Probes for Hot-wire Anemometry

1
2
Probes for Hot-wire Anemometry

Introduction 4
General information 4
Manufacturer’s responsibility 4
Copyright 4

The Dantec Probe System 5

Probe construction 5
Wire probes 5
Film probes 5
Sensor configurations 6
Probe body design 9
Probe supports 9
Shorting probes 9
Probe selection chart 10

Recommendations for use 11

Mounting and adjustment 11
Disturbing effects 11
Maintenance and repairs 12

Technical reference 13
Summary of technical data 14

Quick guide to probe selection 15

Probes and probe supports 16

Single-sensor probes with cylindrical sensors 17
Single-sensor probes with non-cylindrical sensors 18
Dual-sensor probes with cylindrical sensors 19
Triple-sensor probes with cylindrical sensors 20
Miscellaneous probes 20
Probe supports for single-sensor probes 21
Probe supports for dual-sensor probes 21
Probe supports for triple-sensor probes 22
Shorting probes 22
Mounting tubes and guide tubes 23
Wires for probe repair 24

Hot-wire systems 25
Anemometers 25
Calibration units 25

3
 Introduction

General information density, pressure, temperature

This catalog describes the and composition, provided
complete line of Dantec proper means are taken.
Dynamics’ standard hot-wire
and hot-film probes for use Manufacturer’s responsibility
with Constant Temperature Dantec Dynamics is responsi-
Anemometers (CTA). ble for the safety, reliability and
The CTA anemometer performance of the items
is today’s most widely used described in this catalog only
instrument for measurement if:
and analysis of the micro- • The specific environmental
structures in turbulent gas and conditions correspond to
liquid flows. The output of the the requirements stated
anemometer represents the for the specific item in this
instantaneous velocity at a catalog or on the probe or
point and forms the basis of probe support container.
a statistical analysis describ- • Modifications or repairs
ing the flow conditions in that are carried out by persons
point, for example mean veloc- authorized by Dantec
ity, turbulence intensity etc. Dynamics.

Its main features are: • The items are used in

accordance with the
• Fast response. recommendations given
Fluctuations up to 400 kHz herein or on the probe or
or more can be measured. probe support container.
• High spatial resolution.
small eddies down to Information contained in this
some tenths of a mm can document is subject to change
be resolved. without notice.
• High dynamic range. This document may not be
Velocities from a few cm/s copied, photocopied, trans-
up to several hundred m/s lated, modified, or reduced
can be measured with to any electronic medium or
almost constant sensitivity. machine-readable form, in
whole or in part, without the
• Continuous signal.
prior written consent of Dantec
• Little disturbance of the Dynamics.
flow due to small sensor
size.
Publication no.: 238-11.
The basic working principle © 2014 by Dantec Dynamics
makes it possible to determine A/S, Tonsbakken 16-18, P.O.
fluctuations in any parameter Box 121, DK-2740 Skovlunde,
that, in addition to the velocity, Denmark.
influences the heat transfer www.dantecdynamics.com
from the sensor, for example All rights reserved.

4
 Gold-plated wires probes are
available with one, two and
three sensors (single, X- and
tri-axial arrays) in six different
configurations.

For measurements of quickly

fluctuating temperatures, a
wire probe with a 1 µm dia
meter, 0.4 mm long platinum
sensor is available. The wire
Fig. 1. 5 µm dia. plated tungsten Fig. 2. 5 µm dia. plated tungsten Fig. 3. 70 µm dia. fiber-film, weld- is spot welded to stainless
wire, welded to the prongs. wire, gold-plated at the ends to ed to the prongs. steel prongs. It is used with
provide active sensor length of a special constant current
1.25 mm. anemometer bridge and ope-
rated as a cold-wire probe
The Dantec The sensor materials are
selected to provide maximum
one- or two-dimensional flows
of low turbulence intensity.
with a measuring current a
fraction of a mA. The temp-
Probe System flow sensitivity and highest
possible mechanical strength
The accuracy of turbulence
measurements may be
erature probe is available in
one straight probe configu-
with a minimum of thermal reduced because of interfer- ration.
inertia. The size of the sensor ence from the prongs. On the
Dantec provides a complete
and its mounting are selected other hand, the more rigid Film probes
probe system with a variety
to give minimal disturbance construction makes them Film probes are used for
of probe types and configura-
of the flow. more suitable for high speed measurements in liquids
tions that cover most appli-
Most probe types are applications without the risk at low and medium veloci-
cations in fluid dynamics.
available with different prong of self-oscillation. ties and in gases. They are
The probe system includes
or substrate configurations The probes are the cheap- considerably more rugged
probes, probe supports and
covering a wide variety appli- est in the Dantec program than wire probes and less
shorting probes.
cations. and are straightforward to sensitive to contamination.
repair. Miniature wire probes Sensors are nickel films
Probe construction
Wire probes are available with one or two placed on quartz substrates
In general, a probe consists sensors (single, X- and par-
Wires are used as sensors of different shapes.
of the following: allel arrays) in five different
in probes for measurements They are deposited by
• Sensor, forming the heat- configurations.
in air and other gases at cathode sputtering, which is
ing element.
velocities from a few cm/s up a technique where the film
• Sensor supports (prongs Gold-plated wire probes
to supersonic velocities. In forms in a continuous pro-
or substrate), carrying
addition, they may be used in Gold-plated probes have cess and results in a homo-
the sensor and leading
non-conducting liquids at low 5 µm diameter, 3 mm long genous thin film of high puri-
current to it.
velocities. plated tungsten wire sensors. ty and good adherence to the
• Probe body, carrying the
Wire sensors have high The wire ends are copper- substrate.
sensor supports.
flow sensitivity and the high- and gold-plated to a thick- The films have high
• Connector, providing
est frequency response. On ness of 15 to 20 µm, leaving temperature coefficients of
electrical connection to
the other hand, the mechan- an active sensor, 1.25 mm, resistance and possess high
the probe support or
ical strength is limited and in the middle of the wire (Fig. mechanical and electrical
probe cable.
they are quite sensitive to 2). They are designed for stability.
Probes may have one, two or particle contamination. measurements in high turbu- The films are protected by
three sensors for use in one-, The sensor supports, or lence flows of one-, two- and a sputtered quartz coating,
two- or three-dimensional prongs, are made of stainless three-dimensions. 0.5 µm or 2 µm in thickness
flows. Each sensor requires steel and tapered, providing The plating of the ends for air and water applica-
its own anemometer bridge. an end surface of around 0.1 serves the dual purpose of tions respectively. This layer
The sensor may either be mm in diameter to which the accurately defining the sens- prevents against electrolysis,
a thin wire suspended wires are spot-welded. ing length and reducing the when used in liquids, and
between two prongs or a amount of heat dissipated by protects against wear and ox-
thin metal film deposited on Miniature wire probes the prongs. This results in a idization in gas applications.
an electrically insulating Miniature wire probes have 5 much more uniform tempera-
substrate. Film sensors µm diameter, 1.25 mm long ture along the wire than is the
can be cylindrical (fiber-film plated tungsten wire sensors case for miniature wires.
probes) or non-cylindrical (Fig. 1). The wires are welded Another advantage is less
(film probes). Wire sensors directly to the prongs and flow interference from the
are used in gases and in the entire wire length acts as prongs at the point of meas-
non-conducting liquids, while a sensor. They are general urement due to the wider
film sensors are primarily purpose probes recommend- prong spacing. Both increase
designed for use in water and ed for most measurements in the accuracy at high turbu-
other conducting liquids. lence levels.

