HF02

HF02 is a sensor that measures radiant heat flux or thermal radiation in the outdoor environment. A common application is monitoring the radiation emitted by flares. HF02 is certified for use in potentially explosive atmospheres, and is rated for radiation levels up to 15 x 10³ W/m². We recommend use of HF02 in a decision-supporting role only, and not to use measurements of HF02 as the main or sole source of information for judging safety.

  • Robust
  • All-weather
  • Suitable for potentially explosive environments

Description

HF02 is Certified for Use in Potentially Explosive Atmospheres
HF02 is used in alarm systems, using the heat flux measurement to issue a warning in case of high thermal radiation exposure of equipment or personnel. It is typically installed close to a flare. A common assumption is that the heat flux level in a safe environment for personnel must not exceed 5 x 10³ W/m² (or 1.5 x 10³ BTU/(hr∙ft²)). Above that heat flux level, or when the temperature of the sensor body exceeds 70 °C, an alarm is activated. A typical alarm system will include multiple HF01 sensors, all aimed at the main source of radiation, as well as other decision-supporting devices such as camera systems and temperature sensors. The sensor in HF02 measures the heat flux to its black (absorbing) surface, in the plane of the sensor, from a source in the field of view angle. It offers a measurement of the effective exposure for personnel and equipment from a source in the direction it is aimed at the location of the sensor. As the detector is essentially open (it has no protective windows) the measurement is influenced by wind in the same way as any exposed surface such as clothing worn by personnel or the surface of equipment; increased wind speed leads to a reduction of the measured heat flux. Rain on the detector can also lead to cooling and a reduction of the measured heat flux.

Suggested Use

  • Outdoor flare monitoring

Areas of Application

Industrial monitoring and control / heat flux and heat transfer measurement

Specifications

Measurand heat flux sensor temperature
Measurement range -30 to + 100 °C0 to 15 x 10³ W/m²
Sensitivity (nominal) 0.3 x 10⁻⁶ V/(W/m²)
Model names according to EU type examination LEX35A, LEX35B or LEX35C
Heat flux sensor thermopile
Temperature sensor thermocouple type KX
EC type examination certificate included in delivery
ATEX rated operating conditions II 2 G EEx d IIC T6
Electrical data U[max] 5 V, I[max] 5 x 10⁻³ A
Rated process temperature range sensor and high temperature cable -20 to +70 °C
-High temperature cable 3 m (see options)
-Sensor and high temperature cable IP68
-Low temperature extension cable IP67
Safety notes see manual
Maintenance requirements see manual
Options • Longer cable: standard length of the high temperature metal sheathed cable as well as the low temperature extension cable is 3 m. Both can be extended up to 100 m
• Sensitivity: we offer dedicated converters for HF02 to provide a standardised output
• Shielding options: the standard version has the sensor body and the high temperature cable connected to the shield/drain wire of the low temperature plastic cable. A shield disconnected from the high temperature metal cable and sensor body is offered as an option

Frequently asked questions

How to measure heat flux?

Heat flux sensors measure energy flux onto or through a surface in [W/m²].
The source of the heat flux may be:

  • conduction
  • radiation
  • convection

Convective and conductive heat transfer are associated with a temperature difference. Heat always flows from a source to a sink, from a hot to a cold environment. Convective and conductive heat flux is measured by letting this heat flow through the sensor. Radiative flux is measured using heat flux sensors with black absorbers. The absorbers converts radiative to conductive energy. Hukseflux started in 1993 with sensors for measurement of heat flux in soils and on walls. In the course of the years, we have added specialised sensors and systems for many other applications.
Heat flux sensors manufactured by Hukseflux are optimised for the demands of different applications:

  • rated temperature range
  • rated heat flux range
  • sensitivity
  • response time
  • chemical resistance, safety requirements
  • size, shape and spectral properties

Hukseflux is the world market leader in heat flux measurement. We have prepared a white paper briefly explaining the fundamentals of measuring with heat flux sensors. It also offers general directions what to watch out for and some, perhaps surprising, applications of heat flux sensors. Take a look at our white papers.

