VA 550

Submersible compressed air flow meter — VA 550

Спецификация VA 550

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Delivery across Russia
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Description

The new VA 550/570 submersible compressed air flow meters use the thermal anemometric measurement principle. Thanks to this, no additional temperature and pressure measurements are required.

Thanks to its reliable design, die-cast aluminum housing, and robust sensor made of stainless steel 1.4571, the submersible compressed air flow meter VA 550 is suitable for demanding industrial applications. The ATEX version of the device can be used in explosive environments. For measuring flow, for example, of natural gas, a flow meter version with DVGW approvals is available.

Unlike the previously used bridge circuit, the new electronics record data digitally. This has increased measurement accuracy and reduced the response time of the compressed air flow meter over a wide temperature range up to 180°C. The range 1…1000 allows measurement at both very low and very high flow velocities (up to 224 m/s).

The VA 550 is equipped with a Modbus interface as a standard output signal, allowing transmission of parameters such as Nm³/h, Nm³, Nm/s, NL/min, NL/s, kg/h, kg/min, ft/min, °C, etc. All parameters can be configured directly (from the display), as well as using the PI 500 handheld device or the Service Software. Additionally, the device naturally has 2 analog 4...20 mA outputs for flow and temperature, as well as a galvanically isolated pulse output for transmitting accumulated flow data.

Remote diagnostics of the device can be performed via Modbus, allowing verification and, if necessary, modification of all significant parameters. For example, if operating conditions change, it is possible to adjust gas type values, internal pipeline diameter, scaling, zero point, or disable leak air accounting.

Advantages

Durable impact-resistant die-cast aluminum housing with IP 67 protection class for outdoor use
All parts in contact with the medium are made of stainless steel 1.4571
Flow meter suitable for pipes from 16.1 to DN 4000
ATEX version ATEX II 2G Ex d IICT4 (up to 120 °C) available on request
DVGW version for natural gas (up to 16 bar) available on request
Operating pressure up to 50 bar, optionally up to 100 bar
Operating temperature up to 180 °C
No moving parts, wear-resistant
Robust sensor that is very easy to clean
Simple installation and removal under pressure
Rotatable housing and display image
Protective ring for installation and removal under pressure
Immersion scale for easy installation

Specifications

Characteristic	Value
Measurement ranges	0.1...92.7 Nm/s, Standard version 0.1...185 Nm/s, Max version 0.1...224 Nm/s, high speed version
Accuracy	± 1.5 % of measured value ± 0.3 % FSD option: ± 1.0 % of measured value ± 0.3 % FSD
Reference accuracy conditions	Ambient temperature 22°C ± 2°C, system pressure 6 bar
Repeatability	0.25 % of measured value with correct installation (sensor position, straight pipeline sections)
Measurement principle	Thermal mass flow sensor, measurement principle based on cooling of the heated PT45 sensor by passing air. Ambient air temperature is measured by PT100 sensor. Additional temperature and pressure compensation is not required
Response time	t90 < 3 s
Operating temperature of probe / display	-40...180 °C for probe -20...70°C for display -20...120°C for ATEX version
Possible settings via display, PI 500 device or Service Software:	Units of measurement (Nm³/h, Nm³/min, Nl/min, l/s, ft/min, cfm, kg/h, kg/min), gas type, internal diameter, reference conditions (°C/°F, mbar/hPa), zero point correction, disabling leak air accounting, scaling of analog output 4...20 mA, pulse output/alarm, error codes, etc.
Output signals	Modbus RTU, 2 x 4...20 mA active/passive for °C and Nm³/h, Modbus TCP, HART Profibus DP, Profi Net, galvanically isolated pulse (pulse value adjustable), relay max. 48 VDC 0.5 A
Load	500 Ohm
3 built-in counters	1 x totalized flow (non-resettable), 1 x totalized flow (resettable), flow counter for a specified time (resettable, value from 1 minute to 1 day, e.g. flow counter for 1/2 hour, for a day, etc.)
Average value calculation	for all parameters over a time interval from 1 minute to 1 day, e.g. average value for 1/2 hour or for 1 day
Protection class	IP 67
Material	Housing: cast aluminum Probe: stainless steel 1.4571, glass
Thread	G 1/2“ ISO 228, available NPT 1/2“, R 1/2“, PT 1/2“
Operating pressure	50 bar; special version: 100 bar (For DVGW versions: max. 16 bar)
Power supply	12...36 VDC, 5 W
Special versions	ATEX II 2G Ex d IIC T4, DVGW

Overall dimensions drawing

Sensor version L (mm) H (mm)

