PARAGON

PCI CONTROLS
INCORPORATED
Technical Data Sheet

FE-1500-FX
DUCT
MOUNTED
AIRFLOW
MEASURMENT
STATION

DESCRIPTION Features
ƒ Low signal-to-noise ratio
The FE-1500-FX airflow measurement station consists of single or ƒ Multiple total and static pressure sensing
multiple airflow elements, factory mounted and pre-piped in a ports along the length of the element
casing designed for flanged connection to the ductwork. The ƒ Factory mounted and pre-piped in a flanged
station also incorporates an airflow straightening section using duct section (casing)
honeycomb having a ½ inch opening by 3 inch depth. Standard ƒ Honeycomb airflow straightening section
materials consist of a G90 galvanized casing, 6063-T5 anodized ƒ ±2% accuracy throughout the velocity rages
of 100 fpm and over
aluminum flow sensors, and 3003 aluminum airflow straightner. ƒ Standard construction includes a galvanized
casing, 6063-T5 anodized aluminum flow
The FE-1500-FX airflow measurement station has been developed sensors, and 3003 aluminum airflow
for use in duct systems having a highly turbulent condition at the straightner
point of measurement. The airflow averaging element, utilized in ƒ Available in optional corrosive or high
temperature resistance materials including
the FE-1500-FX, is a head type device, which generates a Type 304L and 316L stainless steel,
differential (velocity) pressure signal similar to the orifice, venture, Hastelloy C-22, Type 1 PVC, and phenolic
and other head producing primary elements. The FE-1500-FX is and polyurethane enamel coatings
constructed so that strategically located sensing ports (based on ƒ Standard airflow stations can be operated
(in air) continuously in temperatures up to
duct size) continually sample the total and static pressures, when 350oF or intermittently in temperatures up
inserted normal to flow. The total pressures sensed by the upstream to 400oF
ports are continually averaged within the element in an isolated ƒ All airflow stations can be operated in
chamber. The static sensing ports (located where the influence of humidity ranges of 0 to 100%
ƒ Standard airflow stations have good salt air
the velocity head is zero) are averaged in a second isolation resistance and are suitable for most HVAC
chamber. Multiple elements are manifolded together for connection applications
to a differential measurement device (gauge, transmitter, etc.) for
flow measurement and indication purposes.
 PARAGON
PCI CONTROLS
INCORPORATED

FE-1500-FX Technical Specifications

1. Accuracy 5. Humidity
Within 2% of actual flow when installed in accordance All Airflow Stations
with published recommendations 0 to 100% non condensing
2. Operating Velocity Range 6. Corrosion Resistance
100 to 10,000 fpm Galvanized Casings
Widely used for most air handling systems; not
3. Material recommended for corrosive atmospheres
Elements Aluminum Elements and Air Straightner
6063-T5 anodized aluminum (standard) Good salt, air, and mild acid gas resistance;
Type 316L stainless steel (optional) excellent solvent and aromatic hydrocarbon
Hastelloy C22 (optional) resistance
Type 1 PVC (optional) Stainless Steel Elements, Casings and
Casings Air Straightner
16 ga G90 galvanized steel (standard) Good for sulfates, phosphates and other salts, as
Type 304L stainless steel (optional) well as reducing acids such as sulphurous and
Type 316L stainless steel (optional) phosphoric
Hastelloy C22 (optional) Hastelloy Elements and Casings
Coatings Excellent resistance to strong oxidizers such as
Heresite VRL 500 phenolic coating ferric and cupric chlorides, chlorine, formic and
Imron 333 polyurethane enamel acetic acids, acetic anhydride, and salts.
Air Straightner PVC Elements
3003 aluminum (standard) Excellent acid and alkalis resistance
Type 304L stainless steel, bonded (optional) Heresite Phenolic Coating
Type 316L stainless steel, welded (optional) Excellent resistance to acids and salt air. Good
Note resistance to alkalis and solvent.
Other corrosive resistant materials are available. Consult factory for Imron Polyurethane Enamel
further information. Excellent resistance to acids, alkalis, salts,
4. Temperature weather, and humidity. Very good resistance to
Galvanized Casing , Aluminum Elements, and solvents.
Aluminum Air Straightner 7. Instrument Connections
350oF continuous operation and 400oF intermittent operation (in air) Aluminum Elements
Stainless Steel Elements and Casing ¼” compression, suitable for use with
Type 304L-900°F continuous or intermittent operation (in air) thermoplastic or copper tubing; thermoplastic
Type 316L-1600°F continuous or intermittent operation (in air) tubing requires the use of tubing inserts, which are
Stainless Steel Air Straightner supplied with the fittings
Type 304L-350oF continuous operation and 400oF intermittent Stainless Steel and Hastelloy Elements
operation (in air) 1/8-27 Female NPT
Type 316L-800°F continuous or intermittent operation (in air) PVC Elements
Hastelloy Casings and Elements Elements 1/8-27 Female NPT
900°F continuous or intermittent operation (in air)
PVC Elements
120oF continuous operation and 170oF intermittent operation (in air)
Heresite Phenolic Coating
150oF continuous operation and 3200oF intermittent operation (in air)
Imron Polyurethane Enamel
200oF continuous operation and 300oF intermittent operation (in air)
Note
Corrosive resistant element maximum operating temperatures vary
greatly with the concentration of the media in the process stream.
Consult factory for further information.