5
Fig. 4. Sensor arrangement of Fig. 5. Tip of flush-mounting Fig. 6. Glue-on probe.
X-probe. probe.

Film probes with conventional X-array probes. investigation. It is available Sensor configurations
cylindrical sensors Split-fiber probes are avail- in one straight configuration The Dantec Dynamics
Fiber-film probes able in three configurations in versions for liquid and gas probe system comprises
Fiber-film probes have cylin- for work in free-stream flows, applications. probes with one, two or three
drical thin film sensors and pipe flows and boundary sensors for measurements
may be used as a substitute layers. The standard versions Glue-on probe in one-, two- or three-dimen-
for wire probes in liquids or in are only for gas applications. This is a special version of sional flows. Normally, each
gas applications where more the flush-mounting probe, probe type is available in a
robust probes are needed. Film probes with where the sensor is depos- number of configurations with
Fiber sensors are 70 µm non-cylindrical sensors ited on a KaptonTM foil, different prong or substrate
diameter quartz fibers, 3 mm Film probes with non-cylind‑ 50 µm thick. The sensor is bends. In this way it is possi-
long, covered by a nickel thin rical sensors have the nickel 0.9x0.1 mm and connected to ble to select the correct probe
film approx. 0.1 µm in thick- film deposited on quartz gold-plated lead areas (Fig. for almost any measurement
ness (Fig. 3). The ends are substrates of different aero- 6). It is primarily intended for situation.
copper- and gold-plated. dynamic shapes: flat surfaces qualitative measurements of
The fiber is soldered onto and spheres. points of transition and sepa- Single-sensor probes
the prong ends. Fiber probes The sensor is defined as ration. It is glued directly onto Wire and fiber probes with
for water applications have a line or a ring. Two sputtered the wall in the points of inter- cylindrical sensors
lacquer-coated soldering silver leads carry the current est. Copper wires soldered
Probes with cylindrical sen-
joints and prongs insulating from the cable, normally to the leads constitute the
sors (wires and fiber films)
them electrically from the sur- attached to the probe body, electrical connection between
are available in the following
roundings. Fiber probes are forward to the sensor. The probe cable and probe. If the
configurations:
available with one, two and sensor is protected by a probe is used for quantitative
three sensors (single, X- (Fig. quartz coating (0.5 µm in measurements it must be cal-
4) and tri-axial arrays) in six gases and 2 µm in liquids), ibrated in situ, as it normally
different prong configurations. while the leads are insulated cannot be removed when first
by means of a lacquer coat- glued in place.
Split-fiber probes ing.
Split-fiber probes have two
parallel nickel films deposited Flush-mounting probes
on the same quartz fiber, 200 These probes have the sen-
µm diameter and 3 mm long sor (0.8x0.2 mm) placed on
(Fig. 7). The ends are copper- the flat end of a quartz cylin-
and gold-plated, leaving a 1.2 der (Fig. 5). They are intend-
mm sensing length. The film ed for measurement of wall
(a) Straight prongs, sensor
is protected with a 0.5 µm shear stress in both laminar
perpendicular to probe axis.
quartz coating. and turbulent boundary lay-
Split-fibers are intended ers. They may also be used Measures mean and fluctuat-
for measurement of instanta- for determination of points of ing velocities in free-stream
neous velocity and direction transition and separation. one-dimensional flows.
in two-dimensional gas flows. The working principle is Mounts with the probe axis
They may replace dual-sen- based on the similarity be- parallel to the direction of the
sor fiber probes (X-probes) tween temperature and flow.
in slowly fluctuating flows, velocity profiles in the viscous
when a high spatial resolu- sub-layer, and the probe is
tion is required, or when the used in practice like any other
angle of attack exceeds the film probe. It mounts in a hole
±45° acceptance angle for in the wall of the body under
6
Fig. 7. Tip of split-fiber probe Fig. 8. Temperature-compensated
wire probe for slow temperature
fluctuations.

