Insertion Gas and Compressed Air Flow Meter with Digital Interface VA 520
From an energy consumption perspective, compressed air is one of the most expensive resources in an enterprise. Without accurate accounting, leaks and inefficient use lead to overconsumption of electricity for compressor equipment operation — often by 30–40%. The VA 520 gas flow meter series provides reliable consumption measurement and helps identify real sources of losses.
If you need to request additional technical documentation for the product or require consultation, contact our specialists.
Features of the VA 520 Flow Meter
The VA 520 model is an insertion flow meter supplied with a built-in measuring section. Unlike immersion flow meters, this device is delivered as a ready-made unit. The sensor is mounted inside the measuring section and factory calibrated, ensuring fixed centering relative to the flow and high accuracy.
The device has several design advantages:
- Digital processing: [Note: Quite a questionable advantage] The VA 520 uses digital signal processing, which ensures a high response speed to flow changes.
- Built-in measuring section: Each device is supplied with the corresponding pipe section. This minimizes the risk of installation errors.
- Connection versatility: Available options include threaded connections (from 1/4˝ to 2˝) as well as flanged versions for integration into any lines.
- Rotatable display: The screen can be rotated 180°, which is convenient when installing the device in hard-to-reach places or on vertical sections.
Along with this device, the following similar instruments may be of interest:
- Immersion Flow Meter VA 500 for pipes up to DN 1000.
- Immersion Flow Meter VA 550 for pipes up to DN 4000.
- Compact Insertion Flow Meter VA 525 with built-in flow straightener.
General Information
When choosing an industrial gas flow meter, it is important to look beyond current needs and consider how the device will fit into the enterprise management system. The VA 520 is equipped with a Modbus RTU digital interface in the basic version, allowing direct transmission of flow and velocity data.
The device is designed for a wide range of media. For example, the following technical gases:
- Nitrogen (N2): Ideal for controlling fire suppression and packaging systems.
- Carbon Dioxide (CO2): Widely used in the food industry.
- Argon (Ar): Essential for welding work to save expensive gas.
- Oxygen (O2): Used in medicine and metallurgy (requires special sensor cleaning from grease).
Operating Principle of the VA 520 Insertion Flow Meter
The VA series flow meters for compressed air and gases are based on the thermal anemometric principle — measuring thermal mass flow. Two sensors are located in the gas flow: one measures the current medium temperature, and the other is kept heated to a certain degree above the gas temperature.
The passing flow cools the heated element. The amount of electrical energy required to maintain the temperature difference is directly proportional to the mass of the passing gas.
Key advantage: The device immediately outputs volumetric flow normalized to standard conditions. This eliminates the need to install additional pressure and temperature sensors, as well as flow computers.
Application of the Insertion Flow Meter in Industry
Leak Detection
Leaks are one of the most common problems in pneumatic systems. Thanks to high sensitivity in the low range, the VA 520 can detect air movement even when the equipment is stopped. When the production line is stopped, air flow continues to be recorded, which is a clear sign of leaks that need to be eliminated.
Cost Allocation
In large productions, compressed air may be generated by one station for several zones. Installing individual metering devices allows monitoring air consumption by each department. This serves as a basis for transparent allocation of electricity costs and encourages rational resource use.
Process Control
In the chemical and food industries, stable gas supply directly affects the quality of the finished product. Thanks to high responsiveness, the VA 520 transmits data in real time to the automation system, allowing it to promptly adjust valve positions when flow changes occur. This ensures maintaining the technological process within specified parameters.
Technical Specifications
Description of technical specifications:
| Parameter | Value / Description |
|---|---|
| Units of measurement | m³/h, m³/min, l/min, l/s, ft/min, cfm, m/s, kg/h, kg/min, g/s, etc. |
| Measurement principle | Thermoanemometric (thermal mass) |
| Accuracy (standard) | ±1.5% of measured value ±0.3% F.S. |
| Accuracy (option) | ±1.0% of measured value ±0.3% F.S. |
| Operating temperature | from -30 °C to +80 °C |
| Maximum pressure | up to 16 bar (optionally up to 40 bar) |
| Digital output | RS 485 interface, Modbus RTU |
| Analog output | 4...20 mA |
| Pulse output | 1 pulse per m³ or per liter (galvanically isolated) |
| Housing material | Polycarbonate |
| Measuring section material | Stainless steel 1.4301 (optionally 1.4404) |
| Available diameters | from DN 8 to DN 50 (threaded); from DN 15 to DN 80 (flanged) |
Where to buy a compressed air flow meter?
When purchasing a compressed air flow meter, contact official representatives: they provide reliable supply and full service.
The company «Izmerkon» offers:
- Metrological verification: Devices are included in the State Register of Measuring Instruments and can be verified.
- Technical consulting: Our specialists will help select the most suitable flow meter modification depending on your task parameters.
- Warranty: We provide support at all stages of operation and warranty service.
Investments in accurate accounting pay off through process transparency and detection of hidden resource losses. Implementing VA 520 is a transition from assumptions to precise data, based on which informed management decisions can be made.
Contact us today to clarify the current price and receive a questionnaire for equipment selection. We will help you purchase a solution that ensures impeccable accounting accuracy at your enterprise.


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