C1 220 441

C2 300 521

C3 400 621

C4 500 721

C5 600 821

C7 160 381

Connection diagram

Terminal	Contact number	Purpose
X1 Power supply	1	VB - (GND)
X1 Power supply	2	VB+ (12V – 36 Vdc)
X2 Modbus	1	Modbus (B)
	2	Modbus shielding
	3	Modbus (A)
X3 Analog output	1	Pulse / alarm signal*
	2	Pulse / alarm signal*
	3	Direction input
	4	GND
X4 Current output 1	1	I- Active*
X4 Current output 1	2	I+ Active*
X5 Current output 2	1	I- Active*
X5 Current output 2	2	I+ Active*

*All analog outputs are galvanically isolated

**Passive analog outputs are also optionally available.

Applications

Specifications
Overall dimensions drawing
Connection diagram
Applications

Characteristic	Value
Measurement ranges	0.1...92.7 Nm/s, Standard version 0.1...185 Nm/s, Max version 0.1...224 Nm/s, high speed version
Accuracy	± 1.5 % of measured value ± 0.3 % FSD option: ± 1.0 % of measured value ± 0.3 % FSD
Reference accuracy conditions	Ambient temperature 22°C ± 2°C, system pressure 6 bar
Repeatability	0.25 % of measured value with correct installation (sensor position, straight pipeline sections)
Measurement principle	Thermal mass flow sensor, measurement principle based on cooling of the heated PT45 sensor by passing air. Ambient air temperature is measured by PT100 sensor. Additional temperature and pressure compensation is not required
Response time	t90 < 3 s
Operating temperature of probe / display	-40...180 °C for probe -20...70°C for display -20...120°C for ATEX version
Possible settings via display, PI 500 device or Service Software:	Units of measurement (Nm³/h, Nm³/min, Nl/min, l/s, ft/min, cfm, kg/h, kg/min), gas type, internal diameter, reference conditions (°C/°F, mbar/hPa), zero point correction, disabling leak air accounting, scaling of analog output 4...20 mA, pulse output/alarm, error codes, etc.
Output signals	Modbus RTU, 2 x 4...20 mA active/passive for °C and Nm³/h, Modbus TCP, HART Profibus DP, Profi Net, galvanically isolated pulse (pulse value adjustable), relay max. 48 VDC 0.5 A
Load	500 Ohm
3 built-in counters	1 x totalized flow (non-resettable), 1 x totalized flow (resettable), flow counter for a specified time (resettable, value from 1 minute to 1 day, e.g. flow counter for 1/2 hour, for a day, etc.)
Average value calculation	for all parameters over a time interval from 1 minute to 1 day, e.g. average value for 1/2 hour or for 1 day
Protection class	IP 67
Material	Housing: cast aluminum Probe: stainless steel 1.4571, glass
Thread	G 1/2“ ISO 228, available NPT 1/2“, R 1/2“, PT 1/2“
Operating pressure	50 bar; special version: 100 bar (For DVGW versions: max. 16 bar)
Power supply	12...36 VDC, 5 W
Special versions	ATEX II 2G Ex d IIC T4, DVGW

Sensor version	L (mm)	H (mm)
C1	220	441
C2	300	521
C3	400	621
C4	500	721
C5	600	821
C7	160	381

Terminal	Contact number	Purpose
X1 Power supply	1	VB - (GND)
X1 Power supply	2	VB+ (12V – 36 Vdc)
X2 Modbus	1	Modbus (B)
	2	Modbus shielding
	3	Modbus (A)
X3 Analog output	1	Pulse / alarm signal*
	2	Pulse / alarm signal*
	3	Direction input
	4	GND
X4 Current output 1	1	I- Active*
X4 Current output 1	2	I+ Active*
X5 Current output 2	1	I- Active*
X5 Current output 2	2	I+ Active*

*All analog outputs are galvanically isolated

**Passive analog outputs are also optionally available.

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Industrial Compressed Air Flow Meter VA 550

In modern production conditions, resource consumption control is not only a way to optimize costs but also a necessary element for sustainable business operation. Compressed air is one of the most costly energy carriers, so an industrial air flow meter is used for accurate consumption accounting and leak detection.

The VA 550 model is a professional immersion flow meter designed specifically for industrial conditions. Unlike ordinary devices, this immersion flow meter is designed to operate in large-diameter pipes, at high temperatures, and in aggressive environments.

If you need to request additional technical documentation for the product or require consultation, contact our specialists.

The device is an industrial sensor operating on the thermoanemometric principle (thermal mass flow measurement method). This solution allows measuring the mass or normal volumetric flow of gas directly, without using external calculators for pressure or temperature compensation. This guarantees stable and accurate data even with sharp fluctuations in air density in the system.

This industrial air flow meter is designed for installation in pipelines with diameters from 3/4˝ to DN 2800. Installation is done through a standard ½’ ball valve, allowing the device to be installed and removed under working pressure without stopping production.

