Omnidirectional Probes
Flow direction and velocity measurement where the angle is unknown or the flow reverses, at angles up to ±155°.
Measurement Where the Flow Direction Is Unknown
A 14-hole omnidirectional probe resolves flow direction and velocity over a far wider range of angles than a conventional 5-hole probe, up to ±155°. It is made for measurement tasks where the angle of attack is unknown, or where reverse flow is expected.
The probe is built by additive manufacturing as one robust part in stainless steel, Inconel or titanium, in straight or L-shaped geometries, and each probe is individually calibrated by the manufacturer before delivery. K-Tec Systems handles quoting, application review and order coordination in the United States. Pressure scanners are supplied separately, and our team can advise on scanner selection.
At a Glance
- Flow angle up to ±155°
- Angular accuracy better than ±1°
- Velocity 3 m/s to Mach 0.95
- Stainless steel, Inconel or titanium, to 600°C
- Individually calibrated before delivery
Omnidirectional Probes Specifications
Manufacturer specifications for standard omnidirectional probe configurations. Extended-range and custom options, material and lead time are confirmed at quotation.
| Number of holes | 14 |
|---|---|
| Flow angle range | Up to ±155° |
| Angular accuracy | Better than ±1° |
| Velocity range | 3 m/s to Mach 0.95 |
| Velocity accuracy | Better than ±1 m/s |
| Maximum temperature | 600°C |
| Geometry | Straight or L-shaped |
| Maximum length | Up to 200 mm in one part; longer in multi-part designs |
| Minimum tip diameter | Greater than 7.5 mm, spherical tip |
| Materials | Stainless steel, Inconel or titanium |
| Connections | Standard 1 mm pressure tubes |
| Measurement error | Depends on the pressure scanner. A scanner ranged to the expected dynamic pressure, with accuracy of 0.1% of full scale or better, is recommended |
| Calibration | Required for every probe and performed by the manufacturer, with pitch and yaw varied through thousands of positions in steady flow |
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 Omnidirectional Probes Are Used
Unknown flow direction
Tests where the angle of attack cannot be set or predicted in advance.
Reverse flow
Regions where the flow can reverse, beyond the range of a standard multi-hole probe.
Wide-angle surveys
Flow-field surveys that must cover a wide range of pitch and yaw angles.
Omnidirectional Probes: Frequently Asked Questions
What is a 14-hole omnidirectional probe?
A 14-hole probe has fourteen pressure ports on a spherical tip, which lets it resolve flow direction over a much wider angular range than a 5-hole probe. It is made for measurement tasks where the angle of attack is unknown or reverse flow is expected.
How wide is the flow angle range?
Up to ±155°, with angular accuracy better than ±1°.
What velocity range and accuracy can I expect?
The velocity range is 3 m/s to Mach 0.95, with accuracy better than ±1 m/s. At higher speeds the expected error is 1 m/s or 1% of the measured velocity, whichever is higher. At lower speeds the error depends mainly on the pressure scanner and increases as speed decreases.
Which pressure scanner should I use?
Choose a scanner whose range just covers the expected dynamic pressure, with accuracy of 0.1% of full scale or better. The lower the velocity, the greater the effect of scanner error on the velocity result. Our team can advise on scanner selection.
How is each probe calibrated?
Every multi-hole probe is calibrated individually by the manufacturer. The probe is held in a steady flow of known conditions while pitch and yaw are changed through thousands of positions.
What materials and temperatures are available?
Stainless steel, Inconel and titanium, with operation to 600°C.
Can the geometry be customized?
Additive manufacturing allows almost any geometry, and reference surfaces, connections and mounting can be adjusted. Send your drawing and application details and our team will review them.
How do I request a quote?
Call 248-414-4100 or submit the request form below with your flow conditions, temperature and mounting requirements.
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.
Smart Omnidirectional Probes
A 14-hole omnidirectional probe with onboard processing, for flow of unknown or changing direction.
View Smart Omnidirectional Probes
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 Probes
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.
View Kiel ProbesRequest a Quote or Application Review
K-Tec Systems provides U.S. sales, application support and order coordination for Omnidirectional Probes. Contact us to discuss your test requirements.
Contact K-Tec Systems