IHF01 Heat Flux Sensor

Specifications

Description
The IHF01 measures heat flow and surface temperature of industrial equipment

The IHF01 measures heat flow and surface temperature of industrial equipment such as furnaces, boilers, fluidized beds, distillation columns and ovens. The sensors inside the IHF01, a thermopile and a thermocouple, are protected by a fully sealed stainless steel body. It is suitable for long-term use in one location, as well as for repeated installation when using a measurement system in multiple locations. The IHF01 measures the heat flow through the object it is mounted on, in W/m², as well as the temperature in °C. The sensors in the IHF01 are a thermopile and a K-type thermocouple. The thermopile measures the local heat flow. The thermocouple measures the absolute temperature of the surface the IHF01 is mounted on, as well as the approximate temperature of the sensor body. A thermopile and a thermocouple are passive sensors; they do not require power.

Operation
Using the IHF01 is easy. It can be connected directly to commonly used data logging systems. Heat flux, in W/m², is calculated by dividing the IHF01 output, a small voltage, by the sensitivity. Sensitivity is provided with the IHF01 in its product certificate. Equipped with rugged wiring and featuring an all-stainless steel housing so moisture cannot penetrate the sensor, the IHF01 has proven to be very reliable. It survives long-term outdoor installations.

How to install a heat flux sensor
Tips and tricks to get the most out of heat flux measurement

Heat flux measurement is a powerful tool for gaining insight into processes. It can measure, for example, how much heat flows through a wall or into a sample that needs to be cooled. Assuming the right sensor is used, installing it correctly, so that it makes a stable measurement and measures the correct heat flux (radiative and convective), is a critical step in obtaining the right data. This document takes an in-depth look at the dos and don'ts of installing a heat flux sensor.

Introduction
Heat flux sensors have a wide variety of applications, from analyzing the thermal performance of thermal insulation to monitoring pipe contamination and monitoring the health of pigs. Measuring heat flux can provide useful information about processes and system performance. Assuming the right sensor is used, mounting this sensor correctly, so that it makes a stable measurement and measures the correct heat flux (radiative and convective), is a critical step in obtaining the right data.

Installation Considerations
Regardless of the type of heat flux sensor, it is important that it is securely mounted to prevent contact resistance variations between the sensor and the object it is mounted on.

Air gaps between the sensor and the object can be significant thermal resistances and increase response time. This should be avoided.
Sensors that gradually loosen produce unreliable (seemingly unstable) measurements. Use a stable glue or filler. Use high-quality cables and a strain relief.

Also, the optical properties must match.

Pay attention to the optical properties of the sensor surface. These must match those of the object on which the sensor is mounted.

Mounting
There are several ways to mount a heat flux sensor, depending on the application. Two important parameters are:

the temperature range
the measurement duration

These two parameters will help you choose the right mounting solution for the heat flux sensor. Table 1 and the examples at the end of this note will help you review your options.

Always make sure that the cable has a strain relief to avoid unnecessary stress on the sensor.