Category: Measurement Tools

Ultrasonic flow meters are crucial in practically every industry that relies on pressurized fluids, gases, and steam. This includes the most powerful manufacturing machinery, the systems that transport resources, and more.

Understanding how ultrasonic flow meters work can help you choose the right model for your specific application. 

Let’s take a closer look.

What is an Ultrasonic Flow Meter?

An ultrasonic flow meter is a high-precision measurement tool used to measure the flow inside something.

Let’s say that you’re operating a piece of equipment that transports natural gas through a pipe to another location. You want to make sure that the gas is moving at a consistent velocity and there are no pressure drops or potential issues going on that cause hiccups.

In that situation, you would use an ultrasonic flow meter to measure the flow of the natural gas.

However, this tool can be used to measure the flow of most things. In steam-based technology, various gases and liquids of all kinds can be measured as they move through pipes, tubes, and systems.

So, How Ultrasonic Flow Meters Work?

An ultrasonic flow meter uses sound waves. Sound penetrates the machine in highly calculated bursts, and it can tell how fast the substance inside is moving over a period of time.

If there are any fluctuations in speed while the reading is taking place, the machine picks it up.

That information can be used to determine whether settings need to be changed, troubleshooting measures need to be taken, or if immediate maintenance action is required.

This is an incredibly precise measurement device that can record very accurate readings reliably, and it’s perfect for applications with low tolerances.

Also, it’s an incredibly versatile piece of equipment. An ultrasonic flow meter can measure the flow of gases and liquids of various types. Not just one thing, like many other measurement devices are meant for.

Do You Need a Clamp-On or Portable Ultrasonic Flow Meter?

There are two types of ultrasonic flow meters you’ll likely come across whenever you’re shopping for one.

The first is a clamp-on model, such as the RS485 Modbus TDS-100F. These are extremely accurate, and they’re great for leaving on a pipe for a while for long-term monitoring. They’re also non-invasive. They won’t damage the equipment or require you to do anything to the pipes before you can start monitoring. However, it takes up more space, and it takes a little more time to install.

A portable unit, like the handheld DN15-100 model, is meant to be taken on the go. Whether you need to move from facility to facility performing readings, need a monitor that you can take to a job site, use, and take with you back to HQ, or otherwise don’t need to continuously monitor something, this is great. 

It’s also a good option for getting into difficult-to-reach spaces, because it’s smaller. The drawback of using a portable unit is that it isn’t quite as accurate. However, it’s still enough for most applications.

Get the Best Ultrasonic Flow Meter with AQ Measurement

If you require an ultrasonic flow meter, you need the best.

AQ Measurement supplies industry leaders from practically all industries with the precision instruments they need. Contact us today and get a free consultation!

Whether you’re dealing with regular outages or barely noticeable power fluctuations, power quality is far more important than you might realize. Especially those minor issues that you might not notice or brush off.

We’re going to explain why power quality is so important, and how you can get started handling the problem.

1: Lost Productivity

This is immediately noticeable when you’re dealing with full outages. You lose productivity, and every minute that you spend fussing with the power to get back up and running, you’re losing money. 

Your equipment can’t run, your employees are left standing around, and all around, it’s a huge waste, even if it’s just a 15-minute break.

When the power issue is less noticeable, such as fluctuations in voltage, you can still lose productivity. If it impacts how your machines work, even those small hiccups add up to big losses.

This can be a major issue when speed is crucial for your operation. Some companies put out tens of thousands of products per day, and short lulls in productivity or frequent hiccups can lower production by thousands of units. That’s why power quality matters. It directly affects your bottom line and keeps your operation running at full capacity.

2: Equipment Damage

When your equipment runs on your power grid, which most equipment does, power quality issues can prematurely damage that equipment. That’s why having a reliable power quality analyzer is so important. These devices are used to track, diagnose, and prevent expensive problems down the line.

Each machine is made to operate with a steady flow of electricity. If that flow suddenly slows or it’s halted entirely, the equipment can have minor operational errors that lead to bigger repair issues. 

Complete sudden halts can be extremely detrimental because they often force the machinery to stop suddenly and without going through proper shutdown processes.

