KANOMAX KA26/KA36 Portable Thermal Anemometer
| Brand | KANOMAX |
|---|---|
| Origin | Japan |
| Instrument Type | Thermal Anemometer |
| Measurement Range | 0.00–50.0 m/s |
| Resolution | 0.01 m/s (0.00–9.99 m/s), 0.1 m/s (10.0–50.0 m/s) |
| Accuracy | ±3% of reading or ±0.015 m/s, whichever is greater |
| Temperature Range | −20.0–100.0 °C |
| Temperature Accuracy | ±0.3 °C (0.0–60.0 °C), ±0.5 °C (−20.0–0.0 °C and 60.0–100.0 °C) |
| Pressure Range | −5.00 to +5.00 kPa |
| Pressure Accuracy | ±0.1 kPa |
| Response Time | ~1 s (air velocity & pressure), ~30 s (temperature) |
| Display | 3.5-inch resistive touchscreen |
| Data Storage | 5,000 records |
| Communication | Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C |
| Battery Life | ~10 hours (typical operation at 5 m/s, 20 °C) |
| Operating Environment (Body) | 5–40 °C |
| (Probe) | −20–100 °C |
| Storage Temperature | −30–60 °C |
| Weight | ~600 g |
| Dimensions (Body) | 160 × 80 × 32 mm |
Overview
The KANOMAX KA26/KA36 Portable Thermal Anemometer is an engineered solution for precise, field-deployable air velocity, temperature, and differential pressure measurement in HVAC commissioning, indoor air quality (IAQ) assessment, cleanroom validation, and industrial ventilation auditing. Based on constant-temperature anemometry (CTA), the instrument maintains a heated sensor element at a fixed temperature above ambient; convective heat loss—directly proportional to mass airflow velocity—is measured and converted into calibrated airspeed values. Unlike cup or vane anemometers, thermal sensors offer near-instantaneous response (<1 s), directional insensitivity, and high resolution down to 0.01 m/s in low-flow regimes—critical for laminar flow verification in ISO Class 5–8 cleanrooms and duct traverse compliance per ASHRAE Standard 111 and ISO 16813.
Key Features
- Tri-parameter simultaneous measurement: air velocity (0.00–50.0 m/s), temperature (−20.0–100.0 °C), and differential pressure (±5.00 kPa) with independent calibration traceability.
- 3.5-inch resistive touchscreen interface supporting dual-view display: numeric readouts paired with real-time analog bar graphs for dynamic trend visualization during duct traverses or fume hood face velocity mapping.
- Bluetooth 5.0 wireless probe-to-body communication eliminates cable constraints—enabling unobstructed measurements in high-bay facilities, ceiling plenums, or deep ductwork without signal degradation or mechanical coupling artifacts.
- Interchangeable, articulating probe assembly with integrated telescoping rod (extendable to 1240 mm); no external fixtures required for remote sampling—ideal for ISO 14644-3 compliant cleanroom airflow uniformity testing.
- On-device statistical analysis: automatic calculation and logging of min/max/mean values over user-defined intervals; data hold function for stable recording during manual spot checks.
- Configurable alarm thresholds with visual highlight and audible alert upon parameter excursion—supporting GLP-aligned documentation workflows during HVAC system qualification (IQ/OQ).
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The KA26/KA36 is validated for use with clean, dry air—making it suitable for non-corrosive, particle-free environments typical of pharmaceutical manufacturing suites, semiconductor fab tool exhausts, and laboratory biosafety cabinets. Its probe design conforms to ISO 7726 ergonomic guidelines for handheld instrumentation and meets IEC 61000-6-3 (EMC emission) and IEC 61000-6-2 (immunity) requirements. While not intrinsically safe, the unit complies with CE marking directives for portable measuring instruments used in non-hazardous locations. Calibration certificates are issued per ISO/IEC 17025-accredited procedures, with optional NIST-traceable documentation available for regulated industries operating under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 or EU Annex 1 requirements.
Software & Data Management
Data export is supported via USB-C connection to PC-based KANOMAX DataViewer software (Windows-compatible), enabling CSV/Excel export, time-stamped report generation, and graphical overlay of multi-parameter trends. Bluetooth pairing enables live streaming to mobile devices running the official KANOMAX FieldLink app—facilitating real-time collaboration during joint commissioning audits. All stored records include timestamp, probe ID, measurement mode, and environmental context flags. Audit trail functionality logs user-initiated configuration changes (e.g., alarm limits, averaging duration), satisfying basic ALCOA+ principles for data integrity in GxP environments.
Applications
- HVAC system balancing and TAB (Testing, Adjusting, Balancing) per SMACNA and NEBB standards.
- Cleanroom airflow velocity mapping and uniformity verification (ISO 14644-3, EU GMP Annex 1).
- Fume hood face velocity surveys and containment performance evaluation (ANSI/AIHA Z9.5).
- Industrial exhaust stack monitoring and ventilation rate validation (OSHA 1910.142, ASHRAE 62.1).
- Research-grade boundary layer studies in aerodynamic test chambers and wind tunnel calibration.
- Energy audit support for ASHRAE Level I–II assessments and LEED EQ credit documentation.
FAQ
Is the KA26/KA36 suitable for measuring airflow in humid or dusty environments?
The instrument is designed for clean, dry air. Exposure to condensation, oil mist, or particulate-laden airstreams may contaminate the thermal sensor and degrade accuracy. Use only in environments meeting ISO 8573-1 Class 4 or better for solid particles and dew point ≤ −20 °C.
Can the device perform automated duct traverse calculations?
No built-in traverse algorithm is included; however, the 5,000-point memory and timestamped export enable post-processing in Excel or dedicated TAB software (e.g., TABBERT, AirPro) using standard log-Tchebycheff or equal-area methods.
What is the recalibration interval recommendation?
KANOMAX recommends annual recalibration against NIST-traceable standards—or after any physical impact, exposure to extreme temperatures (>100 °C), or suspected sensor contamination.
Does the KA36 model include additional capabilities beyond the KA26?
Yes: the KA36 includes a dedicated pressure port with integrated silicone tubing (1.5 m), enabling direct static/dynamic pressure differential measurement—essential for fan curve analysis and filter pressure drop monitoring.
Is firmware update support available for long-term deployment?
Firmware updates are distributed via KANOMAX’s official support portal and require USB-C connection; version history and release notes are published with ISO/IEC 17025-aligned change control documentation.