What matters most when measuring with a heat flux sensor?

There are quite a few general considerations when starting a heat flux measurement.

  • Representativeness in time and space; average!
    A heat flux sensor measures at a certain location. Is this location representative of what you need to measure? If possible, use a relatively large sensor, rather than a small one, and consider use of multiple sensors. Thermal processes often have large time constants; instantaneous measurements may be misleading. Average to get the full picture.
  • Optical properties
    When heat flux sensors also measure radiation, pay attention to the surface color. If needed paint the sensor surface. Please mind that shiny metallic surfaces reflect both infra-red and visible radiation. Paints may have different colors in the visible range, but are usually “black” absorbers in the far-infra-red.
  • Sensor thermal resistance
    A heat flux sensor distorts the local heat flux. In order to minimize this effect, use the sensor with the lowest possible thermal resistance.
  • Edge effects
    A heat flux sensor locally distorts the heat flow pattern, in particular around the edges of the sensor. A passive guard, i.e. a non-sensitive part around the sensor is essential to avoid errors due to edge effects.

There are more characteristics that matter. Please find them in our white paper on heat flux fundamentals and applications.

Which sensor(s) to use for surface energy flux measurement?

Hukseflux manufactures a range of sensors for surface energy flux measurements. All have proven reliability.
These state-of-the-art sensors are made for the global fluxnet community:

  • NR01 is a market leading 4-component net radiometer.
  • HFP01 and HFP01SC measure soil heat flux.
  • STP01 offers an accurate temperature profile measurement.
  • TP01 is the leading sensor for soil thermal conductivity.

Sensors made by Hukseflux are designed for compatibility with most common datalogger models. For many models we have example programs and wiring diagrams available.

How to measure R-value and U-value of buildings?

On-site measurements of thermal resistance, R, are often applied in studies of buildings. Alternatives are to measure its inverse value, the thermal conductance which is called the Λ-value, or the thermal transmittance which includes ambient air boundary layer thermal resistance, the U-value. The measurements of R are based on simultaneous time averaged measurement of heat flux Φ and differential temperature, ΔT, (using two temperature sensors on each on a different side of the wall).

R = ΔT / Φ

Hukseflux provides a range of sensors and measuring systems for use in measurement of the energy budget of buildings and characterization of construction materials.

HFP01 heat flux sensor and TRSYS01 measuring system are widely used for on-site measurements on walls, windows and other construction elements in building physics.

  • HFP01 can be used for in-situ measurement of building envelope thermal resistance (R-value) and thermal transmittance (H-value) according to ISO 9869, ASTM C1046 and ASTM 1155 standards. HFP01 is the world’s most popular sensor for heat flux measurement in the soil as well as through walls and building envelopes. HFP01 measures heat flux through the object in which it is incorporated or on which it is mounted, in W/m². More information? Visit the HFP01 product page.
  • TRSYS01 is a high-accuracy system for on-site measurement of thermal resistance, R, thermal conductance, the Λ-value, and thermal transmittance, the U-value, of building envelopes. TRSYS01 is mostly used for measurements according to standard practices of ISO 9869 and ASTM C1155 / C1046. The system is equipped with high-accuracy electronics, two heat flux sensors of model HFP01 as well as two pairs of matched thermocouples. The two measurement locations provide redundancy, leading to a high level of confidence in the measurement result. The high accuracy of the heat flux sensors and temperature difference measurements ensures that TRSYS01 continues measuring when other systems no longer perform; in particular at very low temperature differences across the wall.

Where can I find complete heat flux measuring systems?

Hukseflux, market leader in heat flux measurement, offers both sensors and systems.

These measuring systems typically include a Measurement and Control Unit and one or more sensors for measuring heat flux as well as other measurands, such as temperature and humidity. Examples are the TCOMSYS01 Hot Cube thermal comfort measuring system, including a TCOM01 sensor, and the TRSYS01 measuring system, incorporating two HFP01 heat flux sensors and two pairs of matched thermocouples.

Cannot find what you are looking for? Please contact us.