert message.
For example :
- LOW: Insufficient frontal speed
- speed too low
- ventilation failure
These alerts tell the user that they must:
- close the window
- check the ventilation system
- wait until the speed returns to normal
These alarm systems are essential for maintaining a high level of security in laboratories .
Why the probe is indispensable in a laboratory ventilation system
The air velocity sensor is now an indispensable component in modern ventilation systems.
It allows you to:
- to ensure the safety of operators
- monitor the efficiency of the ventilation
- quickly detect anomalies
- optimize energy consumption
- ensure intelligent airflow regulation
Without this probe, it would be impossible to confirm that the fume hood actually protects the user .
Conclusion
The air velocity probe plays a central role in the safety and operation of laboratory fume hoods .
By continuously measuring the forward speed, it allows control systems to:
- monitor the airflow
- automatically regulate the ventilation
- trigger security alarms
- optimize energy consumption
In a scientific or industrial environment, the integration of a reliable probe is therefore essential to guarantee safe, efficient ventilation that complies with laboratory safety standards .
