Airflow Measurement Applications for Blowers and HVAC Systems

Airflow Measurement Applications for Blowers and HVAC Systems

Industrial blower, AHU equipment and ductwork in an airflow measurement application
AIRFLOW MONITORING · eyc-tech

Blower and HVAC Airflow Measurement Applications

Track airflow performance from main ducts to terminal branches

Blowers, air handling units (AHUs), supply and return air ducts, and variable air volume (VAV) boxes form the air distribution systems used in buildings and industrial facilities. As filter resistance rises, damper positions change, or airflow distribution among branches is adjusted, the actual airflow delivered to each area can vary even while the fan continues running. These changes can affect ventilation, air conditioning, and environmental control.

Monitoring only fan start / stop status or variable-frequency drive settings does not directly reveal actual airflow conditions inside the duct. Continuous air velocity and airflow measurement helps establish monitoring points at equipment outlets, main ducts, and terminal branches. The data can support airflow verification, troubleshooting, maintenance, and system adjustment.

eyc-tech offers multi-point pressure averaging, thermal mass differential pressure signal processing, integrated Pitot-tube solutions, and direct thermal air velocity measurement. The appropriate configuration depends on duct dimensions, air velocity range, installation conditions, and monitoring requirements.

Select an averaging flow measuring tube, differential pressure signal processing, or direct thermal measurement based on actual duct conditions, air velocity range, and data integration needs.
SOLUTIONS / APPLICATIONS

Four Airflow Measurement Configurations and Selection Guidelines

PMM330 + AFMC

Differential Pressure Transmitter + HVAC Average Flow Measuring Tube
General Airflow Monitoring

Use multi-hole pressure averaging to establish a differential pressure monitoring point; calculate air velocity or airflow from the tube coefficient, air conditions, and duct cross-sectional area.

Blower Main Duct

FDM06-X + AFMC

Thermal Mass Diff. Pressure Signal Processor + HVAC Average Flow Measuring Tube
Local Display and System Integration

Obtain air velocity and airflow information using the tube coefficient and duct settings; view readings locally and integrate outputs with a monitoring system as configured.

HVAC Central Monitoring

FDM06-P

Average Flow Thermal Mass Transmitter
Integrated Installation

An integrated Pitot-tube and transmitter assembly reduces external pressure tubing and accessories, making it suitable for new measurement points with limited space and maintenance access.

AHU Medium and Large Ducts

FTS34 / 35

Air Velocity Transmitter (Hot-Wire Type)
Direct Air Velocity Measurement

Measure air velocity directly through airflow-induced heat-transfer changes. Airflow estimation also requires the duct cross-sectional area and a representative measurement point.

VAV BoxLow Air Velocity Ducts
Cutaway view of blower and duct with AFMC averaging flow tube at the main duct measuring point; airflow moves left to right
AFMC Multi-Hole AveragingClose-up photograph of multiple pressure tapping holes along the AFMC measuring tube
1Blower / Equipment Outlet
2Supply Air and Main Ducts
3Pressure Averaging / Measuring Point
4Branch Ducts / Terminal Applications

AFMC collects pressure information at multiple tapping holes along its measuring tube to represent pressure conditions across different positions, illustrating its multi-hole averaging design.

This illustration shows measurement locations and airflow direction only. Actual installation must be evaluated against the product manual, flow profile, and site conditions.

01Airflow Monitoring at Blower Outlets and Main Supply Ducts

The actual airflow delivered by a blower changes with system resistance and operating conditions. When resistance increases in ducts, filters, or downstream equipment, delivered airflow may decrease. A measurement point can therefore be established at a suitable duct location connected to the blower to track airflow under different operating conditions.

The AFMC HVAC Average Flow Measuring Tube uses the Pitot-tube principle and a multi-hole averaging structure to collect pressure information at different points across the duct, reducing the limitations of relying on a single measurement location. Paired with the PMM330 Differential Pressure Transmitter, it provides differential pressure data that can be used to calculate air velocity and airflow based on the tube coefficient, air conditions, and duct cross-sectional area. This configuration suits general airflow monitoring where cost efficiency and ease of maintenance are priorities.

Install the measuring tube in a suitable duct section according to site airflow conditions and the product installation requirements. Avoid locations too close to elbows, dampers, or blower outlets where airflow disturbances are greater, so that the readings better represent conditions in the duct section.