Film probes with Dual-sensor probes

non-cylindrical sensors Dual-sensor probes are
designed for use in two-
dimensional flows. The sen-
sors are arranged in X-arrays
or V-arrays, where they form
an angle of 90° with one
another, or they are placed
opposite each other on a
cylinder surface (split-fibers).
(b) Straight prongs, sensor (d) Right-angled prongs,
at angle of 45° to probe axis. sensor perpendicular to X-array wire and fiber probes
Measures mean flow veloc- probe axis.
All X-probes measure two
ities, flow fluctuations and Used in the same applica- g) Flush-mounting probes. velocity components simulta-
Reynolds shear stress in tions as (c), except that the Measures skin friction (wall neously in turbulent, insta-
stationary two- and three- sensor is turned 90°. This shear stress) in both laminar tionary two-dimensional flow
dimensional flows. makes these probes suitable and turbulent boundary lay- fields. They provide informa-
Mounts with the probe axis for boundary layer measure- ers. Determines the points of tion for calculation of Rey-
parallel to the direction of ments, e.g. in pipes, as well. transition and separation. nolds shear stress. The flow
the mean flow. The probe Mounts with the probe axis Mounts in a hole in the wall vector may not exceed ±45°.
is rotated to get the velocity perpendicular to the direction confining the flow to be
components. of the flow. measured with the substrate
end plane flush with the wall.
The sensor is oriented
perpendicular to the flow
direction.

(i) X-probe, straight prongs.

(c) Right-angled prongs, (e) Offset prongs, sensor Used in free-stream applica-
sensor parallel to probe axis. perpendicular to probe axis. tions. Mounts with the probe
Measures mean flow veloc- Designed for use in bound- axis parallel to the direction
ities and flow fluctuations ary layers. The shape of the of main flow, so that the pre-
in places that are not read- prongs permits measure- (h) Glue-on probe. dominant flow vector attacks
ily accessible, e.g. in pipes. ments close to a solid wall the two wires under 45°.
Determines the points of
Mounts with the probe axis without disturbance from the
transition and separation and
perpendicular to the direction probe body, which is out of
may measure skin friction
of the flow. the boundary layer. Mounts
and heat transfer numbers.
with the probe axis parallel to
It is glued directly onto the
the direction of flow.
wall. The sensor is oriented
perpendicular to the flow
direction.

7
Fig. 9. Plug-in probe design. Fig. 10. Probe support for single-sensor probes.

They are available in three Parallel-array probe Tri-axial wire and fiber probes
different configurations.

(j)

(m) Parallel-array probe, (n) Tri-axial sensor probes.

(l) Split-fiber probe, straight straight prongs. Tri-axial sensor probes have
prongs.
This probe is specially de- three mutually perpendic-
Used in free-stream applica- signed for measurement of ular sensors, consisting of
tions. Mounts with the probe extremely small turbulence in gold-plated wires or fiber
axis parallel to the direction one-dimensional flows. The films. The sensors form an
(k) of main flow, so that the two wires are supposed to orthogonal system with an
predominant flow vector at- measure simultaneously the acceptance cone of 70.4°.
(j) and (k) X-probe, tacks in the prong plane and same turbulence, whereafter This gives minimum prong
right-angled prongs, radial perpendicular to the fiber. the electronic noise is filtered interference and increases
operation. Two different versions are away using a correlation the accuracy, when the three
Two different versions are available, both of which are technique on the two signals. probe signals are decom-
available, both of which are intended for radial operation Mounts with the probe body posed into velocity compo-
intended for radial operation for example between com- parallel to the flow direction. nents.
in pipes or ducts. One version pressor guide vanes. One Used for measurement
has the sensor plane parallel version has the sensor per- Triple-sensor probes of the U, V and W velocity
with the probe axis (j), while pendicular to the probe axis, Triple-sensor probes have components in an instation-
the other (k) has the sensor (Fig. 7) while the other has three sensors and are norm- ary three-dimensional flow
plane perpendicular to the the sensor parallel with the ally used in three-dimension- field. Provides information for
probe axis. The two versions probe axis. The two versions al flows. calculation of the full
thus measure the U-V and thus measure the U-V and Reynolds shear stress tensor.
U-W components respec- U-W components respective- Mounts with the probe axis in
tively. Mounts with the probe ly. Mounts with the probe axis the main flow direction. The
axis perpendicular to the perpendicular to the main resulting velocity vector must
main flow and rotated, so that flow and rotated, so that the be within the acceptance
the predominant flow vector predominant flow vector is in cone.
attacks the two wires under the prong plane and attacks
45°. the fiber under 90°.

Split-fiber probes
Split-fiber probes may sub-
stitute for X-array probes in
cases where optimum spatial
resolution is required, or
when the flow vector varies
between ±90°.
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Fig. 11. Probe support for dual- Fig. 12. Probe support for triple- Fig. 13. Probe support for sin- Fig. 14. Shorting probe for single-
sensor probes. sensor probes. gle-sensor probes. Sectional view. sensor probes.

