Endress+Hauser FLOWSIC200 Ultrasonic Tunnel Flow Velocity Meter

The Endress+Hauser FLOWSIC200 is an ultrasonic flow measurement instrument designed for accurate, non-contact measurement of air velocity and flow direction in tunnels and exhaust ventilation ducts. It is particularly suited for road and railway tunnel ventilation systems where reliable airflow measurement is essential for ventilation control, smoke management and safe tunnel operation.

The FLOWSIC200 uses ultrasonic technology to determine the average flow velocity across the tunnel cross-section. Unlike point-based airflow measurement devices, its measurement represents airflow across the overall measuring path, providing representative information for tunnel ventilation control. The device measures flow velocity, direction of flow and temperature, with a flow velocity measuring range of 0 to ±20 m/s.

Non-Contact Ultrasonic Airflow Measurement

Because the FLOWSIC200 operates without mechanical moving parts in the airflow, it provides a durable solution for long-term tunnel operation. The non-contact ultrasonic measurement principle reduces mechanical wear and allows reliable monitoring of airflow under changing tunnel conditions.

The system can determine the direction of airflow as well as its velocity. This capability is particularly important in tunnel ventilation systems where airflow direction can change depending on traffic conditions, ventilation operation or emergency events.

Tunnel Ventilation Control

Reliable airflow measurement is a key part of modern tunnel ventilation systems. FLOWSIC200 provides continuous flow velocity data that can be used to control ventilation equipment and optimize the amount of air supplied or extracted from a tunnel.

By providing representative airflow measurements, the system can help ventilation systems respond to changing conditions and reduce unnecessary ventilation energy consumption when airflow requirements are influenced by traffic or climatic conditions.

Smoke Propagation Detection

FLOWSIC200 can also be used for smoke propagation detection in tunnels. Monitoring airflow velocity and direction helps tunnel operators understand how air and smoke can move through the tunnel during an emergency.

This makes the instrument suitable for integration into tunnel safety and ventilation control systems where continuous airflow information is required.

Long-Term Operation in Demanding Tunnel Environments

The FLOWSIC200 is designed for long-term operation and uses rugged components made from materials including titanium, stainless steel and die-cast materials. Versions are available for tunnel environments with corrosive atmospheres, providing additional flexibility for demanding installation conditions.

The instrument supports long maintenance intervals of up to five years, helping reduce maintenance requirements and operating costs while maintaining high measurement availability.

Large Measuring Distances

One advantage of the FLOWSIC200 is its ability to operate over very large measuring distances. This makes it suitable for wide road and railway tunnels where a representative airflow measurement across a large cross-section is required.

The ultrasonic measuring principle allows the instrument to measure airflow without placing intrusive mechanical components directly into the air stream.

Typical Applications

The Endress+Hauser FLOWSIC200 is suitable for:

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  Road tunnel ventilation
  
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  Railway tunnel ventilation
  
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  Tunnel airflow measurement
  
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  Tunnel ventilation control
  
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  Smoke propagation detection
  
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  Exhaust ventilation ducts
  
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  Emergency ventilation systems
  
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  Tunnel safety monitoring
  
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  Airflow monitoring in large tunnels
  

The product complies with tunnel-related requirements and guidelines including RABT 2006, ASTRA "Guideline – Ventilation of Road Tunnels" (2008) and RVS 09.02.22.

Key Features

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  Ultrasonic tunnel flow velocity measurement
  
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  Non-contact airflow measurement
  
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  Measures flow velocity and direction
  
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  Flow velocity range: 0 to ±20 m/s
  
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  Temperature measurement
  
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  Representative measurement across the tunnel width
  
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  Very large measuring distances possible
  
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  No mechanical moving parts
  
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  Rugged construction for demanding environments
  
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  Versions for corrosive tunnel atmospheres
  
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  Long maintenance intervals of up to 5 years
  
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  Suitable for road and railway tunnels
  
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  Supports tunnel ventilation control
  
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  Suitable for smoke propagation detection
  
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  RABT 2006, ASTRA and RVS conformity