Not only does this cause major disruptions in productivity and a lot of headaches, but it also creates a lot of undue financial stress. When you suddenly have major repairs or have to replace unique equipment, the costs can be astronomical.

3: Higher Labor Costs

We mentioned this very briefly earlier, but any time your facility’s power quality causes a productivity lull, it’s not just your equipment that’s stopping. It’s your workforce, too.

If you have an electrical issue that costs you an hour of scheduled work time, you will often end up paying your workforce for that entire hour spent doing nothing. It’s boring for them, and it’s a waste of resources for you. Paired with the lack of production creating revenue throughout that period, the issue is compounded.

Resolving Power Quality Issues

Resolving power quality issues can be a hassle. Anything that’s a widespread electrical issue takes specialized care to handle.

However, the first step is understanding that something is going on. Oftentimes, minor power quality issues go under the radar and cause cumulative damage over a long stretch of time. It’s not always as noticeable as when the power is fully cut regularly.

The best way to troubleshoot the problem is to regularly monitor your power quality, and you can certainly check it whenever a noticeable issue occurs, too. For that, you need precision measurement instruments for the power systems you’re working with.

At AQ Measurement, we provide all the precision measurement tools you need to troubleshoot, measure, and get the job done right. Contact us today to see how we can help!

A sound level meter is a crucial precision instrument used in a wide variety of applications. Including some that you might not expect. Such as manufacturing.

However, unless your job requires you to use one regularly, you might not be aware of how to properly use one for accurate measurements.

In today’s article, we’ll show you how to use a sound level meter for precise noise measurement so your results are accurate and easy to interpret.

1: Calibration and Setup

The first thing you have to do is calibrate the meter. This is necessary for any precision instrument, and it essentially uses a known value to compare its first reading to and adjust accordingly.

The way you calibrate your meter is going to depend on the exact model you’re using. For instance, the powerful, handheld PCE-432 sound level meter offers data logging and GPS features for detailed noise analysis in the field, while this wall-mounted digital meter provides continuous noise monitoring with a colorful display ideal for indoor settings. 

Different models require different calibration steps, so it’s important to follow the instructions provided with your device. Once you’ve followed the calibration steps, there’s a simple setup step you need to complete before moving forward.

The first setup step is to set the weighing scale. Decibels (dBa) are what you’ll use in the vast majority of cases. Other features might also need to be set up if they’re relevant to your use case. For example, when you need a series of stable readings, you might want to use the slow time weighting feature.

2: Place the Meter

When you place the meter, it needs to be placed in a position that is level with your ear, whether you’re sitting on something or holding it out throughout the reading.

The reason for this is that sound levels can vary slightly at different positions, even when a noise is in the same room. You want to know what the people in the room will experience. At least, that’s the case in most professional settings.

If the workers are in a room standing, it’s not as useful to know what they’d experience if they were on the floor for some reason or up in the rafters.

3: Take Your Reading

If you followed the setup corrections, you’ll get a readout in decibels when you start the reading, according to the instructions on your sound level meter. It’ll show up on the display for easy reading.

Using Your Reading

Once you have your reading, it really depends on what you’re using it for. If you just needed to check and see if you’re crossing certain noise levels, you’re done. 

If you need to record your readings, it’s usually best to record various conditions impacting the reading, such as distance from the source, positioning, etc. Then, you can analyze all long-term readings against the conditions each time.

Buy the Right Sound Level Meter for Your Needs

So, how to use a sound level meter, and why do you even need one in the first place? You might need to measure sound levels for OSHA requirements, compliance with city requirements, or any number of other things. It’s important to have the right equipment when you do.

At AQ Measurement, we provide the finest precision instruments, such as sound level meters, to professionals, and we’re renowned for our quality and service. Contact us anytime to dive deeper into our product lineup or speak with a specialist if you have any other questions!

Particle counters are crucial in a wide variety of applications. They measure how many particles of a certain type are within their operational space, and that can be used for all sorts of detection purposes in various industries, maintaining certain levels in different types of rooms, etc.

There are two main types of particle counters for you to choose from, and while they do the same general thing, they do differ slightly. There are handheld and wall-mounted particle counters.