Miscellaneous dual-sensor Tri-axial probes have straight of contacts embedded in a in connection with the setup
probes prongs embeded in a ceramic cylindrical body that ends of the anemometer bridge.
Temperature-compensated substrate in a stainless steel in one or two PTFE-coated Three versions are available
probe tube that mounts axially in cables with detachable BNC for single (Fig. 14), dual and
Temperature changes in the the 6 mm body. connectors (Fig. 13). triple probe supports, respec-
medium under investigation Outside diameters for tively.
Film probes probe supports are 4 mm and In addition a BNC shorting
can affect velocity measure-
ments. In this dual-sensor Film probes (flush-mounting 6 mm for single- and dual- probe is available for direct
probe, one sensor operates etc.) have cable equipped sensor probes, respectively. short-circuiting of the probe
as a velocity sensor while the probe bodies and connect The cables on dual-sensor cable.
other operates as a tempera- directly to the probe cable supports are marked with
ture sensor (Fig. 8). without the need for a probe one and two rings indicat-
support. The probe bodies ing the connector number
Probe body design are made of chromium-plated corresponding to the sensor
brass and the quartz rods number on the probe.
The probe bodies are de-
signed to provide a rigid, carrying the sensors are
glued directly into the probe Probe supports for
aerodynamic mounting of the
sensors and sensor supports bodies by means of epoxy triple-sensor probes
with a reliable electrical con- resin. The cable extending There is one long straight
tact further on to the probe from the probe body is ter- probe support available for
support or the probe cable. minated in a detachable BNC triple-sensor probes. It con-
connector. sists of a stainless steel tube,
Single- and dual-sensor 6 mm outside diameter, with
Probe supports six connector sockets in the
wire and fiber-film probes
All plug-in probes are mount- front. The connector is coded,
Wire and fiber-film sensors ed using probe supports. so that the probe will always
are all mounted on probe Probe supports serve as the be properly oriented in the
bodies, normally made of electrical connection between support (Fig. 12).
ceramic tubes, equipped with probe and probe cable and The support is not water-
connector pins that connect provide a mechanical mount tight. It has three PTFE-coat-
to the probe supports by for the probe at the same ed cables with detachable
means of plug-and-socket time. BNC connectors marked
arrangements (Fig. 9).
with one, two and three rings
Dual-sensor probes have
Probe supports for single- indicating the connector
marks (one and two dots)
and dual-sensor probes number, which again corre-
that indicate the sensor
There are three probe sponds to the sensor number
number. Fiber probes are
support types available for on the probe.
also marked with symbols
indicating applications in gas single-sensor (Fig. 10) and
dual-sensor (Fig. 11) probes: Shorting probes
or liquids (red dot = air, blue
dot = water). short, long straight and long Shorting probes are used to
right-angled. short-circuit the probe sup-
Triple-sensor probes The supports consist of a port or the probe cable. This
coupling ring with an internal is done in order to cancel the
Triple-sensor probes are
rubber ring that provides a influence of the cable and
mounted on probe bodies of
water- and pressure-tight support resistances, when
stainless steel, 6 mm out-
sealing, and one or two sets probe resistance is measured
side diameter, ending in six
gold-plated connector pins.

9
Probe selection chart
WIRE PROBES FILM PROBES

Temperature-compensated probes

Fiber-film Triple-sensor probes

Recommended

Resistance thermometer
Gold-plated wire probes

Flush-mounting probes
Parallel-sensor probes
Applicable

Miniature wire probes

Gold-plated X-probes

and Split-fiber probes

Triple-sensor probes

Fiber-film X-probes
Miniature X-probes
Inapplicable

Fiber-film probes

Glue-on probes
Gases and non-conducting liquids
MEDIUM
Conducting liquids

STATE OF Low and medium temp. up to 150°C

MEDIUM Contaminated flow
Extremely low velocities
Low and medium velocities
FLOW High velocities
CONDITIONS Large velocity gradients
Varying temperature
Sufficient space
SPACE Little space
CONDITIONS Very little space
Mean velocity
Instanteneous flow direction
Velocity fluctuations
Extremely low turbulence intensities
QUANTITY Low and medium turbulence intensities
TO BE High turbulence intensities
MEASURED Extremely high-frequency fluctuations
Turbulent shear stress
Spatial turbulence components
Wall shear stress
Temperatures and temp. fluctuations

MiniCTA * * * *
TYPE OF MultiChannel CTA * * * *
ANEMOMETER
StreamLine & StreamLine Pro

TYPE OF Hot-wire calibrator

CALIBRATOR StreamLine - & StreamLine Pro calibrator

*) 54T42 MiniCTA and 9054N0802/0812/0822 Multichannel versions only!

10
Fig. 15. Grounding in liquids. Fig. 16. Typical square wawe test Fig. 17. Calibration curves for Fig. 18. Wire magazine with 10
for 0.5 µm wire probe. clean and contaminated (dust) wires for gold-plated wire probes.
hot-wire probe.

