Precision Airflow Measurement for Critical Environments
In critical environments - pharmaceutical manufacturing, research laboratories, and cleanrooms - precise airflow measurement is fundamental to regulatory compliance, occupant safety, and operational efficiency. Many facilities rely on aging sensing technologies that drift over time, require frequent recalibration, and fail in contaminated air streams.
Accutrol addresses these challenges with two purpose-built solutions: the VorTek® Digital Airflow Transmitter, the most technically advanced duct and fan airflow measurement product on the HVAC market, and the IAQ-TEK® Outdoor Air Volume Measuring System for outdoor air intake applications.
How It Works
VorTek® — Vortex Shedding Digital Airflow Sensing
The VorTek is the only digital and the only linear airflow measurement technology available in HVAC today. A precision shedder bar mounted in the air stream generates pressure pulses converted to an electronic frequency directly proportional to air velocity. Because measurement is frequency-based rather than amplitude-based, the signal cannot drift, eliminating periodic recalibration entirely. Sensing ports are positioned downstream of the shedder bar, keeping them out of the path of contaminants. The result is a sensor that measures true airflow independently of changes in temperature, density, and humidity, with a consistent linear output from minimum to maximum flow and no curve matching required.
IAQ-TEK® — Outdoor Air Volume Measurement
The IAQ-TEK uses a separate sensing technology purpose-built for outdoor air measurement, accurately capturing the low-velocity, highly turbulent airflows found at OSA hoods, rooftop units, mixed-air AHUs, and rain hoods. It simultaneously measures air volume, temperature, and humidity across a -40° to 120°F operating range, with a built-in 3.5" touchscreen and BACnet MS/TP integration option.
VorTek Key Benefits
Linear output: Accurate across the entire flow range - no curve matching, consistent results at low and high velocities
Stable results: Drift-free sensing technology requires no recalibration and remains unaffected by temperature, humidity, or altitude changes
Contamination resistant: Downstream sensing ports stay clean in dirty or chemically aggressive air streams
Modular construction: Adapts to virtually any application with configurable sensing ports, construction materials, and probe enclosure options all built on a common electronics platform
BAS integration: BACnet MS/TP available plus universal analog outputs for existing controls infrastructure
Free Insight software: Award-winning graphical tool included at no charge; in-house commissioning and adjustments via USB, no manufacturer involvement needed
Advantages Over Competing Technologies
Versus thermal dispersion: no drift, no recalibration, no cleaning required, humidity-immune, and linear output eliminates curve matching.
Versus pitot tube: linear output, independent multipoint velocity averaging, high turndown, and no differential pressure transmitter calibration required.
Versus piezo ring: consistent sensor-to-sensor output, matched NIST calibration, full modular expandability, and Insight software replaces legacy alphanumeric interfaces.
Industry Application: Top Global Pharmaceutical Manufacturer
A top global pharmaceutical company standardized on VorTek airflow measurement stations across their GMP manufacturing and cleanroom facilities. Five factors drove the decision:
Ease of installation with standard cabling and a single electronics platform
Owner independence through Insight software enabling in-house configuration without outside service
Seamless BAS integration via universal analog outputs
High accuracy supporting strict GMP air change and pressure differential requirements
Reliability in contaminated environments where competing devices fail
Conclusion
When accuracy, reliability, and long-term performance matter most, the VorTek® stands apart. Its patented vortex shedding technology eliminates the drift, recalibration, and contamination vulnerabilities of traditional airflow sensing, while the free Insight software and modular design ensure facilities maintain full control from installation through the life of the system. For critical environments where airflow measurement can't be compromised, VorTek delivers.