Today, we’re going to go over both of those to help you pick the right one for your needs.

Handheld Particle Counters

Handheld particle counters are designed to take all the core features of what used to be the standard for particle counters and scale them down into a portable package you can easily take anywhere and use without a hassle.

For the most part, this is great. You can detect the same types of particles, you can rely on the same tool in multiple rooms or at multiple job sites if you’re operating on the go, and it’s simply a lot more convenient.

You even get a bit of financial relief, because handheld units are fairly affordable, now. As the tech has developed, it’s more cost-effective to produce them.

The drawback with a handheld unit is that readings can be slightly inconsistent across a lot of models. It’s not as easy to make a 100% accurate particle counter that is sized down and designed to power itself.

That can cause some issues when you need it for extremely precise purposes. That’s usually not the case, but in applications that require extreme precision, it can be detrimental.

The most common use of a handheld particle counter is in qualitative checks. Slight inconsistencies are typically inconsequential, and the convenience factor as you move from job site to job site, simply checking for quality, far outweighs those minor inconsistencies.

Wall-Mounted Particle Counters

Wall-mounted particle counters are a lot like what we just covered, but they’re mounted to a wall. This makes a much bigger difference than you’d think.

While you lose the convenience factor, these tend to be more accurate on average, and they truly shine when you need continuous monitoring in one location. You mount it, set it up, and it continuously monitors the area. This is great in areas where you can’t afford to let certain particle levels rise or drop too much. It’s even more convenient in persistent monitoring situations since you don’t have to worry about bringing the handheld unit along.

The drawback to using a wall-mounted unit is that, if you do have to monitor multiple places, it’s impractical to mount it, use it, unmount it, and repeat when you need it again.

Get the Best Handheld and Wall-Mounted Particle Counters

Whether a handheld particle counter is right for you, or you need a more consistent wall-mounted option, your main focus needs to be on accuracy and reliability.

For the most reliable particle counters available, contact AQ Measurement today.

For most people, it seems like high-precision measuring tools are extremely niche, and basic items such as measuring tapes, depth gauges, and common tools do all the heavy lifting.

That’s not true. High-precision measuring equipment is used in a ton of industries for practically every daily task, and without these tools, most of the things we enjoy in the modern world wouldn’t be possible.

Here are just 5 examples of high-precision measuring equipment that makes things you enjoy daily a possibility.

1: Healthcare

The modern healthcare industry simply wouldn’t work as effectively as it does without a wide variety of precision instruments. Colorimeters are one of the more niche devices used in healthcare because they help specialists determine the volume of different ingredients in chemical solutions. This makes accurate treatments with effective medications possible.

That’s not the only instrument used daily, though. From advanced devices for measuring volume to scales for patient weight and various body metrics, the healthcare field relies heavily on accurate, high-precision instruments.

2: Manufacturing

The things we manufacture today, even the simplest items, are made with a high level of precision. Whether that’s out of necessity due to tiny tolerances being required for the item’s function, or just to cut back on a few cents of waste per item that add up in massive production runs. All modern manufacturing relies on high-precision measuring devices.

The type of device used depends heavily on the types of products being made and the machinery used to make those products.

3: Aerospace

Planes require extremely tight tolerances with practically all of their components to ensure operational safety. Those tight tolerances are only possible if the devices used to measure throughout the building and repair process are extremely accurate.

Thus, practically every measurement tool used in the aerospace industry is a high-precision instrument. From the viscosity tools used to measure critical fluids, to highly precise calipers and similar items.

4: Tech

One of the main factors that tech companies continuously focus on improving is size. The goal is to make tech far more powerful while reducing its size for unmatched portability. As tech components have gotten smaller, the tolerances for every part have gotten tighter. This ensures that even the most basic measurements during the development and production phase have to be extremely precise.

However, it goes beyond development. Inside every smartphone, and many of the other various electronics you use every day, are high-precision measuring devices used to measure the vibrations and magnetic functions of parts inside of them, make core features function, etc. In most cases, you’re carrying multiple high-precision instruments in the palm of your hand.