Recommendations for use systematic errors in the cal-

culation of the velocity. As the
sensor film in the vicinity of
the damage. This results in
heat transfer is proportional an increase in sensor resist-
to the temperature difference ance and decrease in sensi-
between sensor and fluid, a tivity. If electrolysis is allowed
Mounting and Probe orientation
change in ambient tempera- to continue, the sensor will
adjustment The probes must be placed in
ture will result in a change in eventually disappear.
the flow with the same sensor
probe voltage. If not account-
Avoiding ground loops and orientation as during calibra- Bubbles
ed for it will be misinterpreted
tion.
noise pickup as a change in velocity. In liquids, absorbed gases
It is recommended that
BNC connectors on probes, the wire and fiber probes are may form bubbles on the
probe supports and probe Sensor contamination heated sensor. In this case,
mounted with the prongs
cables must not be in contact Contaminants, like dust in air the anemometer should be
parallel with the flow when-
with any metallic part of test and chemicals in water, may switched to Standby and the
ever possible in order to
rigs or mounting systems. adhere to the sensor and bubbles removed by means
avoid vibrations in the prongs
BNC connectors on dual- and change the heat transfer of a soft marten hair brush.
during measurement.
triple-sensor supports must drastically. The influence of Bubbles can be avoided by
not touch each other, as this Overheat adjustment dirt increases with decreas- keeping the liquid still for
will disturb the operation of ing diameter; this means some time, so that the air
Recommended overheat ratio
the individual CTA servo- wires are generally more can escape from it. Also the
for wires and fiber probes in
loops in the anemometer sensitive than fibers. sensor temperature should
air is 0.8, giving an over-
electronics. In liquids, particle con- be kept as low as possible to
temperature between 200
tamination may be a serious avoid formation of bubbles.
and 300°C, and for film
Grounding in liquids problem, especially for fiber At atmospheric conditions
probes in water 0.1, corre-
The liquid must be ground- probes, and it may often be the sensor temperature in the
sponding to about 30°C.
ed as close to the probe as necessary to filter the liquid water should be kept below
Modern computer control-
possible by means of e.g. an for particles down to the size 60°C. If the sensor element is
led anemometers, like the
electrode plate connected of a few micrometers. Even partly covered with bubbles
StreamLine, have a facility
to the signal ground of the then, cleaning both fiber and temperature gradients may
for automatic adjustment of
anemometer (see CTA man- film probes used in liquids is actually damage the thin
overheat resistance.
uals for further information). recommended at regular protective quartz coating.
If no grounding is made, the intervals. Film probes used
Square wave test
thin protective quartz coat- for a long time may accumu- Vortex shedding and vibra-
It is important to perform the late calcium carbonate
ing may break down due to tions
square wave test to make deposits that reduce sensitiv-
voltage differences caused Vibrations in the probe
sure that the system will not ity. The deposition increases
by electric charges building mounting or even in the sup-
oscillate during measurement with sensor operating tem-
up in the liquid - or direct ports can occur at high veloc-
and cause the sensor to burn perature (Fig 17).
conduction if the liquid is ities, introducing noise to the
out. The square wave test
somewhat conductive. Such probe signal. Care should be
must be made at the highest Chemical reactions
a grounding will also reduce taken to take proper means
velocity encountered in the
the amount of electrical Chemical reaction in the form against them or even better
flow (Fig. 16).
noise that can be coupled of electrolysis may occur with to avoid them, for example by
dielectrically from the liquid to fiber and film probes used in
the CTA circuits (Fig. 15).
Disturbing effects water if the liquid is not prop-
mounting the probe with the
prongs in the flow direction.
Varying fluid temperature erly grounded, or if the quartz
If the ambient temperature coating has been damaged.
changes, it will introduce Electrolysis eats away the

11
Maintenance and temperature coefficient of It is important to use a micro-
resistance and maximum op- scope when cleaning sensors Fiber probe repair
repairs
erating temperature) written in order to avoid mechanical Fiber probes can be re-
on a probe label on the probe damage. paired by soldering on a
Control and testing at
container. new fiber. This involves a
Dantec Dynamics Wire probe repair rather complicated procedure
Each probe is thoroughly Cleaning the sensor All wire probes can be including lacquer coating of
controlled and tested at Cleaning of wire probes is repaired in case of wire the soldering joints followed
Dantec Dynamics before it best performed by a soft breakage. The damaged wire by a burn-in to stabilize the
is shipped to the customer. marten hair brush dipped in should be removed and the resistance of the sensor. It is
The control includes a visual 2-propanol alcohol or ace- prong ends polished with therefore recommended that
inspection of sensor dimen- tone. Fiber and film probes fine-grade wet-grinding paper fiber probes are returned to
sions and check of mechan- should preferably be cleaned and cleaned with acetone, so Dantec Dynamics for repair.
ical strength and electrical using distilled water. 2-pro- that they are absolutely free
properties. Finally the probes panol alcohol should be used from any traces of grease. Film probe repair
are tested in a CTA anemo- in a limited amount as the The new wire is then fas- Film probes (cones, etc.)
meter under normal operating lacquer coating may soften tened by spot-welding. It is cannot normally be repaired.
conditions. Film probes for if exposed to alcohol for a important that the wire is not If only a small hole has
use in conducting liquids are longer time. Acetone should tightened between the prongs appeared in the quartz
operated in running water for never be used on film probes. so that any slight vibrations coating on probes used in
several hours. The insula- Probes used in water may get in the prongs will not break it. liquids, it may be possible
tion of the protective quartz a deposit of calcium carbon Wires for miniature wires are to cover the damage with a
coating is tested in a sodium ate. This can be removed by available in spools for repair dot of lacquer. This kind of
chloride solution (3%) by using a 15% acetic acid solu- purposes. Gold-plated wires repair should be considered
applying a voltage across it. tion. After washing in the acid are available in wire maga- a temporary solution, as it
All probes have their the deposits may be removed zines with 10 wires in each will reduce the sensitivity and
technical data (sensor re- by a soft marten hair brush or (Fig. 18). frequency response. Re-
sistances, leads resistance, a folded piece of lense tissue. placement of the probe is to
be preferred.