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 PARAGON
PCI CONTROLS
INCORPORATED

FE-1500-FX Casing Construction

Circular Stations
Standard circular airflow measuring stations include a 16 gage galvanized casing with attached 90° connecting flanges as
listed below:

Circular Flange Dimensions

Casing
Station Flange Flange Length
Size Thickness Size “L”
6” – 15” 0.064” 1” 8”
16” – 44” 0.064” 1½” 8”

45” – 72” 0.188” 1½” 10”

73” & Over 0.188” 2” 12”

Rectangular Stations
Standard rectangular airflow measuring stations include a 16 gage galvanized casing, 8 inches long, with formed integral 90°
connecting flanges as listed below:

Rectangular Flange Dimensions

Station Flange
Size Size
8” – 72” 1½”
73” & Over 2”

Oval Stations
Standard oval airflow measuring stations include a 18 gage galvanized casing, 8 inches long between beads with 1 inch connecting
sleeve on each end (10 inch overall length). Actual O.D. dimensions are ¼ inch less than specified duct I.D. dimensions.

Oval Flange Dimensions

(Optional)
Casing
Station Flange Flange Length
Width Thickness Size “L”
Up to 48” 0.064” 1½” 8”
Over 48” 0.188” 1½” 10”

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 PARAGON
PCI CONTROLS
INCORPORATED

FE-1500-FX Dimensions
Circular Stations

L" "F"

TOTAL PRESSURE
(T.P.) TAKEOFF

AIRFLOW

STATIC PRESSURE
"D"
(S.P.) TAKEOFF

3.250"
AIR STRAIGHTNER

Rectangular Stations

8.000"
"F" "W"

STATIC PRESSURE
AIRFLOW

(S.P.) TAKEOFF

"H"

TOTAL PRESSURE
(T.P.) TAKEOFF

3.250"
AIR STRAIGHTNER

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 PARAGON
PCI CONTROLS
INCORPORATED

FE-1500-FX Dimensions (Continued)

Oval Stations
0.250" RADIUS
TOTAL PRESSURE BEADED EDGE (TYP)
(T.P.) TAKEOFF

STATIC PRESSURE
(S.P.) TAKEOFF
AIRFLOW
"H"

"L"
"W"
"L" + 212"
AIR STRAIGHTNER

FE-1500-FX Minimum Installation requirements

The elements may be installed in any duct configuration. However, the accuracy of the installation is dependent on the flow
conditions in the duct. The minimum installation requirements for the elements based upon a uniform velocity profile approaching
the duct disturbance for flow rates less than 2,500 fpm are shown below. Add one duct diameter to the installation requirements
shown below for each additional flow rate of 1,000 fpm. These are not ideal locations. It is always best to locate the elements as far
as possible from all duct disturbances, with upstream disturbances being the most critical consideration.
ELBOWS TRANSITIONS

