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Wilson Flowgrid Design Guide Rev 1.0 v2

The document provides guidelines for engineers on using Wilson Flowgrids to measure air flow in ducts accurately within ±2%. It recommends minimum distances between the Flowgrid and duct features to allow airflow to stabilize, based on the duct's hydraulic diameter which is calculated from its width and height. Tables 1 and 2 show the key equations for calculating hydraulic diameter and minimum upstream distances for different duct aspect ratios and features to help engineers design systems that obtain reliable measurements meeting ISO standards.
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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
363 views4 pages

Wilson Flowgrid Design Guide Rev 1.0 v2

The document provides guidelines for engineers on using Wilson Flowgrids to measure air flow in ducts accurately within ±2%. It recommends minimum distances between the Flowgrid and duct features to allow airflow to stabilize, based on the duct's hydraulic diameter which is calculated from its width and height. Tables 1 and 2 show the key equations for calculating hydraulic diameter and minimum upstream distances for different duct aspect ratios and features to help engineers design systems that obtain reliable measurements meeting ISO standards.
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 4

Design Appendix - Issue 1.

0
18/02/2020

Page 1

Design Appendix – Wilson Flowgrid


The aim of this document is to assist M&E and HVAC Design engineers to make the best possible
design decisions to ensure optimum system efficiency and controllability. The foundation for any
good control system should be stable and high-quality raw data, and air measurement is no
different. By using these recommendations for the Wilson Flowgrid that we have tested over the
years you should be able to obtain the best possible results that are accurate to within ± 2% of
reading.
(It should also be noted that whilst many manufacturers claim lower errors, these nearly always
ignore errors produced by the pressure transmitter and the Pitot used to calibrate the system. All
our stated errors are achieved in lab conditions with a pressure transmitter which has an accuracy
of better than ± 1%)

Recommended Distances
The Wilson Flowgrid and the Wilson Radial Flowgrid have always been designed to be used in
keeping with ISO3966:2020 as far as reasonably practicable, this includes the logarithmic spacing
of sensing positions in order to maximise the mean duct velocity accuracy.
ISO3966:2020 states that in order to achieve a reliable and accurate average flowrate in a stable
closed system it is necessary that the measurement be taken under steady flow conditions
whereby any point velocity does not deviate from the mean by more than ± 25%.
Simply put all that is necessary to meet the ideas outlined in the standard ISO3966:2020, is to
allow enough space for the airflow to regain a steady flow before the measuring instrument. This
can typically also be improved (Overall length of duct work is reduced) with the addition of flow
straighteners after features such as a bend or change in direction of the ductwork. This distance is
expressed in hydraulic diameters and the distance required changes from feature to feature. The
following tables show the key equations and factors necessary to calculate the clear distance
required upstream of a Wilson Flowgrid.
Table 1.0 Key Equations
Function Formula Notes
For these calculations, the width is the longer side
Width (W) W=Longest Side
regardless of orientation.

For these calculations, the height is the shorter side


Height (H) H=Shorter Side
regardless of orientation.

W An Aspect Ratio between 1 and 2 is recommended, any


Aspect Ratio (AR) AR=
H value over 4 should not be used for air measurement.
This is the standard equation to calculate the effective
2WH hydraulic diameter of a rectangular duct, however we
Hydraulic Diameter (D) for 1≤AR≤2 D=
W+H recommend that this is only used on ductwork with an
aspect ratio of between 1 and 2.
Hydraulic Diameter (D) for 2<AR≤4
To calculate the Hydraulic diameter for ductwork with an
W2
(NOT TO STANDARD -This D= aspect ratio of greater than 2 we recommend using the
formula is only for use in our W+H shown equation. This is the standard Hydraulic Diameter
calculations shown in table 2.2 equation multiplied by the aspect ratio and divided by two.
below .)

