TSI 8380 Digital Flow Hood
| Brand | TSI |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Model | 8380 |
| Airflow Range | 42–4250 m³/hr |
| Accuracy | ±3% of reading or ±12 m³/hr (for airflow >85 m³/hr) |
| Resolution | 1 m³/hr |
| Velocity Range (Pitot Tube) | 0.125–78 m/s |
| Pressure Differential | ±3735 Pa (max 37.5 kPa) |
| Relative Humidity Range | 5–95% RH |
| Temperature Range | –10–60 °C |
| Data Storage Capacity | 26,500 timestamped samples |
| Interface | USB, Bluetooth |
| Compliance | GB 50591-2010, GB/T 36066-2018, GB/T 50243-2016, CJJ/T 309-2013, YY 0569-2011 |
Overview
The TSI 8380 Digital Flow Hood is a precision-engineered, handheld volumetric airflow measurement instrument designed for HVAC commissioning, cleanroom certification, and environmental system validation. Based on the principle of integrated velocity-area integration with real-time differential pressure compensation, the device measures volumetric airflow (m³/hr) directly at supply and return air outlets—including diffusers, grilles, registers, and VAV boxes—without requiring complex duct traverses or external calculations. Its core architecture incorporates a calibrated flow hood frame, an internal multi-point velocity sensor array, and a detachable digital micromanometer with automatic density correction and backpressure compensation algorithms. This ensures high reproducibility across variable ambient conditions, including fluctuating temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure—critical for GLP-compliant cleanroom qualification per ISO 14644-3 and FDA Annex 1 requirements.
Key Features
- Ultra-lightweight ergonomic design (3.4 kg) enabling single-operator use without fatigue during extended field surveys
- Automatic inlet/exhaust mode detection with real-time directional airflow indication
- Integrated backpressure compensation to correct for static pressure effects inherent in hood-based measurements
- Modular hood sizes (standard and optional kits) accommodating diverse outlet geometries—from 150 × 150 mm to 1200 × 1200 mm
- Detachable digital micromanometer supporting simultaneous display of up to five parameters: differential pressure, velocity, volumetric flow, temperature, and relative humidity
- Auto-zeroing pressure transducers and NIST-traceable calibration certificate included as standard
- Graphical backlit LCD with intuitive menu navigation and multilingual UI support (English, Spanish, French, Chinese)
- Onboard data logging with 26,500 timestamped samples and user-defined sampling intervals
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The TSI 8380 is validated for use with standard HVAC terminal devices compliant with ASHRAE Guideline 12-2020 and ISO 16813:2021. It supports direct measurement of laminar and turbulent flows from low-velocity diffusers (10 m/s), provided the hood seal is maintained. The instrument meets metrological requirements referenced in GB 50591-2010 (Cleanroom Construction and Acceptance), YY 0569-2011 (Class II Biosafety Cabinets), and CJJ/T 309-2013 (HVAC System Performance Testing). All firmware and data handling routines are structured to support audit-ready documentation per 21 CFR Part 11 when used with TSI’s TrakPro™ Lite software and enabled electronic signatures.
Software & Data Management
Data acquisition and post-processing are managed via TrakPro™ Lite v5.0 (included), a Windows-based application compatible with Windows 10/11. The software enables export to CSV, PDF, and Excel formats; generates automated test reports aligned with ISO 14644-3 Annex B templates; and maintains full audit trails for all calibration events, user actions, and data modifications. Bluetooth wireless connectivity allows remote monitoring and live data streaming to tablets or laptops during balancing procedures. USB interface supports direct firmware updates and secure data transfer without network dependency. Optional TrakPro™ Cloud services provide centralized fleet management for multi-site facilities operating under GMP or ISO 9001 quality systems.
Applications
- HVAC system commissioning and TAB (Testing, Adjusting, Balancing) per ASHRAE Standard 111
- Cleanroom and controlled environment certification (ISO 14644-1/2/3, EU GMP Annex 1)
- Biosafety cabinet performance verification (NSF/ANSI 49, YY 0569-2011)
- Room air change rate validation in pharmaceutical manufacturing and hospital isolation rooms
- Fault isolation in underperforming VAV terminals or damper actuation anomalies
- Energy audit pre- and post-retrofit airflow baseline establishment
FAQ
Does the TSI 8380 require annual recalibration?
Yes. TSI recommends annual NIST-traceable recalibration to maintain measurement integrity, especially when used in regulated environments subject to FDA, EMA, or NMPA audits.
Can the 8380 measure airflow in exhaust hoods or fume cabinets?
Yes—when equipped with the optional BSC hood kit and configured for negative-pressure mode, it complies with EN 14175-3 and ANSI Z9.5 for laboratory fume hood face velocity and total exhaust verification.
Is the built-in pressure sensor suitable for duct static pressure profiling?
The differential pressure channel supports ±3735 Pa range with 0.025 Pa resolution, making it appropriate for low-velocity duct static pressure mapping—but not for high-static applications exceeding 37.5 kPa.
How does the Log-Tchebycheff grid algorithm improve accuracy?
It applies ISO 3966-compliant traverse point weighting to velocity profiles measured by optional 16-point matrix probes, minimizing bias from non-uniform flow distributions near diffuser edges or obstructions.
What battery life can be expected during continuous operation?
With four AA NiMH rechargeable batteries, typical runtime exceeds 8 hours at 1 Hz sampling; AC adapter support enables unlimited benchtop use.