FLOW FLOW
FLOW FLOW FLOW

D D/6
D
15° MAX 30 DEGREE MAXIMUM
D/6 TRANSITION ANGLE

OPPOSED BLADE DAMPERS EXHAUST TO ATMOSPHERE

FLOW FLOW

FLOW FLOW FLOW

3D 2D

D/4 4D D/6

AXIAL FANS CENTRIFUGAL FANS DUCT TAKE-OFFS

FLOW FLOW FLOW FLOW FLOW

2D D/2 D/6
D/4 2D 2.5D D D/2
D/2

Notes:
Round Ducts: Rectangular Ducts:
4 HW
D= Duct diameter D= H= Height W= Width
π

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 PARAGON
PCI CONTROLS
INCORPORATED

FE-1500-FX Resistance to Airflow

10000
Velocity (fpm)

1000

100
0.001 0.01 0.1 1
Pre s s ure Drop (inche s w ate r colum n)

FE-1500-FX Ordering Information

FE-1500- - - - x - - -FX-
Air Straightner
1 = 3003 aluminum (standard)
2 = Type 304L stainless steel
3 = Type 316L stainless steel
Insulation Thickness (inches)
Indicates insulation thickness for an internally
insulated duct (if applicable)
0 = No Insulation
Configuration
R = Rectangular
C = Circular
O = Oval
Duct Height (inches) – Rectangular and Oval
0 = Circular
Duct Width or Diameter (inches) – Element Length

Protective Coatings
0 = No Coating
1 = Heresite VRL 500 phenolic coating
2 = Imron 333 polyurethane enamel
Element Material
A = 6063-T5 anodized aluminum (standard)
S = Type 316L stainless steel
P = Type 1 PVC
H = Hastelloy C22
Casing Material
1 = 16 ga G90 galvanized steel (standard)
2 = Type 304L stainless steel
3 = Type 316L stainless steel
4 = Hastelloy C22 (optional)

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 PARAGON
PCI CONTROLS
INCORPORATED

FE-1500-FX Specification Guide

Airflow Measurement Stations
1. Provide where indicated and/or scheduled airflow traverse elements capable of continuously monitoring the fan or duct air
volumes they serve.
2. Each element shall be designed and built to comply with, and provide results in accordance with, accepted practice for
duct system traversing as defined in the ASHRAE Handbook of Fundamentals, AMCA publication #203, as well as the
Industrial Ventilation Handbook. The number of sensing ports on each element, and the quantity of elements utilized at
each installation, shall comply with ASHRAE Standard #111 for equal area duct traversing.
3. Each element shall be of a dual integral chambered design. Each airflow measuring element shall contain multiple total
and static pressure sensing ports placed along the leading edge of the cylinder. The static pressure chamber shall
incorporate dual offset static taps on opposing sides of the averaging chamber, so as to be insensitive to flow angle
variations of as much as ± 20 degrees in the approaching air stream.
4. The airflow traverse elements shall be capable of producing steady, non-pulsating signals of true total and static pressure,
with an accuracy of 2% of actual flow for operating velocities as low as 180 feet per minute (fpm). Signal amplifying
sensors requiring flow correction (K factors) or field calibration are not acceptable.
5. The airflow traverse elements shall not induce a measurable pressure drop, greater than 0.18 inch at 4,000 fpm. The units
shall have a self-generated sound rating of less than NC40 and the sound level within the duct shall not be amplified, nor
shall additional sound be generated.
6. The probes shall be mounted in an eight inch deep, 16 gauge galvanized steel casing with 90 degree undrilled flanges,
fabricated to the duct size, and shall contain multiple airflow traverse elements interconnected as herein before described.
7. Where primary flow elements are located outside of the manufacturer’s published installation guidelines the manufacturer
shall be consulted, and approve of any special configurations, such as air equalizers and/or additional and strategically
placed measuring points, as may be required.
8. Where the stations are installed in insulated ducts, the airflow passage of the station shall be the same size as the inside
airflow dimension of the duct. Station flanges shall be sized to facilitate matching connecting ductwork.
Installation Considerations
1. Primary flow elements shall be installed in strict accordance with the manufacture’s published requirements and with
ASME guidelines effecting non-standard approach conditions. These elements serve as the primary signals for the airflow
systems; it shall be the responsibility of the contractor to verify correct installation to assure that accurate primary signals
are obtained.
2. An identification label shall be placed on each unit casing listing model number, size, area, and specified airflow capacity.
Manufacturer
1. Airflow measurement stations shall be Paragon Controls Inc. Model FE-1500-FX or equal as approved by the Engineer.
2. Naming of a manufacturer does not automatically constitute acceptance of this standard product nor waive the
responsibility of the manufacturer to comply totally with all requirements of the proceeding specification.

