Radiator Probes
Total pressure and mass flow distribution through a radiator, with low blockage and no permanent modification.
Measure Airflow Through the Radiator Itself
A radiator probe measures total pressure and a reference static pressure at the face of a radiator. Several probes distributed across the radiator measure the partial mass flow through each section, which shows how uniform the flow is.
The probe mounts onto the radiator and sits directly in front of the cooling tubes to minimize blockage, so the radiator does not need to be significantly modified or damaged, and the probes can be removed and reused afterward. K-Tec Systems handles quoting, application review and order coordination in the United States, and pressure scanners are supplied separately.
At a Glance
- Total and static pressure ports
- Kiel head for angles up to ±30°
- One-piece stainless steel construction
- Temperatures up to 230°C (450°F)
- Removable and reusable
Radiator Probes Specifications
Manufacturer specifications for standard radiator probe configurations. Extended-range and custom options, material and lead time are confirmed at quotation.
| Measurement | Total pressure and mass flow |
|---|---|
| Pressure ports | Total and static |
| Head type | Kiel head, for incident flow angles up to ±30° |
| Geometry | Radiator-specific design for minimal blockage; two standard designs, customizable |
| Material | Stainless steel, one-piece construction |
| Temperature range | Up to 230°C (450°F) |
| Manufacturing | Additive manufacturing, allowing flexibility in design, size and material |
| Data acquisition | Pressure scanner supplied separately |
| Calibration | Exact mass flow measurement requires calibrating the probes against mass flow on the mounted radiator |
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 Radiator Probes Are Used
Flow uniformity testing
Mapping how evenly air passes through a radiator face.
Cooling package development
Comparing radiator and ducting designs by measured mass flow.
Heat exchanger validation
Checking airflow through a heat exchanger against design assumptions.
Radiator Probes: Frequently Asked Questions
What does a radiator probe measure?
It measures total pressure and a reference static pressure at the radiator face. With several probes distributed across the radiator, it gives the partial mass flow through each section.
Does it damage the radiator?
No. The probe mounts onto the radiator and sits in front of the cooling tubes, so the radiator does not have to be significantly modified or damaged, and the probes can be removed and reused afterward.
Should the probe face the incoming air or sit behind the radiator?
Both mounting positions are possible. For the exact determination of mass flow with high incidence flow through the radiator, mounting from behind is recommended.
What flow angles can it tolerate?
The Kiel head measures total pressure over a wide range of incident flow angles, up to ±30°.
Is calibration required?
For exact mass flow measurements, the probes must be calibrated against mass flow on the mounted radiator. Contact K-Tec Systems and we will coordinate the details.
What is the temperature limit?
Up to 230°C (450°F).
Can the design be customized?
Yes. The probes are produced by additive manufacturing, so the design is not fixed and can be adapted to your radiator and requirements.
How do I request a quote?
Call 248-414-4100 or submit the request form below with your radiator dimensions and test conditions.
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 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 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 Radiator Probes. Contact us to discuss your test requirements.
Contact K-Tec Systems