12
Technical reference For film probes it may vary
with the metal structure and
with thick quartz coating are
only annealed up to 150°C.
degree of annealing. If used at higher sensor tem-
The TCR is therefore peratures, the resistance will
Summary of metallic conductor can be measured for each individual drop, and the lacquer coating
technical data expressed by means of the film probe and written on the may start to detoriate.
temperature coefficient of probe label. When the sensor temper-
Sensor material
resistance a0(TCR): ature is used for calculation
The standard sensor ma- Lead resistance of the overheat ratio, use of a
terials are selected on the RT = R0·(1 + a0·(T - T0)) The lead resistance RL is sensor temperature some-
basis of the most common the internal probe resistance what below the maximum in
applications. The following Higher order terms are neg- defined as the resistance the technical data is advised.
property values are of impor- ligible for the normally used between the sensor and This prevents the center por-
tance when selecting sensor sensor materials in a temper- the connector pins (or BNC tion of the sensor, which is
material: ature range of a few hundred connector) on the probe. All normally the hottest, exceed-
As appears from the Table degrees. The TCR value a0 values given in the technical ing the maximum allowable
A, tungsten is a superior refers to 20°C. The TCR at data are typical values for the temperature.
sensor material in most appli- another temperature T1 may probe type. Deviations in
cations mainly due to its high be calculated as: actual lead resistance will in- Ambient temperature
mechanical strength. fluence the over-temperature The maximum ambient
but will only have a second temperature states the limit
order effect on the overall up to which the probe can be
To provide high flow sensitivity: measuring accuracy. used without damage. It is
• High specific resistivity s (W · m) determined by the materials
• High temperature coefficient of resistance a (%/K) Sensor temperature and assembly methods (for
The maximum sensor example glue) used.
To provide small time constant:
temperature indicates the
• Small density r (kg/m3) level up to which the sensor Max. ambient pressure
• Small heat capacity c (J/kg/K) will operate stably. For wire CTA probes are normally
To reduce heat transfer to the prongs: probes the limit is determined used around atmospheric
• Small thermal conductivity l (W/m/K) by the onset of oxidization, pressure. The stated maxi-
which is most pronounced mum pressure is determined
To withstand the flow: for small wires. Film probes primarily by the mounting and
• High tensile strength g (N/m2) with thin quartz coating are tightening method (O-rings,
• High resistance against chemical attacks (oxidisation) annealed at Dantec plane seals etc.). A minimum
Dynamics for stable operation pressure is not given as it
a1 = a20/(1 + a20·(T1 - 20)) up to the stated limit. If the depends primarily on the ap-
Sensor resistance
films are operated above that, plication and the acceptance
The sensor resistance figures the cold resistance will start of slip-flow conditions.
given in the technical data The TCR figure stated for a
wire probes is a typical value to drop and, if the tempera-
are typical values. The actual ture is further increased, the
values vary from probe to common for all probes with
that wire type. film will burn off. Film probes
probe due to manufacturing
tolerances. Wire probes have
much closer tolerances,
Unit Tung- Pure PtRh Pt Ir Nickel
normally around ±10%, than sten platinum 10% Rh 20% Ir
film probes, which can vary
more than ±50% around the Resistivity W · m · 108 7.0 10.2 18.9 32.0 6.6
typical value. The film probe
Temp. coeff. of res. %/°C 0.36 0.38 0.16 0.07 0.64*
resistance is determined not
only by the sensor geometry Density kg/m3 · 103 19.3 21.45 19.95 21.61 8.9
but also by thickness and the
Heat capacity J/kg · K 33.0 31.4 35.4 32.0 105.0
metallic structure of the thin
film resulting from the sput- Heat conductivity W/m · K 178 69.0 50.1 25.5 90.5
tering process. Tensile strength N/m2 1010 2.50 0.30 0.60 1.32 0.65
Actual sensor resistance
is written on the label on the Max. operating temp. °C 300 1200 800 700 400
probe container for each Available as wollaston wire no yes yes yes no
individual probe. Sensor
resistances are always given Can be welded if plated yes yes yes -
at 20°C. Can be soldered if plated yes yes yes yes

Temperature coefficient of Figure of merit W · W · 109 4.1 5.7 4.4 3.6 4.5
resistance
The relation between resist- Table A. *) This value is for nickel in its bulk condition. When sputtered, the temperature
ance and temperature for a coefficient of resistance is typically reduced to between 0.4 and 0.5%/K.

13
Fluid velocity eration of gravity, b is coef- Frequency limit The maximum bandwidths
Minimum velocity ficient of thermal expansion in CTA mode stated in the technical data
The lower velocity limit is (equal to 1/T for a perfect The frequency limit fcmax for fiber and film probes in
defined by the onset of nat- gas) and (Tw - T0) is sensor represents what may be air are calculated from the
ural convection. If a probe is over temperature. The limit expected when the probe is square wave test as (1.3·t)-1.
calibrated and used under may be reduced if the sensor exposed to a velocity (nor- The stated bandwidths serve
the same orientation with over-temperature is lowered, mally 100 m/s in air) and as an indication of optimium
respect to the gravity field, it as this will lower the Grashoff operated in an optimally adjustment of the servoloop
may be used at even lower number. adjusted CTA anemometer rather than a measure of the
velocities. (closed loop). For wire probes real bandwidth.
The limit will then be Maximum velocity the bandwidth may be calcu- In water the boundary
reached when the natural Normally, wires and fiber film lated directly from the square layer over the sensor plays
convection overrules the sensors are designed to with- wave test as (1.3·t)-1, where a predominant role, and in
forced convection. This stand the aerodynamic loads t is the time between start practice fiber and film probes
happens when the Reynolds occurring in practice, even and first zero crossing of the never exceed bandwidths
number Re becomes smaller at supersonic speeds. The response curve. of more than 0.5 to 1 kHz in
than two times the Grashoff upper velocity limit in the data The bandwidth of film liquids. This is normally fully
number to the power 1/3: sheet for wire and film probes probes is in theory limited adequate because of the low
is defined as the velocity that only by the servo loop, as the frequency content of most
Re < 2·Gr1/3 creates a stagnation temper- thermal inertia of the thin-film liquid flows.
ature of 220°C on the sensor. sensor is neglectible. In prac- Secondary heat transfer
where Re = U·D/n and Special probe designs may tice, however, the bandwidth through the substrate makes
Gr = g·D3·b·(Tw-T0)/n2. work up to considerably high- is determined by the damping the amplitude characteristic
U is fluid velocity, D is sensor er velocities. effect of the backing sub- of films probes non-linear at
diameter, n is kinematic strate, the protecting quartz low frequencies (below 100
viscosity of fluid, g is accel- coating and the boundary Hz).
layer flow.