Sensing Precision Limited, 15-16 Bates Ind Est, Stokenchurch, High Wycombe, Bucks, HP14 3PD
+44 (0) 1494 363 333 - www.sensing-precision.com - info@sensing-precision.com
Design Appendix - Issue 1.0
18/02/2020

Page 2

Table 2.1 Recommended minimum up-stream distance for a Duct Aspect Ratio Less Than 2 (Rectangular)

an opposed bladed
a 90° bend W/ flow

a 30° bend W/ flow


Effective Hydraulic

Min Distance from

Min Distance from


Min Distance from

Min Distance from

Min Distance from

Min Distance from

Min Distance from

Min Distance from

Min Distance from


Diameter [D] (m)

flow straightener
straightener (m)

straightener (m)
Duct Height (m)

a <1D bend (m)

a <1 D bend W/
a 90° bend (m)

a 30° bend (m)


Duct Width (m)

contraction (m)

contraction (m)
Aspect ratio

damper (m)

a Tapered
a Sudden
Area (m²)

(m)
W H W/H WxH 2xWxH / (W+H) 5D 3.4D 5D 3.4D 3D 2D 5D 2D 2D
0.3 0.2 1.50 0.06 0.24 1.20 0.82 1.20 0.82 0.72 0.48 1.20 0.48 0.48
0.6 0.4 1.50 0.24 0.48 2.40 1.63 2.40 1.63 1.44 0.96 2.40 0.96 0.96
0.7 0.4 1.75 0.28 0.51 2.55 1.73 2.55 1.73 1.53 1.02 2.55 1.02 1.02
0.8 0.4 2.00 0.32 0.53 2.67 1.81 2.67 1.81 1.60 1.07 2.67 1.07 1.07
0.8 0.6 1.33 0.48 0.69 3.43 2.33 3.43 2.33 2.06 1.37 3.43 1.37 1.37
0.8 0.8 1.00 0.64 0.80 4.00 2.72 4.00 2.72 2.40 1.60 4.00 1.60 1.60

Table 2.2 Recommended minimum up-stream distance for a Duct Aspect Ratio Greater Than 2 (Rectangular)

an opposed bladed
a 90° bend W/ flow

a 30° bend W/ flow


Effective Hydraulic

Min Distance from

Min Distance from


Min Distance from

Min Distance from

Min Distance from

Min Distance from

Min Distance from

Min Distance from

Min Distance from


Diameter [D] (m)

flow straightener
straightener (m)

straightener (m)
Duct Height (m)

a <1D bend (m)

a <1 D bend W/
a 90° bend (m)

a 30° bend (m)


Duct Width (m)

contraction (m)

contraction (m)
Aspect ratio

damper (m)

a Tapered
a Sudden
Area (m²)

(m)
W H W/H WxH W ² / (W+H) 5D 3.4D 5D 3.4D 3D 2D 5D 2D 2D
0.9 0.4 2.25 0.36 0.62 3.12 2.12 3.12 2.12 1.87 1.25 3.12 1.25 1.25
1.0 0.4 2.50 0.40 0.71 3.57 2.43 3.57 2.43 2.14 1.43 3.57 1.43 1.43

Sensing Precision Limited, 15-16 Bates Ind Est, Stokenchurch, High Wycombe, Bucks, HP14 3PD
+44 (0) 1494 363 333 - www.sensing-precision.com - info@sensing-precision.com
Design Appendix - Issue 1.0
18/02/2020

Page 3
Table 3.0 Recommended minimum up-stream distance for a Round Duct

Min Distance from a Sudden


opposed bladed damper (m)
bend W/ flow straightener

bend W/ flow straightener

bend W/ flow straightener


Min Distance from a <1 D
Min Distance from a <1D
Min Distance from a 90°

Min Distance from a 90°

Min Distance from a 30°

Min Distance from a 30°

Tapered contraction (m)


Duct Diameter [D] (m)

Min Distance from an

Min Distance from a


contraction (m)
bend (m)

bend (m)

bend (m)
(m)