5: Construction and Civil Engineering

Finally, construction and civil engineering both rely heavily on high-precision measuring devices to make the buildings and infrastructural features that you rely on every day.

While simpler tools are used commonly, more advanced options for measuring low-tolerance processes are crucial for more advanced architecture.

AQ Measurement has the Precision Measuring Gear You Need

Whether you’re in one of these five industries or another that we didn’t cover, we have the high-precision measuring devices you need.For measurements you can rely on, contact AQ Measurement today.

In manufacturing, even minor details can significantly influence product quality and machinery performance.

One crucial factor is viscosity, which plays a vital role whenever fluids are involved.

Today, we’re going to go over the viscosity’s meaning, why it’s important, and how it can be optimized. 

Viscosity Meaning

In simple terms, viscosity describes how thick a fluid is and how much resistance it has to flowing through an object.

Technically, it measures the effort required for a fluid to change shape and move, but in most cases, knowing the precise details isn’t necessary. 

Water is a very low viscosity fluid. If you pour it through a pipe, it will almost instantly conform to the shape of the pipe and flow through it without any friction. 

Honey is a high-viscosity material that will clog up the pipe, move through it slowly, and leave lots of material behind. 

Why is Viscosity Important for Product Performance? 

Viscosity is important in manufacturing in two different ways. 

First, viscosity greatly impacts the performance of machinery. Hydraulic machinery, often used in manufacturing, relies on hydraulic fluid to keep the machines operating properly. 

If a fluid’s viscosity changes because of contaminants, heat, or aging, the machinery may not operate correctly. As a result, the products produced could experience quality issues that affect performance for the end user. 

Next, consider the fluid products themselves, such as motor oil, lubricants, or certain food items. If their viscosity isn’t properly controlled, it can cause significant problems. 

For example, motor oil that is too thick can clog an engine, while a baker using overly viscous gel icing may struggle to create precise designs because it won’t flow correctly through the decorating bag.

Regardless of what industry you’re serving, viscosity plays a major role in manufacturing and product quality. 

How to Determine Viscosity and Optimize it

Determining viscosity is very difficult without the right tools for measurement. You can clearly tell if something isn’t right by simply looking at how the fluid acts, but when you’re making products, you need precise measurements. 

You get those measurements with a viscometer. Using ultrasound, it tracks the flow of a fluid through a pipe or similar setup and calculates its viscosity. This method is highly accurate and widely used across industries.

Once you know what the viscosity of the fluid is, you can start troubleshooting issues, adjusting settings on machinery, or changing the product you’re using to better align with the product you’re making. 

To achieve this, it’s important to use a reliable viscometer. Companies worldwide trust AQ Measurement for their needs.  

Contact us today and we’ll help you pick the right viscometer!

Several major industries rely on a specialized instrument called a lux meter. Depending on what you’re manufacturing or what services you provide, a lux meter might be a crucial part of your day-to-day operations. 

To help you understand this precise measurement tool, we’re going to cover some basic questions, such as: What is a lux meter? What it does, and why it’s needed?

What is a Lux Meter? 

A lux meter is a precision instrument designed to measure light intensity. It evaluates brightness based on how the human eye would naturally perceive the light source.

This is a portable device that can be carried from job site to job site with ease, and it provides real-time measurements quickly with a high degree of accuracy. 

How Does a Lux Meter Work?

A lux meter is one of the simpler precision instruments to understand, which measures light in a 3-step process. 

First, a photodiode captures the incoming light. Next, the light is converted into an electrical current. Finally, the current is processed by the device’s computer and displayed as a lux (Lx) value. 

This process is similar to how human vision works: the eye captures light, converts it into signals, and sends them to the brain to be interpreted. Because a lux meter follows the same principle, it provides an accurate way to understand how a light source will be perceived by the human eye.

Lux meters are most commonly used to evaluate how intense a light source will be for people in a given space. They can also be applied in light-sensitive manufacturing environments to determine how lighting conditions affect materials or products.

What is a Lux Meter Used for? 

Lux meters aren’t instruments that most people are familiar with, but they are used in a wide variety of industries and spaces that you likely interact with every day. 