Summary of Technical data

Sensor resistance

resistance (TCR)

(63% response)
Sensor material

quartz coating

Max. ambient

Max. ambient
a20 (approx.)
20 (approx.)

Max. velocity
Thichness of

coefficient of
Temperature

Min. velocity
Max. sensor
temperature

temperature
dimensions

Frequency
limit fmax
pressure

Medium
Sensor

SENSOR TYPE
R

Gold-plated wire sensors Plated 5 µm dia. – 3.5 W 0.36%/K 300°C 150°C – 2) 0.20 m/ 200 m/s 90 kHz 5) Air
tungsten 1.25 mm
long 1)

Miniature wire sensors Plated 5 µm dia. – 3.5 W 0.36%/K 300°C 150°C – 2) 0.20 m/s 500 m/s 150 kHz 5) Air
tungsten 1.25 mm
long

Wire sensors for temper- Platinum 1 µm dia. – 50 W 0.35%/K – 150°C – 2) – 60 m/s 2 kHz 6) Air
ature measurements 3) 0.4 mm
long

Fiber-film sensors Nickel 70 µm dia. 0.5 µm 6 W 0.40%/K 300°C 100°C – 0.20 m/s 350 m/s 90 kHz Air
1.25 mm
2 µm 6 W 7)8) –
long 3) 0.40%/K 60°C 100°C 0.01 m/s 10 m/s 30 kHz Water

Split-fiber sensors Nickel 200 µm dia. – 0.20 m/s 350 m/s 40 kHz Air
1.25 mm 0.5 µm 6 W 0.40%/K 300°C 100°C
long

Flush-mounting film Nickel 0.75 mm × 0.5 µm 15 W 0.35%/K 200°C 100°C 70 bar – – – Air
sensors 0.2 mm
2 µm 15 W 0.35%/K 60°C 7)8) 100°C 70 bar 4) – – – Water

Glue-on film sensors 0.9 mm × 0.40%/°C 200°C 120°C – – – – Air

Nickel 0.5 µm 15 W
0.1 mm
NOTES
1) Overall tungsten wire length is 3 mm. Wire ends are gold-plated to 25-30 µm dia., limiting sensor length. 5) At 100 m/s.
2) Depending on type of mounting. 6) Constant current mode.
3) Overall fiber length is 3 mm. Fiber ends are gold-plated, limiting sensor length. 7) At 1 bar atmosphere pressure
4) At 20°C, decreasing with increasing temperature, 1 bar at 80° (applies to probe design listed). 8) Max. 150°C at elevated pressure. Avoid bubble formation.

14
Quick guide to probe selection

Type of flow Medium Recommended probes

One-dimensional
Uni-directional Gas Single-sensor wire
Single-sensor fiber, thin coating

Liquid Single-sensor fiber,
heavy coating

Bi-directional Gas Split-fibers, thin coating
Liquid Split-fibers, heavy coating

Two-dimensional
One quadrant Gas X-array wires
X-array fibers, thin coating

Liquids X-array fibers, heavy coatings

Half plane Gas Split-fibers, thin coating

Liquids Split-fibers, heavy coating

Full plane Gas X-array, flying hot wire

Three-dimensional

One octant Gas Tri-axial wire

70° cone Tri-axial fiber, thin coating

Liquids Tri-axial fiber, Special

90° cone Gas Slanted wire, rotated probe

Liquids Slanted fiber, heavy coating

Wall flows (shear stress)

One-dimensional
Uni-directional Gas Flush-mounting film,
thin coating
Glue-on film, thin coating

Liquids Flush-mounting film,

heavy coating

15
 Probes and probe supports

16
SINGLE-SENSOR PROBES WITH CYLINDRICAL SENSORS
Miniature wire probes Gold-plated wire probes Fiber-film probes
Plated tungsten wire, diameter 5 µm, Plated tungsten wire, diameter 5 µm, Nickel film deposited on 70 µm diameter
length 1.25 mm. overall length 3 mm, sensitive wire length quartz fiber. Overall length 3 mm, sen-
1.25 mm. Copper and gold plated at the sitive film length 1.25 mm. Copper and
ends to a diameter of approx. 15 µm. gold plated at the ends. Film is protected
by a quartz coating approx. 0.5 µm or 2
µm in thickness.

55R01 (0,5 µm coating) Straight general-purpose type

55R11 (2 µm coating)

55R02 (0,5 µm coating) 45° slanting sensor type

55R12 (2 µm coating)

55R03 (0,5 µm coating) 90° sensor parallel to probe

55R13 (2 µm coating) axis

55R04 (0,5 µm coating) 90° sensor perpendicular to

55R14 (2 µm coating) probe axis

55R05 (0,5 µm coating) Boundary layer type

55R15 (2 µm coating)

All dimensions in millimeters.

17
SINGLE-SENSOR PROBES WITH NON-CYLINDRICAL SENSORS

Flush-mounting probes

Glue-on probes

All dimensions in millimeters.