(m)

(m)
W 5D 3.4D 5D 3.4D 3D 2D 5D 2D 2D
0.3 1.50 1.02 1.50 1.02 0.90 0.60 1.50 0.60 0.60
0.6 3.00 2.04 3.00 2.04 1.80 1.20 3.00 1.20 1.20
0.9 4.50 3.06 4.50 3.06 2.70 1.80 4.50 1.80 1.80

Key Notes;
- Our experience shows that a Duct Aspect Ratio closer to one achieves a more stable and
accurate reading when using a Wilson Flowgrid. Therefore, when calculating the minimum
downstream distance required in a duct with an aspect ratio of more than 2, it is
recommended that the effective hydraulic diameter is multiplied by a factor of the aspect
ratio divided by two. Aspect Ratios over 4 should be avoided if at all possible. (examples of
aspect ratios and the formula are shown in the table on the next page.)
- For Round Duct work the diameter of the duct is also the hydraulic diameter.
- These values have proven to be reliable estimates over time; however, we always
recommend that any flow measuring device is calibrated within the system that it is installed
in to achieve the best possible accuracy.

Other Key Design Considerations


Once you have allowed enough free distance up-stream of the Wilson Flowgrid there are just a
few other considerations that are worth addressing;
- At least 1D should be left free directly downstream of the Wilson Flowgrid to obtain a stable
reading, ideally more if possible.
- Guide Vanes are recommended in any corners in ductwork directly before a Wilson
Flowgrid to promote a consistent flow past the Wilson Flowgrid.
- A Wilson Flowgrid should not be placed within 10D of either side an axial fan or Centrifugal
fan inlet. The use of a 2D flow-straightener directly adjacent to a fan is also good practice to
reduce swirls or vortices.
- It is also not good practice to place any air measurement device directly upstream of any
significant blockages such as opposed bladed dampers etc.
- It is not recommended for a Wilson Flowgrid to be used when the expected average
velocity is below 1.5 m/s

Sensing Precision Limited, 15-16 Bates Ind Est, Stokenchurch, High Wycombe, Bucks, HP14 3PD
+44 (0) 1494 363 333 - www.sensing-precision.com - info@sensing-precision.com
Design Appendix - Issue 1.0
18/02/2020

Page 4
About Sensing Precision
Sensing Precision and its preceding companies have been specialists in air measurement
since 1955 and have developed a number of technologies that are still the gold standard for
air measurement to this day. Examples include the Ellipsoidal Nose Pitot Tube (Developed
alongside the National Physics Laboratory), The Open Jet Wind Tunnel and of course the
Wilson Flowgrid. We have also carried out even more development work carried out
alongside institutes such as the National Physics Laboratory (NPL), the National
Environmental Laboratory (NEL), the British Coal Utilisation Research Association
(BCURA) and the Central Electric Generating Board (CEGB).

It is this heritage and experience that allows us to provide real insight into air measurement
problems regardless of scale and work with the design team to supply the highest quality
equipment so that you can get the best possible results. If you have any questions about air
measurement or any of our products, please do get in touch.

Sensing Precision Limited,


15 – 16 Bates Ind’ Est,
Stokenchurch
High Wycombe, Bucks,
England.
HP14 3PD

+44 (0) 1494 363 333


info@sensing-precision.com
www.sensing-precision.com

E & O EXPECTED. WHILST SENSING PRECISION LMITED TRIES TO ENSURE THAT THE INFORMATION CONTAINED WITHIN THIS DOCUMENT IS ACCURATE, IT DOES NOT ACCEPT
LIABILITY FOR ANY INACCURACIES.

PUBLICATION DATE: 18.02.2020

Sensing Precision Limited, 15-16 Bates Ind Est, Stokenchurch, High Wycombe, Bucks, HP14 3PD
+44 (0) 1494 363 333 - www.sensing-precision.com - info@sensing-precision.com

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