Retrotec Flow Finder MK 2 - Manual (Page 4)

Page 4 of 17
M:\PDF\Source\Manual-FlowFinder mk2\Manual-FlowFinder mk2.docx © Retrotec Inc. 2014
1. Introduction
The FlowFinder mk2® is the successor of the well-known FlowFinder 153, which became the gold
standard in Europe for air flow measurements to balance mechanical air supply and exhaust systems.
The new FlowFinder is fully zero pressure compensated in the range 6 to 323 CFM (10 to 550 m m
3 /h)
and has a calculated compensation for its resistance up to 500 CFM (850 m 3 /h).
The FlowFinder is the new standard for air-balancing. Extensive research and development in the ACIN
labs over 6 years has resulted in a unique Zero pressure compensating flow measuring device that
utilises a controlled integrated fan to compensate for the resistance caused by the device itself. It also
uses an extremely sensitive zero sensing device that is much less affected by noise than typical pressure
sensors. It solves another difficult problem which is measuring supply flows where high speed jets and
turbulence will produce very large errors (up to 40% is not uncommon). Other velocity sensitive flow
hoods will read extremely high where the turbulent vortexes will make the sensor see a lot more flow
than is actually there. The Flow Finder solves this problem by separating zero sensing from flow
measurement. Finally, the Flow Finder body has been reduced in size to make it extremely easy to access
tight spaces and reduced in weight to make it comfortable to use for multiple tests.
Research has proven that the Zero Pressure Compensation method is the most accurate way of
measuring the airflow of supply and exhaust registers of various shapes and sizes. The FlowFinder allows
a user to balance and commission mechanical ventilation air supply and exhausts with a degree of
accuracy, unheard of in the testing and balancing industry. Even registers with low pressure drops, such
as suspended ceiling grilles, can be measured accurately.
Features
1. Wide range or 6 to 500 CFM (10 to 850 m 3 /h), supply or exhaust
2. Light and ergonomic
3. 10 second measurements
4. 12 hours operation on one battery charge at flows 45 CFM (75m
3 /h)
5. High accuracy, stability and repeatability
Applications
1. Ventilation systems
2. Small flow rates
3. HRV and ERVs
4. Natural ventilation through doorways or passive vents
5. Line and large diffusers (with optional hoods or by adding measurements)