VD500 Air Flow Meter for Compressed Air – High-Precision Measurement of Wet and Dry Gas Systems
The VD500 Air Flow Meter for Compressed Air is a high-precision instrument designed for reliable measurement of compressed air and non-corrosive gases. Engineered to operate under demanding industrial conditions, it delivers accurate flow readings even in wet and high-temperature environments. With a wide measuring range from 2 m/s up to 224 m/s and a maximum operating pressure of 30 bar, the VD500 ensures dependable monitoring of compressed air consumption and system efficiency. Its robust design, multiple output options (RS-485 Modbus-RTU, 4–20 mA, pulse, and optional Ethernet), and easy installation make it an ideal solution for compressor monitoring, energy audits, and process optimization in modern industrial facilities.
| Parameter |
VD500 (CS Instruments) |
VD520 (CS Instruments) |
VA570 (CS Instruments) |
Rosemount Annubar (Emerson) |
| Measuring Principle |
Differential pressure sensor (wet compressed air) |
Inline differential pressure sensor |
Thermal mass flow sensor (insertion type) |
Differential pressure averaging pitot tube |
| Flow Range |
2–224 m/s (up to 600 m/s max) |
2–224 m/s |
0.5–200 Nm³/h (depending on pipe size) |
Wide range depending on pipe size |
| Accuracy |
±1.5% of measured value ±0.3% FS |
±1.5% m.v. ±0.3% FS |
±1.5% m.v. ±0.3% FS |
±0.75% of flow rate (typical) |
| Temperature Range |
–30…+180 °C |
–30…+180 °C |
–30…+180 °C |
–40…+450 °C |
| Pressure Range |
up to 30 bar |
up to 30 bar |
up to 16 bar |
up to 100 bar+ |
| Applications |
Compressor outlet, wet/hot compressed air |
Inline compressed air measurement, system audits |
Pipeline monitoring in compressed air systems |
Large pipe gas/air/steam measurement |
| Outputs |
RS485 (Modbus-RTU), 4–20 mA, pulse, Ethernet option |
RS-485, 4–20 mA, pulse |
RS-485, 4–20 mA, pulse |
4–20 mA, HART, Modbus (via DP transmitter) |
Applications of Compressed Air Flow Meters (VD500, VD520, VA570, Annubar)
VD500 (Wet Compressed Air)
- Monitoring flow directly at the compressor outlet, even under hot and humid conditions
- Measuring Free Air Delivery (FAD) for compressor performance evaluation
- Energy audits to identify inefficiencies in compressed air systems
- Continuous monitoring of consumption to reduce operating costs
VD520 (Inline Installation)
- Inline measurement of compressed air in distribution pipelines
- System audits for leak detection and efficiency analysis
- Long-term monitoring of compressed air usage in production facilities
- Verification of compressor and dryer performance
VA570 (Thermal Mass, Insertion Type)
- Flexible installation in existing compressed air pipelines
- Monitoring consumption at different branches of a compressed air network
- Detecting leaks and optimizing system load distribution
- Suitable for smaller-scale or modular compressed air systems
VD500 Air Flow Meter – FAQ
Q1. What is the VD500 Air Flow Meter used for?
The VD500 is designed for accurate measurement of compressed air and non-corrosive gases, especially in wet and high-temperature conditions directly after compressors.
Q2. What makes the VD500 different from other flow meters?
Unlike standard thermal mass flow meters, the VD500 can handle hot, humid compressed air up to 180°C and pressures of up to 30 bar, making it ideal for compressor outlets and demanding industrial environments.
Q3. What is the measuring range of the VD500?
It measures flow velocities from 2 m/s up to 224 m/s (with extended capability up to 600 m/s in some configurations).
Q4. What output signals are available?
The VD500 supports RS-485 (Modbus-RTU), 4–20 mA, pulse output, and optional Ethernet for flexible integration into monitoring systems.
Q5. Can the VD500 be used for energy audits?
Yes. It is widely used in compressed air audits to monitor consumption, detect inefficiencies, and optimize energy usage.
Q6. Is the VD500 suitable for gases other than compressed air?
Yes, it can measure other non-corrosive gases, but its primary design focus is compressed air systems.
Q7. How is the VD500 installed?
It is typically installed directly downstream of the compressor or in main distribution pipelines. The probe design allows straightforward integration into existing systems.
Q8. What industries use the VD500?
Common applications include manufacturing, automotive, food & beverage, electronics, and any facility with large-scale compressed air systems.
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