Interaction between the standard and the measurement instrument during the flow velocity sensor calibration process

Abstract

The complex ventilation system development process is associated with the stages of modelling, design, execution, and testing. Each of these steps requires the use of measuring equipment that is capable of determining the basic parameters of the flow. In the process of calibrating instruments for measuring flow velocity, one of the limitations is the size of the calibrated devices positioned in the test section of the wind tunnel. This is related to the change in the flow condition within the vicinity of the calibrated anemometers, which is caused by the blockage effect. Instruments with significant dimensions in relation to the cross-sectional area of the wind tunnel test section may have an impact on the reference velocity as indicated by the standard. In such cases, the calibration results may be affected by additional systematic error. This article presents a study of this effect using a real case of a calibration laboratory and commonly used sensors. The influence of different types of air velocity sensors on velocity profiles in the measurement standard area is also investigated. Additionally, the area of the blockage effect is described. The obtained results indicate the possibility of a proper placement for the measuring standard due to minimization of the flow-blocking effect.