An Introduction to Anemometers

Alternate Terms for Anemometers

Air Flow Meters
Air Velocity or Wind-speed Meters
Wind cups or weathervanes

What is an Anemometer?

Anemometers measure the speed (velocity) of moving air. Thermo-Anemometers also measure temperature by way of a thermometer located in the Anemometer sensor. The measurement units for Anemometers include: Feet per minute (ft/min), meters per second

(m/s), kilometers per hour (km/hr), miles per hour (mph), nautical miles per hour (knots), and Beauforts.

How does an Anemometer measure moving air?

Anemometers measure moving air with a rotary sensor which acts very much like a weathervane and can be likened to the blades of a fan. The vane freely rotates in response to air flow and as the air moves through the vane the blades turn in proportion to the speed of the air.

What is CFM / CMM?

Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM) or Cubic Meters per Minute (CMM) are units of measure for Air Volume measurements. This is a measurement of the quantity of moving air through an air duct, passageway, or enclosure. In order to accomplish this, the area of the duct must be measured. The area value (in ft2 or m2) is entered by the user by push button or keypad into the meter and an air velocity measurement is taken. The meter then calculates the CFM or CMM automatically.

What is the significance of a built-in IR thermometer?

Having an IR thermometer as part of an Anemometer offers the user several important benefits:

Two tools in one
Save time and cost
Check for hot spots in duct work, electrical panels, and wiring conduits

Typical Anemometer Applications

Air duct measurements
Positive pressure tests in clean rooms
Fume hood testing and verification
Automobile engines analysis
Automobile passenger compartment tests
Ionizer flow output monitoring
Ventilation system inspection

Source: Extech Instruments