Kanomax KA26/KA36 Thermal Anemometer
| Brand | Kanomax |
|---|---|
| Origin | Japan |
| Model | KA26 / KA36 |
| Instrument Type | Thermal Anemometer |
| Velocity Range | 0.00–50.0 m/s |
| Velocity Resolution | 0.01 m/s (0.00–9.99 m/s), 0.1 m/s (10.0–50.0 m/s) |
| Temperature Range | −20.0–100.0 °C |
| Temperature Resolution | 0.1 °C |
| Pressure Range | −5.00–+5.00 kPa |
| Pressure Resolution | 0.01 kPa |
| Velocity Accuracy | ±3% of reading or ±0.015 m/s, whichever is greater |
| Temperature Accuracy | ±0.3 °C (−20.0–0.00 °C and 60.0–100.0 °C: ±0.5 °C) |
| Pressure Accuracy | ±0.1 kPa |
| Response Time | Velocity ≈1 s, Temperature ≈30 s, Pressure ≈1 s |
| Display | 3.5-inch resistive touchscreen |
| Data Storage | 5,000 records |
| Communication | Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C |
| Battery Life | Approx. 10 hours (at 5 m/s, 20 °C) |
| Operating Environment (Body) | 5–40 °C |
| Operating Environment (Probe) | −20–100 °C |
| Storage Temperature | −30–60 °C |
| Weight | ~600 g |
| Probe Extendable Length | Up to 1240 mm |
| Probe Diameter | Φ10 mm (sensor), Handheld section: 260–330 mm |
| Dimensions (Body) | 160 × 80 × 32 mm |
Overview
The Kanomax KA26/KA36 Thermal Anemometer is a precision-engineered handheld instrument designed for simultaneous measurement of air velocity, temperature, and differential pressure in industrial, HVAC, cleanroom, and indoor air quality (IAQ) applications. Based on constant-temperature anemometry (CTA), the device employs a thermally sensitive probe element whose heat dissipation correlates directly with local airflow velocity—enabling high-fidelity, real-time monitoring without mechanical moving parts. Its dual-range resolution (0.01 m/s below 10 m/s; 0.1 m/s above) ensures granular sensitivity at low velocities while maintaining robustness across turbulent or high-flow environments up to 50.0 m/s. The integrated pressure sensor supports bidirectional differential pressure assessment (±5.00 kPa), critical for duct static pressure verification, filter resistance evaluation, and room pressurization validation per ISO 14644-3 and ASHRAE Standard 110.
Key Features
- Simultaneous three-parameter acquisition: air velocity, ambient temperature, and differential pressure—captured and displayed in real time.
- 3.5-inch resistive touchscreen interface with dual-view mode: numeric readouts paired with analog bar graphs for intuitive trend visualization and dynamic change assessment.
- Bluetooth 5.0 wireless communication eliminates cable constraints, enabling remote probe placement up to 1240 mm via extendable, bendable probe assembly—ideal for ductwork, ceiling diffusers, and hard-to-reach ventilation points.
- Configurable alarm thresholds with visual highlight and audible alert upon parameter deviation—supporting pass/fail verification workflows aligned with ISO 16813 and EN 13779 compliance protocols.
- On-device statistical processing: automatic calculation and display of minimum, maximum, and arithmetic mean values over user-defined sampling intervals.
- Integrated data hold function with timestamped logging (5,000 records), USB-C connectivity for firmware updates and bulk export, and battery-level, signal-strength, and connection-status indicators.
- Ergonomic design with foldable desktop stand and detachable chest strap; compact body (160 × 80 × 32 mm) and lightweight construction (~600 g) ensure extended field usability.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The KA26/KA36 is calibrated for use in clean, dry air environments—making it suitable for laminar flow hoods, pharmaceutical cleanrooms (ISO Class 5–8), HVAC commissioning, and laboratory fume hood performance testing. It meets general requirements for portable thermal anemometers under IEC 61000-4 (EMC immunity) and complies with RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU. While not certified for intrinsically safe or hazardous-area operation, its probe operating range (−20–100 °C) and body rating (5–40 °C) support deployment in typical commercial and light-industrial settings. For regulatory traceability, calibration certificates are available upon request and conform to ISO/IEC 17025-accredited practices when performed by authorized Kanomax service centers.
Software & Data Management
Data collection and post-processing are supported via Kanomax’s proprietary PC software (compatible with Windows 10/11), which enables CSV export, time-series graphing, and report generation—including customizable headers, unit selection, and annotation fields. All stored measurements retain timestamps and environmental context (velocity + temp + pressure). The instrument implements secure local storage with no cloud dependency, preserving data integrity for GLP-compliant documentation. Audit trail functionality is not embedded in the device firmware; however, exported datasets include metadata sufficient for 21 CFR Part 11-aligned recordkeeping when managed within validated laboratory information management systems (LIMS).
Applications
- HVAC system balancing and commissioning per ASHRAE Guideline 1 and ISO 11855-5.
- Cleanroom airflow uniformity and velocity mapping in accordance with ISO 14644-3 Annex B.
- Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) surveys including thermal comfort assessment (PMV/PPD estimation), ventilation rate verification (via tracer gas or airflow methods), and draft risk analysis.
- Pharmaceutical facility environmental monitoring (e.g., ISO 5 buffer zones, filling line airflow studies).
- Industrial exhaust and intake duct characterization, including filter pressure drop tracking and fan performance validation.
- Educational laboratories for fluid mechanics instruction and experimental aerodynamics validation.
FAQ
What is the difference between the KA26 and KA36 models?
The KA36 includes a 1.5-meter pressure test hose and dedicated pressure port hardware for differential pressure measurement; the KA26 does not include pressure accessories and is configured for velocity and temperature only.
Can the probe be used in humid or condensing environments?
The probe is rated for operation up to 100 °C but is not sealed against moisture ingress. Prolonged exposure to condensation or high-humidity airstreams (>85% RH) may affect long-term sensor stability and is not recommended without protective filtration.
Is NIST-traceable calibration available?
Yes—Kanomax offers factory calibration services with NIST-traceable certificates issued by A2LA-accredited laboratories. Calibration intervals are recommended annually or after impact or extreme environmental exposure.
Does the device support external data logging via analog output?
No—the KA26/KA36 lacks analog voltage or current output ports. Data transfer is exclusively via Bluetooth or USB-C digital interface.
How is probe interchangeability implemented?
All KA26/KA36 probes share identical electrical and mechanical interfaces. Replacement or specialized probes (e.g., high-temp variants) can be swapped without recalibration, provided they carry the same Kanomax probe ID and firmware revision compatibility.
