The FLOWSIC200 is used for the contact-free and accurate measurement of flow velocity and flow direction inside tunnels or exhaust ventilation ducts. Ultrasonic technology provides the cross-sectional mean average value of the flow velocity. This device is used for measurement necessary for optimal ventilation control and reducing running costs to a minimum when air flow is dictated by climatic conditions or by traffic.
In case of fires in tunnels the accurate, reliable and representative measurement of air velocity and direction across the tunnel is mandatory. This is the only way to check reliably the smoke propagation and to achieve the necessary information for optimal control of the ventilation system.
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Air flow velocity monitoring in road and rail tunnels is a key component of ventilation technology in tunnel systems. Measurement of the air flow is subject to strict requirements. The measuring technology used must reliably and accurately measure the flow in the tunnel cross section, even when there is varying traffic volume. In order to avoid traffic interruptions, maintenance work on the measuring device must be kept to a minimum.
Measuring conditions completely change in the event of a fire in the tunnel. A large amount of thick smoke can develop in a short time. The gas composition changes significantly. The temperature increases very quickly at the site of the fire. The overall thermodynamic situation leads to a considerable change in the flow dynamics at the fire source. The FLOWSIC200 also works reliably under these extreme conditions - transmission of the acoustic signal is ensured at all times due to the integrated automatic signal amplification.
The FLOWSIC200 consists of the ultrasonic sensors and the MCU control unit. SICK offers the device in 3 versions for tunnel widths of up to 35 m. Thanks to rugged stainless steel or aluminum die-cast components, the FLOWSIC200 has a clear advantage in the event of a fire compared to conventional measuring technology made from plastic.
The MCU control unit is used to input and output signals and permits simple connection of the FLOWSIC200 to higher-level distributed control systems. Different interfaces are available for this which can be optionally expanded if necessary. An periodic control cycle checks the device function completely automatically, while the integrated self-diagnosis continuously monitors all important function parameters.
