Kiel Probes
Total pressure measurement accurate to ±0.1% at flow angles up to ±50°, in tip diameters from 1.6 mm and temperatures to 980°C.
Total Pressure Where the Flow Angle Is Unknown
A traditional pitot tube is accurate only within about ±5° of the flow direction. A Kiel probe adds an outer shroud that straightens the incoming flow before it reaches the pressure port, so total pressure stays accurate at flow angles up to ±50°. That makes it the probe of choice in complex, swirling or variable flow where the angle cannot be set in advance.
Kiel probes are built by Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) in stainless steel or Inconel, with diameters as small as 1.6 mm and operation to 980°C. K-Tec Systems handles quoting, application review and order coordination in the United States.
At a Glance
- Accuracy ±0.1%
- Flow angle up to ±50°
- Minimum diameter 1.6 mm
- Stainless steel or Inconel, to 980°C
- Wind-tunnel calibration data with standard configurations
Kiel Probes Specifications
Manufacturer specifications for standard Kiel probe configurations. Extended-range and custom options, material and lead time are confirmed at quotation.
| Accuracy | ±0.1% |
|---|---|
| Flow angle | Up to ±50° |
| Maximum temperature | 980°C |
| Minimum diameter | 1.6 mm |
| Materials | Stainless steel or Inconel |
| Manufacturing method | Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) |
| Calibration | Wind-tunnel calibration data included with standard configurations |
| Custom configurations | Probe heads integrated into custom shapes, rakes and complex installations |
Standard Configurations
| Model | Diameter | Head angle | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| KP12 | 1.6 mm | 90° | Standard |
| KP37 | 1.6 mm | 0° | Standard |
| KP57 | 4 mm | 0° | M4 thread |
More Than a Probe Supplier
K-Tec Systems manufactures the sensing and cabling around the probe in Ferndale, Michigan, so one U.S. team can support the whole measurement chain, from thermocouples and RTDs to wire harnesses.
Manufactured and supported in the U.S.
K-Tec Systems builds custom thermocouples, RTDs, wire harnesses and test stands at our Ferndale, Michigan, facility. The probe, the temperature sensing and the cabling can be specified together, with one U.S. team behind the order.
Flow and temperature at the same point
K-Tec thermocouples and RTDs can be integrated into compatible probe designs, so total pressure and temperature are measured at the same location.
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Thermocouples produced to ISO/IEC 17025 standards
Thermocouples for your test article are produced to ISO/IEC 17025 standards at K-Tec Systems.
Where Kiel Probes Are Used
Engine inlets and exhaust ducts
Total pressure where the local flow angle changes during a test.
On-vehicle measurement
Total pressure accurate at yaw and pitch angles well beyond a pitot tube’s range.
Wind tunnel and flow-field work
Compact 1.6 mm heads for analysing complex flow structures.
Kiel Probes: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a Kiel probe and a pitot tube?
A Kiel probe reads total pressure accurately at flow angles up to ±50°. A plain pitot tube is accurate only within about ±5° of the flow direction. The Kiel probe’s shrouded head straightens the incoming flow before it reaches the pressure port, which is why it is used where the flow angle is unknown or changes during a test. A pitot-static tube remains the right choice when the flow direction is known and static pressure is also required from the same probe.
What accuracy and flow angle range do Kiel probes offer?
Accuracy is ±0.1%, with usable flow angles up to ±50°. Minimum probe diameter is 1.6 mm, and maximum operating temperature is 980°C in Inconel.
What materials are available?
Kiel probes are available in stainless steel or Inconel. Stainless steel covers the majority of applications; Inconel is specified for high-temperature environments up to 980°C.
Can a thermocouple or RTD be integrated into a Kiel probe?
Yes. K-Tec Systems’ custom thermocouples and RTDs can be incorporated into compatible probe designs for simultaneous flow and temperature measurement at the same location. Contact our team to discuss combined sensing configurations.
Can Kiel probes be customized?
Yes. The DMLS process allows probe heads to be integrated into custom shapes, rakes and complex installations. Send your drawing or application details and our team will review it.
How much does a Kiel probe cost and how fast can I get one?
Standard configurations (KP12, KP37, KP57) are quoted individually and include wind-tunnel calibration data. Call 248-414-4100 or submit the request form with your application details for a prompt quote.
Not sure which probe fits your test? See the full probe range or call 248-414-4100.
Other Probe Types
All probes are supplied in the U.S. by K-Tec Systems. Visit the fluid measurement probes overview.
Kiel Temperature Probes
Total temperature measurement that holds across flow angles, with thermocouple or resistance sensing.
View Kiel Temperature Probes
Kiel Rakes
Arbitrarily shaped Kiel probe arrays for simultaneous total pressure measurement at multiple points.
View Kiel Rakes
5-Hole Probes
Full three-dimensional flow vector measurement: total pressure, static pressure, yaw and pitch, at flow angles up to ±45°.
View 5-Hole ProbesRequest a Quote or Application Review
K-Tec Systems provides U.S. sales, application support and order coordination for Kiel Probes. Contact us to discuss your test requirements.
Contact K-Tec Systems