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 PARAGON
PCI CONTROLS
INCORPORATED

Engineering Reference Table

VELOCITY VERSUS VELOCITY PRESSURE
V = VELOCITY IN FEET PER MINUTE PV = VELOCITY PRESSURE IN INCHES H2O
V PV V PV V PV V PV V PV V PV V PV V PV
180 0.0020 620 0.0240 1060 0.0701 1500 0.1403 1940 0.2346 2760 0.4749 3640 0.8260 5300 1.7512
190 0.0023 630 0.0247 1070 0.0714 1510 0.1422 1950 0.2371 2780 0.4818 3660 0.8351 5350 1.7844
200 0.0025 640 0.0255 1080 0.0727 1520 0.1440 1960 0.2395 2800 0.4888 3680 0.8443 5400 1.8180
210 0.0027 650 0.0263 1090 0.0741 1530 0.1459 1970 0.2420 2820 0.4958 3700 0.8535 5450 1.8518
220 0.0030 660 0.0272 1100 0.0754 1540 0.1479 1980 0.2444 2840 0.5028 3720 0.8627 5500 1.8859
230 0.0033 670 0.0280 1110 0.0768 1550 0.1498 1990 0.2469 2860 0.5099 3740 0.8720 5550 1.9204
240 0.0036 680 0.0288 1120 0.0782 1560 0.1517 2000 0.2494 2880 0.5171 3760 0.8814 5600 1.9551
250 0.0039 690 0.0297 1130 0.0796 1570 0.1537 2020 0.2544 2900 0.5243 3780 0.8908 5650 1.9902
260 0.0042 700 0.0305 1140 0.0810 1580 0.1556 2040 0.2595 2920 0.5316 3800 0.9002 5700 2.0256
270 0.0045 710 0.0314 1150 0.0825 1590 0.1576 2060 0.2646 2940 0.5389 3820 0.9097 5750 2.0613
280 0.0049 720 0.0323 1160 0.0839 1600 0.1596 2080 0.2697 2960 0.5462 3840 0.9193 5800 2.0973
290 0.0052 730 0.0332 1170 0.0853 1610 0.1616 2100 0.2749 2980 0.5536 3860 0.9289 5850 2.1336
300 0.0056 740 0.0341 1180 0.0868 1620 0.1636 2120 0.2802 3000 0.5611 3880 0.9386 5900 2.1702
310 0.0060 750 0.0351 1190 0.0883 1630 0.1656 2140 0.2855 3020 0.5686 3900 0.9483 5950 2.2071
320 0.0064 760 0.0360 1200 0.0898 1640 0.1677 2160 0.2909 3040 0.5762 3920 0.9580 6000 2.2444
330 0.0068 770 0.0370 1210 0.0913 1650 0.1697 2180 0.2963 3060 0.5838 3940 0.9678 6050 2.2819
340 0.0072 780 0.0379 1220 0.0928 1660 0.1718 2200 0.3017 3080 0.5914 3960 0.9777 6100 2.3198
350 0.0076 790 0.0389 1230 0.0943 1670 0.1739 2220 0.3073 3100 0.5991 3980 0.9876 6150 2.3580
360 0.0081 800 0.0399 1240 0.0959 1680 0.1760 2240 0.3128 3120 0.6069 4000 0.9975 6200 2.3965
370 0.0085 810 0.0409 1250 0.0974 1690 0.1781 2260 0.3184 3140 0.6147 4050 1.0226 6250 2.4353
380 0.0090 820 0.0419 1260 0.0990 1700 0.1802 2280 0.3241 3160 0.6225 4100 1.0480 6300 2.4744
390 0.0095 830 0.0429 1270 0.1006 1710 0.1823 2300 0.3298 3180 0.6304 4150 1.0737 6350 2.5139
400 0.0100 840 0.0440 1280 0.1021 1720 0.1844 2320 0.3356 3200 0.6384 4200 1.0997 6400 2.5536
410 0.0105 850 0.0450 1290 0.1037 1730 0.1866 2340 0.3414 3220 0.6464 4250 1.1261 6450 2.5937