Design and Operation Features

The main difference of the VA 550 from other models is its protection. The housing is made of cast aluminum, and all parts in contact with the medium are made of stainless steel (1.4571).

Protection class IP67: The device is completely dustproof and withstands short-term immersion in water. This allows it to be installed outdoors or in unheated rooms with high humidity.
Operation at high temperatures: The probe withstands up to 180°C, making it possible to use it immediately after the compressor, where the air has not yet cooled.
Explosion-proof design (ATEX): A version is available for operation in areas where there is a risk of ignition or explosion, which is relevant for chemical and gas processing plants.
Rotatable display and housing: The screen can be rotated 180 degrees, which is convenient for installation in hard-to-reach places or on vertical pipe sections.

Along with this device, you may also be interested in the following similar instruments:

Immersion Flow Meter VA 500 for air, gases.
Insertion Flow Meter VA 570 for gases and compressed air.
Thermoanemometric Flow Meters: a wide selection of models for various tasks.

General Information about the Device

Compressed air and gas flow meters of the VA 550 series are designed to monitor consumption on pipelines with diameters from 3/4" to DN 2800. They come with factory calibration and require no setup during commissioning.

The built-in display can show four key parameters:

Current flow rate (m³/h, l/min, etc.).
Total consumption (m³).
Flow velocity (m/s).
Medium temperature (°C).

This allows the operator to assess the system status on-site without connecting to a computer or controller.

Principle of Thermal Mass Flow Measurement

The VA 550 operates based on the calorimetric method. Inside the sensitive element, there are two temperature sensors. One is heated to a certain temperature, and the other measures the temperature of the passing gas. The airflow removes some heat from the heated sensor. The energy required to maintain the temperature difference between the sensors is directly proportional to the mass flow of the gas.

Advantages of this method:

No moving parts that could wear out or clog.
Minimal pressure drop in the pipe (the sensor hardly obstructs the flow).
High sensitivity to low velocities, allowing detection of even minor flow.
Direct measurement of mass flow without external pressure and temperature sensors.

Application Areas

The industrial air flow meter is used in most industries where pneumatic systems and process gases are employed:

Automotive industry: air flow control on paint lines and pneumatic tools.
Food industry: accounting for nitrogen or carbon dioxide consumption during product packaging.
Mechanical engineering: auditing pneumatic systems and detecting hidden leaks.
Energy sector: controlling air supply to boilers and burners.

Technical Properties and Specifications of the Flow Meter

When selecting equipment, specialists need to consider technical parameters. The VA 550 flow meter has the following characteristics:

Parameter	Value
Measured medium	Compressed air, nitrogen, argon, oxygen, hydrogen, helium, etc.
Operating temperature range of the measured medium	from -40 to +180 °C
Maximum pressure	up to 50 bar (optionally up to 100 bar)
Measurement accuracy	±1.5% of the measured value (high-precision version: ±1%)
Output signals	4...20 mA, pulse, Modbus, M-Bus, Profibus, Ethernet, HART
Interfaces (optional)	Profibus DP, Ethernet (Modbus/TCP), HART, M-Bus, Modbus-RTU, Profinet, IO-Link
Probe material	Stainless steel 1.4571

The standard accuracy of the device is ±1.5% of the measured value ±0.3% of the FSO (full scale output), and in the high-precision version — ±1.0% of the measured value ±0.3% of the FSO. With correct installation, the reproducibility of measurement results is at the level of 0.25% of the measured value. The sensor response time is less than 3 seconds.

Why you should buy the VA 550 compressed air flow meter

Monitoring compressed air consumption using a flow meter ensures energy resource control and identification of inefficient system sections. According to statistics, up to 30% of the air produced by compressors is lost due to leaks. The VA 550 allows you to:

Identify the actual compressed air consumption for each section.
Detect leaks during downtime (when equipment is stopped but flow continues).
Optimize the operation of the compressor station, avoiding unnecessary idle starts.
Check the efficiency of filters and dryers by pressure drop and flow changes.

Thanks to support for digital interfaces such as Modbus or Ethernet, the sensor easily integrates into the plant-wide monitoring system. You will be able to view consumption graphs in real time on your computer screen.

Where can you purchase the equipment?

"Izmerkon" company is an official supplier of control and measuring instruments from leading global brands. We offer not only equipment but also comprehensive solutions for automation and control.

By ordering equipment from us, you receive:

Official warranty and service support.
Assistance in selecting the specific equipment modification for your pipe diameters and parameters.
The option to order the device with initial calibration.
Fast delivery throughout Russia and the EAEU countries.

Implementing an accurate air flow meter ensures transparency in energy resource accounting in production. VA 550 flow meters allow reliable measurement of compressed air consumption and identification of losses. Want to know which VA 550 modification suits your task? Submit a request on the website or call us for detailed technical support of your project.