Gauges and Sensors of Physical Parameters

An anemometer is an instrument for measuring air velocity and airflow, most often using a rotating vane (a vane or cup anemometer) or a thermal sensor, with the result reported in m/s, km/h or other speed units. On a construction site an anemometer checks the output of natural and mechanical ventilation, monitors the performance of heat recovery units, and measures wind conditions during work at height, where strong wind — usually above a dozen or so m/s — limits safe working. A typical measurement range is about 0.3-30 m/s, with a resolution around 0.1 m/s.

An anemometer-thermometer combines two sensors in a single housing: a vane or probe for measuring air velocity and a temperature sensor, so one reading gives both airflow velocity (typically 0.3-30 m/s) and ambient temperature (usually -10°C to +50°C). In the NORWIT.PL range, this combined type is represented by the Nivel System FTA 1 anemometer-thermometer — a compact 2-in-1 device for quickly checking conditions on site and in ventilation systems, without carrying two separate meters. One device instead of two shortens measurement time and lightens the crew's toolbox.

An anemometer measures only air velocity and airflow, typically within 0.3-30 m/s, while a humidity meter (hygrometer) reports relative humidity on a scale of 0-100% RH, and a thermometer reads temperature, most often within -10°C to +50°C for construction-grade meters. Each instrument measures a different physical quantity, so a full diagnosis of a ventilation system uses them together — an anemometer for airflow output, a hygrometer and thermometer for microclimate. Combined devices, such as an anemometer-thermometer, measure two of these quantities in a single reading.

Meters and sensors for physical parameters used in construction and ventilation mainly cover air velocity and airflow (m/s, m³/h), temperature (°C) and the relative humidity of air and materials (% RH). An anemometer checks mechanical ventilation and heat recovery, where duct velocities typically fall within 0.3-30 m/s, while temperature and humidity meters assess conditions for concrete curing, plastering or painting, usually carried out at 5-35°C. Choosing a sensor depends on which physical quantity needs to be checked.

A Nivel System anemometer works well for checking mechanical ventilation and heat recovery, because it measures airflow velocity at grilles and in ducts with a resolution typically around 0.1 m/s within a range of 0.3-30 m/s. This reading shows whether a heat recovery unit delivers the designed airflow (usually stated in m³/h), and a deviation signals a clogged filter or a poorly adjusted unit. The anemometer-thermometer model also checks supply air temperature, easing diagnosis of the heat exchanger.

The price of a professional physical parameter meter depends mainly on the number of quantities it measures — a single-purpose anemometer costs less than a combined model measuring 2 parameters at once — as well as on the measurement range (e.g. up to 20 m/s versus up to 30 m/s) and reading resolution (0.1 m/s). Features such as a backlit display or reading memory also add to the price. Current prices of Nivel System meters are listed on the product pages at NORWIT.PL.

Choosing a meter starts with identifying which physical quantity needs checking: assessing ventilation and heat recovery output calls for an anemometer measuring airflow velocity (0.3-30 m/s), checking conditions for concrete curing or painting calls for a thermometer and hygrometer covering 5-35°C and 0-100% RH, and a quick check of both at once calls for a 2-in-1 anemometer-thermometer. Reading resolution (typically 0.1 of the measured unit) is another selection criterion. For applications that require a documented result, it is also worth checking the date of the device's last calibration.

Calibrating a physical parameter meter means comparing its readings against a reference standard and correcting them if they deviate — recommended once a year for equipment used regularly for professional work, and every 3-6 months for devices operating in dust, moisture or large temperature swings. Anemometers and temperature sensors without periodic calibration can drift by a few percent from the true value over time, which matters when checking ventilation or concrete curing conditions. Meters used only occasionally can simply be checked against another calibrated device.