420 0.0110 860 0.0461 1300 0.1054 1740 0.1888 2360 0.3472 3240 0.6545 4300 1.1527 6500 2.6340
430 0.0115 870 0.0472 1310 0.1070 1750 0.1909 2380 0.3531 3260 0.6626 4350 1.1797 6550 2.6747
440 0.0121 880 0.0483 1320 0.1086 1760 0.1931 2400 0.3591 3280 0.6707 4400 1.2070 6600 2.7157
450 0.0126 890 0.0494 1330 0.1103 1770 0.1953 2420 0.3651 3300 0.6789 4450 1.2346 6650 2.7570
460 0.0132 900 0.0505 1340 0.1119 1780 0.1975 2440 0.3712 3320 0.6872 4500 1.2625 6700 2.7986
470 0.0138 910 0.0516 1350 0.1136 1790 0.1998 2460 0.3773 3340 0.6955 4550 1.2907 6750 2.8406
480 0.0144 920 0.0528 1360 0.1153 1800 0.2020 2480 0.3834 3360 0.7038 4600 1.3192 6800 2.8828
490 0.0150 930 0.0539 1370 0.1170 1810 0.2042 2500 0.3897 3380 0.7122 4650 1.3480 6850 2.9253
500 0.0156 940 0.0551 1380 0.1187 1820 0.2065 2520 0.3959 3400 0.7207 4700 1.3772 6900 2.9682
510 0.0162 950 0.0563 1390 0.1205 1830 0.2088 2540 0.4022 3420 0.7292 4750 1.4066 7000 3.0549
520 0.0169 960 0.0575 1400 0.1222 1840 0.2111 2560 0.4086 3440 0.7378 4800 1.4364 7100 3.1428
530 0.0175 970 0.0587 1410 0.1239 1850 0.2134 2580 0.4150 3460 0.7464 4850 1.4665 7200 3.2319
540 0.0182 980 0.0599 1420 0.1257 1860 0.2157 2600 0.4214 3480 0.7550 4900 1.4969 7300 3.3223
550 0.0189 990 0.0611 1430 0.1275 1870 0.2180 2620 0.4280 3500 0.7637 4950 1.5276 7400 3.4140
560 0.0196 1000 0.0623 1440 0.1293 1880 0.2203 2640 0.4345 3520 0.7725 5000 1.5586 7500 3.5069
570 0.0203 1010 0.0636 1450 0.1311 1890 0.2227 2660 0.4411 3540 0.7813 5050 1.5899 7600 3.6010
580 0.0210 1020 0.0649 1460 0.1329 1900 0.2251 2680 0.4478 3560 0.7901 5100 1.6216 7700 3.6964
590 0.0217 1030 0.0661 1470 0.1347 1910 0.2274 2700 0.4545 3580 0.7990 5150 1.6535 7800 3.7930
600 0.0224 1040 0.0674 1480 0.1366 1920 0.2298 2720 0.4612 3600 0.8080 5200 1.6858 7900 3.8909
610 0.0232 1050 0.0687 1490 0.1384 1930 0.2322 2740 0.4681 3620 0.8170 5250 1.7184 8000 3.9900
Above PV Values Are Based On Standard Air Density Of 0.075 lbm/ft3 Which Is Air At 68oF, 50% Relative Humidity, And 29.92" Hg.
The equation for converting air volume (Q) into velocity (V) and velocity pressure (PV) is:

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Where:
Q ⎛V ⎞ V = Velocity, in fpm C = 1096.7
V= PV = ⎜ ⎟ × ρ Q = Flow, in cfm ρ= Density of air, in lb/ft3
A ⎝C ⎠
A = Area, in ft2 PV = Velocity pressure, in inches H2O

Paragon Controls Incorporated

P.O. Box 99, Forestville, CA 95436
http://www.paragoncontrols.com
Phone 707 / 579-1424
Fax 707 / 579-8480
July 2005
Copyright © 2005