02HVAC Airflow Display and Monitoring Integration

HVAC systems typically include outdoor air, supply air, and return air ducts. Airflow in these ducts changes as occupancy requirements shift or the air conditioning system switches operating modes. Continuous monitoring in main ducts and critical branches allows airflow distribution among areas to be compared and helps operators understand air distribution performance.

The AFMC combined with the FDM06-X Thermal Mass Diff. Pressure Signal Processor integrates multi-point pressure averaging with differential pressure signal processing. Once the tube coefficient, duct cross-sectional area, and measurement conditions are configured, air velocity and airflow information can be obtained. The FDM06-X has a built-in display for on-site checks and can connect to control or monitoring systems through the selected outputs and communications configuration.

This configuration suits HVAC airflow monitoring that requires both on-site readings and centralized management. Comparing airflow trends with fan speed, damper opening, and equipment operating schedules provides a useful reference for supply air adjustments and troubleshooting.

03Integrated Measurement for AHUs and Medium to Large Ducts

When adding measurement points to AHUs or medium to large ducts, the available measurement range is not the only consideration. Space around equipment, tubing arrangement, and maintenance access are also important. An integrated measurement option may be suitable when external pressure tubing and separate instruments need to be minimized.

The FDM06-P Average Flow Thermal Mass Transmitter integrates the Pitot tube and transmitter into one assembly. It uses Pitot-tube pressure tapping and differential pressure measurement to obtain airflow information and provides a local display. Compared with a separate-component arrangement, it reduces external tubing and accessories and simplifies installation at the equipment.

Depending on the required measuring range and installation conditions, this option can be applied to AHUs, blowers, and medium to large ducts to monitor equipment discharge and duct airflow for operation checks and routine inspections.

04Air Velocity Measurement in VAV Boxes and Low-Flow Duct Sections

VAV boxes adjust supply airflow according to zone requirements, so air velocity in the duct varies as dampers operate. If the system spends extended periods at low airflow, the minimum operating air velocity should be considered during product selection to ensure the measuring range covers real conditions.

The FTS34 / 35 Air Velocity Transmitters measure air velocity directly through airflow-induced heat transfer. Depending on probe type and installation requirements, they can be installed in HVAC ducts, VAV boxes, or laboratory / test ducts. Where volumetric airflow is needed, the duct cross-sectional area must be considered and the measurement point must be representative of the flow profile.

In low air velocity ducts, probe placement, mounting orientation, and flow distribution can all affect measurement results. Plan the measurement point according to the product installation requirements and verify its performance under actual operating conditions.

05Choosing an Averaging Flow Measuring Tube for Site Conditions

In addition to duct dimensions, an averaging flow measuring tube should be selected with consideration for gas properties, temperature, humidity, and material compatibility.

The AFMC HVAC Average Flow Measuring Tube is suitable for general blower, HVAC, and VAV Box air measurement applications. Where tube material, pressure rating, or industrial environmental resistance are more demanding, the AFMP Average Flow Measuring Tube can also be evaluated. Select the material and specification according to actual operating conditions.

Both products use multi-point pressure averaging. The final configuration must also consider the measuring range of the differential pressure transmitter or signal processor, the tube coefficient, and installation conditions to establish a complete air velocity and airflow measurement solution.

AFMC

For general HVAC and ventilation ducts; select size and installation based on site conditions.

AFMC Official Product Information
AFMP

Consider where material, pressure resistance, or industrial environmental requirements are more demanding.

AFMP Official Product Information

06Continuous Airflow Monitoring from Equipment Outlets to Terminal Branches

Blower and HVAC airflow monitoring points can be installed at equipment discharge ducts, main supply and return ducts, or terminal branches according to management needs. Comparing measurements across locations and operating periods helps track airflow distribution and changes, narrowing the scope of equipment inspection and duct troubleshooting.

eyc-tech offers configurations including PMM330 + AFMC, FDM06-X + AFMC, FDM06-P, and FTS34 / 35 for general airflow monitoring, local display and system integration, integrated installation, and low air velocity measurement. By choosing suitable measurement points and bringing the data into existing controls and monitoring workflows, operators can obtain continuous, traceable information for operation verification, troubleshooting, and maintenance planning.

07Support Energy-Efficient Environmental Control and Sustainable Smart Buildings with Continuous Measurement

For smart buildings, airflow data can be integrated with building management systems based on the selected product outputs and communications options. Alongside temperature, humidity, occupancy requirements, and electricity consumption records, this helps operators assess whether air supply matches actual demand. The information can guide fan operation, damper position, and scheduling adjustments while maintaining required ventilation and indoor environmental quality.

