Kanomax KA23/KA33 Hot-Wire Anemometer

Overview

The Kanomax KA23 and KA33 are precision hot-wire anemometers engineered for reliable, real-time measurement of air velocity, temperature, and differential pressure in laboratory, HVAC, cleanroom, and industrial process environments. Based on constant-temperature anemometry (CTA), these instruments employ a thermally sensitive platinum-coated wire sensor whose heat dissipation correlates directly with local airflow velocity—enabling high-sensitivity detection across a broad dynamic range (0.01–50.0 m/s). Unlike cup or vane anemometers, the hot-wire principle delivers rapid response times (<100 ms), minimal flow disturbance, and excellent low-velocity resolution—critical for laminar flow verification, duct balancing, fume hood validation, and ISO 14644-3 compliance testing. Both models operate under ambient conditions ranging from −20 °C to +100 °C and relative humidity levels between 2.0% and 98.0% RH, with built-in temperature compensation circuitry ensuring stable calibration performance across variable thermal environments.

Key Features

• Simultaneous measurement of air velocity, temperature, and differential pressure in a single handheld unit
• Dual-display interface: digital numeric readout paired with analog bar-graph visualization for intuitive trend monitoring
• Three-level adjustable backlight for enhanced readability in low-light or high-glare conditions
• User-configurable upper/lower alarm thresholds for pass/fail wind-speed qualification in QA/QC workflows
• Interchangeable probe design—standard straight and retractable telescopic probes (Φ15 mm max diameter, 140–235 mm extension) maintain traceable accuracy without recalibration
• Onboard statistical functions: real-time calculation and display of maximum, minimum, and average velocity over user-defined sampling intervals
• Rugged, ergonomic housing (157 × 42 × 80 mm) with IP54-rated ingress protection against dust and splashing water
• Power flexibility: operation via four AA alkaline cells (typical runtime >20 h) or optional 5 V / 2 A AC adapter for continuous benchtop use

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The KA23/KA33 is validated for use with clean, non-corrosive, non-particulate-laden air at standard atmospheric pressure (±5.00 kPa differential range). It is not intended for use in explosive atmospheres, saturated steam, or aggressive chemical vapors. The instrument complies with IEC 61000-4 electromagnetic compatibility standards and meets JIS B 7554 (Japanese Industrial Standard for anemometers) for metrological performance. While not certified to ISO/IEC 17025 as a standalone calibration system, its factory calibration is traceable to NMIJ (National Metrology Institute of Japan) standards. Data logging outputs support GLP-compliant documentation when integrated with external timestamped acquisition systems.

Software & Data Management

Although the KA23/KA33 does not include embedded Bluetooth or USB host functionality, it supports analog output (0–1 V or 0–5 V) for connection to programmable logic controllers (PLCs), data loggers, or SCADA platforms. Optional PC interface cables (sold separately) enable serial communication (RS-232) for periodic data export in CSV format. All internal measurements—including timestamps (when externally synchronized), min/max/avg values, and alarm status—are retained in volatile memory during active operation. For regulated environments requiring audit trails, integration with validated third-party software (e.g., LabVIEW or custom Python-based acquisition tools) facilitates 21 CFR Part 11–compliant electronic records when paired with appropriate user access controls and electronic signatures.

Applications

• HVAC system commissioning and TAB (Testing, Adjusting, Balancing) per ASHRAE Guideline 1
• Cleanroom airflow uniformity and velocity mapping per ISO 14644-3 Annex B
• Fume hood face velocity verification per ANSI/ASHRAE 110 and EN 14175
• Biological safety cabinet inflow/exhaust velocity checks per NSF/ANSI 49
• Industrial drying tunnel and oven air distribution profiling
• Environmental chamber airflow characterization in pharmaceutical stability testing
• Educational fluid dynamics labs requiring portable, repeatable velocity sensing

FAQ

What is the difference between the KA23 and KA33 models?
The KA23 is configured for basic velocity and temperature measurement; the KA33 adds integrated differential pressure sensing (±5.00 kPa) and enhanced data logging capability.
Can the probe be calibrated independently of the main unit?
Yes—each probe carries its own calibration coefficient stored in EEPROM, enabling plug-and-play interchangeability without loss of accuracy.
Is this instrument suitable for outdoor meteorological use?
No. It is designed for controlled indoor or semi-sheltered environments; unfiltered ambient particulates, rain, or direct solar exposure may compromise sensor longevity and measurement fidelity.
Does the device meet FDA or EU GMP requirements for environmental monitoring?
While not pre-certified for GMP, its metrological traceability, stability, and repeatability support qualification within GxP frameworks when incorporated into a documented IQ/OQ/PQ protocol.
How often should field verification be performed?
Kanomax recommends zero-point and span verification using a NIST-traceable reference anemometer at least daily before critical measurements or after mechanical shock or thermal cycling.