Lux meters are most often used to create optimal lighting in public spaces, workplaces, and light-sensitive areas. Lighting needs to be bright enough for people to see properly, but it can’t be so intense that it causes health or safety issues. 

In some instances, such as photography, it might even be used to make sure the illuminance of a room is low enough to create different effects or protect materials. Think of low-light photography or dark room photo processing. 

Without properly adjusted lighting, manufacturing workers might be unsafe around equipment, workers might strain their eyes, and photographers might have issues getting the right shots or maintaining their equipment. For the general public, intense lighting can cause eye strain or ruin the mood in certain settings, such as restaurants. 

Lux meters allow you to optimize light levels to avoid those issues. 

Find the Best Lux Meters at AQ Measurement

Getting back to the main questions: What is a lux meter, what does it do, and why is it important? A lux meter measures light intensity as the human eye perceives it, helping maintain safe, comfortable, and efficient environments.

Choosing a reliable lux meter ensures accurate results, and AQ Measurement offers instruments trusted across industries. 

Contact us to find the right instrument for your needs!

Measurement is a core part of practically everything. Whether you’re at home trying to level out your wall hangings, or you’re operating a multi-million-dollar manufacturing facility.

However, it’s not as simple as picking up the appropriate measuring tool and getting to work. Pretty much any measurement tool, if you want spot-on readings, needs to be calibrated before you use it. 

So, what is calibration, and why is it so crucial for accurate measurements across nearly all science and technology fields? Let’s take a closer look.

What is Calibration?

Calibration is a fairly simple concept that can be a bit more complex in practice if you don’t have experience with it.

Essentially, you’re using a known standard, usually an already calibrated tool, to check the accuracy of another measurement tool.

For example, let’s say you’re measuring temperature in a fairly precise field. You’d need to test it against something you know is accurate. 

An old standard is freeze-temp water to set built-in calibration features, but you could also use a thermometer that you already know is accurate and compare the readings of both.

Then, you would adjust the calibration of the second thermometer to match the one that you know is accurate.

What Types of Measurement Tools are Calibrated?

We used a thermometer as an everyday example. Most people have purchased a new meat thermometer and had to go through a calibration step. However, pretty much every measurement tool needs to be calibrated in some way.

Precise manufacturing equipment, levels, thermometers of various complexities, accelerometers, colorimeters, and more need to be calibrated before they’re used. 

Even the lowly right-angle square, one of the simplest measuring tools, needs to be compared to a known right angle to determine its accuracy and usefulness.

Why is Calibration Crucial in Measurement?

So, why exactly is it so important to calibrate your measurement tool? Shouldn’t it be accurate right out of the box?

Well, a manual hand tool, such as a ruler, should be accurate out of the box. Otherwise, you bought something that doesn’t work. You still need to test it, though.

Calibration is typically associated with more complex measurement tools, including electronic devices like electromagnetic field measuring instruments used in specialized industries. 

Especially if they’re used in highly precise applications and meant to be adjustable, because they can lose calibration over time and use.

Calibration allows you to dial in the measurement and ensure that every time you use that tool, you measure the piece with 100% precision.

Without calibration, the standards and tolerances achieved in modern applications would be impossible. Even an 8th of an inch’s worth of inaccuracy would render a lot of things useless or completely change the intended results.

Again, with a thermometer, imagine you’re in the culinary field and need to rest a steak exactly to 145 degrees for the perfect presentation. If the thermometer is off, that steak goes from medium rare to medium with just a moment of overcooking.

Similarly, tools like lux meters, which measure light intensity, must be precisely calibrated to ensure correct readings in industries like photography or architecture.

In an application such as medicine manufacturing or architecture, the consequences can be a lot more serious.

Get the Right Measurement Tools and Calibrate with Ease

So, what is calibration exactly, and why does it matter so much in science, engineering, and beyond? Simply put, it’s the process of making sure your measurement tools deliver accurate results. 

With our top-of-the-line measurement tools, you can make it easy to get the perfect measurements. Regardless of your industrial space or scientific field, get your measurement tools from AQ Measurement. 

Contact us today to find the measurement tools that fit your needs: engineered for easy calibration and reliable accuracy.