From measurement and data integration to improvement tracking, eyc-tech air velocity and airflow solutions provide a data foundation for energy-efficient environmental control. Comparing operating performance before and after improvements alongside actual electricity use can help evaluate the effectiveness of energy-saving measures and support verifiable sustainability improvements in smart buildings.

Comparison of Four Airflow Measurement Solutions

Comparison ItemPMM330 + AFMCFDM06-X + AFMCFDM06-PFTS34 / 35
Measurement ConfigurationMulti-hole pressure averaging + Differential Pressure TransmitterMulti-hole pressure averaging + Thermal Mass Diff. Pressure Signal ProcessorIntegrated Pitot tube + Thermal Mass MeasurementDirect Hot-Wire Air Velocity Measurement
Primary Measurement DataDifferential pressure; calculate air velocity / airflow based on configured conditionsAir velocity / airflow after setupAir velocity / airflow with local displayAir velocity; airflow requires separate calculation
Installation ArrangementSeparate ComponentsSeparate ComponentsIntegrated UnitDuct-Mount / Remote
Typical ApplicationBlower / Main DuctHVAC / Critical Branch DuctsAHU / Medium and Large DuctsVAV Box / Low Air Velocity Ducts
Selection PrioritiesDifferential pressure range, duct cross-section, and tube coefficientLocal display, setup, and output / communicationsAvailable space, measuring range, and maintenance planningMinimum operating air velocity and representative measurement point

PMM330 + AFMC

Measurement Configuration
Multi-hole pressure averaging + Differential Pressure Transmitter
Primary Measurement Data
Differential pressure; calculate air velocity / airflow based on configured conditions
Installation Arrangement
Separate Components
Typical Application
Blower / Main Duct
Selection Priorities
Differential pressure range, duct cross-section, and tube coefficient

FDM06-X + AFMC

Measurement Configuration
Multi-hole pressure averaging + Thermal Mass Diff. Pressure Signal Processor
Primary Measurement Data
Air velocity / airflow after setup
Installation Arrangement
Separate Components
Typical Application
HVAC / Critical Branch Ducts
Selection Priorities
Local display, setup, and output / communications

FDM06-P

Measurement Configuration
Integrated Pitot tube + Thermal Mass Measurement
Primary Measurement Data
Air velocity / airflow with local display
Installation Arrangement
Integrated Unit
Typical Application
AHU / Medium and Large Ducts
Selection Priorities
Available space, measuring range, and maintenance planning

FTS34 / 35

Measurement Configuration
Direct Hot-Wire Air Velocity Measurement
Primary Measurement Data
Air velocity; airflow requires separate calculation
Installation Arrangement
Duct-Mount / Remote
Typical Application
VAV Box / Low Air Velocity Ducts
Selection Priorities
Minimum operating air velocity and representative measurement point

Application Scenarios

The following examples show common applications in blower systems, HVAC installations, VAV boxes, semiconductor facilities, and data centers. They help relate airflow measurement requirements to equipment environments and possible measurement configurations.

Industrial blower and connected air ducts
Blower
Large HVAC air handling unit in a mechanical equipment room
HVAC System
Variable air volume box and connected ducts
VAV Box
Semiconductor facility utilities and mechanical duct systems
Semiconductor Facility Utilities
Server racks and equipment room in a data center
Data Center

FAQ | Blower and HVAC Airflow Measurement

Why can airflow decrease even when the fan keeps running?

Higher filter resistance, changes in damper opening, and shifts in duct distribution can all affect actual airflow. Compare the fan operating conditions with continuously measured airflow data from the duct.

What is the main difference between pairing AFMC with PMM330 versus FDM06-X?

PMM330 with AFMC provides a differential pressure signal that needs to be converted into air velocity and airflow using the relevant coefficients, air conditions, and cross-sectional area. FDM06-X can provide air velocity and airflow after site configuration, with a local display and outputs that can be integrated according to the selected configuration.

Can an FTS34 / 35 air velocity reading be treated as the total duct airflow?

Not directly. Converting air velocity into volumetric airflow requires the duct cross-sectional area and confirmation that the measurement point represents the velocity distribution across that section.

eyc-tech | Air Velocity and Airflow Measurement Solutions

Choose a suitable configuration based on duct dimensions, air velocity range, site installation requirements, and data integration needs.
AFMC Product Details  · FDM06-X Product Details