18
DUAL-SENSOR PROBES WITH CYLINDRICAL SENSORS
Miniature wire probes Gold-plated wire probes Fiber-film probes

All dimensions in millimeters. 19

TRIPLE-SENSOR PROBES WITH CYLINDRICAL SENSORS

Triaxial Parallel-flow probe

15

10 dia. 5 dia. 6
62.5
55P95 Gold-plated wire probe 55R94 water (2 µm coating)
55R95 air (0.5 µm coating)
Fiber-film probe

Triaxial Cross-flow probe

15

10 dia. 5 dia. 6
62.5
55R96 Fiber-film probe water (2 µm coating)
55R97 Fiber-film probe air (0.5 µm coating)

MISCELLANEOUS PROBES

Resistance thermometer Temperature-compensated minature wire probes

Parallel-array probe

All dimensions in millimeters.

20
PROBE SUPPORTS

4mm dia. probe supports for single-sensor probes

6mm dia. probe supports for dual-sensor probes

All dimensions in millimeters.

21
PROBE SUPPORTS

Probe supports for triple-sensors probes

SHORTING PROBES

All dimensions in millimeters.

22
MOUNTING TUBES AND GUIDE TUBES

Chucks

Guide tubes

Watertight mounting tubes

All dimensions in millimeters.

23
 Wires for probe repair

Spools of replacement wire of different materials and dia-

meters and magazines with gold-plated wires are available,
but must be ordered separately:

2 m of plated tungsten wire, 5 µm dia. 55A40

Wire magazine with 10 gold-plated wires, 5 µm dia. 55P157

Special probes In order to make a quotation

In addition to the extensive for a special probe, Dantec
range of standard probes Dynamics requires an outline
Dantec Dynamics offers indicating the critical dimen-
probes and supports for sions and a short description
special applications, specially of the application:
designed to meet customers’
requirements. • parameter to be measured
If you do not find the
• medium
probe you need in the stand-
ard program, do not hesitate • velocity range
to contact your local Dantec • temperature range
Dynamics representative, • pressure range
who will help you to find a
• physical restrictions and
technical solution for your
constraints
measuring problem.

24
Hot-wire Anemometry systems

Dantec Dynamics has nearly Multichannel CTA StreamLine is computer-con- The system is designed for
50 years of experience in System trolled and is integrated high-precision measurements
making Constant Temperature - Efficient and affordable with a fully automatic probe and is Dantec Dynamics’ top-
Anemometers. The probes solution for mapping of calibrator. of-the-line CTA anemometer.
and anemometers have been velocity and turbulence
designed for perfect matching. fields in most air flows
The product programme
comprises three lines of ane-
mometers: CTA Calibration systems
MiniCTA
- Cost effective miniature
Constant Temperature StreamLine Pro Calibrator Hot-wire Calibrator
Anemometer system for - Automatic calibration of - Time-saving 2-point
basic flow studies hot-wire probes calibration of hot-wire
probes
The Multichannel CTA offers
The StreamLine calibration
an efficient and affordable
system is intended for The Dantec Dynamics Hot-
solution for mapping of
computer- automated calibra- wire Calibrator is accurate,
velocity and turbulence fields
tion of probes in air from a device for calibration of hot-
in most air flows. Up to 16
few cm/sec up to Mach 1. wire probes in air from 0,5
points can be monitored
The flow unit creates a free m/s to 60 m/s. By combining
simultaneously, reducing the
jet and requires air from a calibration at just two velociti-
need for traversing. A version
pressurized air supply. es with a generic transfer
with reference velocity trans-
The probe to be calibrated is function, a calibration function
ducer allows for simultaneous
placed at the jet exit. The op- valid for the entire velocity
calibration of all probes in
tional pitch-yaw manipulator range can be created.
a wind tunnel. This means
allows 2D and 3D probes to The calibrator produces a
reduced experimental time
be rotated for calibration of free jet, where the probe is
and lower costs.
directional sensitivity. placed during calibration. It
requires a normal pressuri-
zed air supply.
StreamLine Pro
In addition to two-point
Research CTA system mode, velocities in the entire
- For high-precision CTA range can be set manually.
The MiniCTA system is a
measurements
versatile anemometer that
can be used with Dantec
Dynamics wire and fibre-film
probes in airflows. It is espe-
cially suitable for basic flow
diagnostics and its small size
facilitates mounting close to
the probe or even for it to be
built into flow models. Quick
calibration of probes is possi-
ble with an optional hot-wire
calibrator.

The StreamLine Pro system

offers a complete concept
of hot-wire anemometry for
efficient, reliable and cost-
effective flow analysis in air
(or other gases) and liquids.

25
 About Dantec Dynamics
Dantec Dynamics is the leading provider of laser optical measurement systems and sensors.
Since 1947 we have provided solutions for customers to optimize their component testing
and products. Our large number of customers benefit from our quality solutions within:

Spray and Combustion

Fluid Particle Diagnostics
Mechanics Characterization

3D Shape
Deformation, Strain and
Microfluidics Strain and Stress
Vibration Measurement
Measurement

Non
Destructive DISATAC Thermal
Testing Tachometers Comfort

Worldwide representation
From our six offices and more than 30 representatives worldwide we approach our
customers individually. We examine the specific needs and find the best solution for you.
For us you are a long-term partner in improving efficiency, safety and quality of life.
A list of representatives is available at our website.

DENMARK (headquarters) UNITED KINGDOM

Dantec Dynamics A/S Dantec Dynamics Ltd.
[email protected] [email protected]

FRANCE
Dantec Dynamics S.A.S. Dantec Dynamics Inc.
[email protected] [email protected]

GERMANY
Dantec Dynamics GmbH
[email protected]

JAPAN Publication No.: 238v11

The specifications in this document are subject to
Dantec Dynamics K.K. change without notice.
[email protected] www.dantecdynamics.com Dantec Dynamics is trademark of Dantec Dynamics A/S.

Dantec Dynamics, a Nova Instruments company

26