PU seriesheat flux sensors and specials

PUseries specifications:
General see tables below
Optional temperature measuremente Pt100 or thermocouple type K
Optional use of silicone temperature range extended to 250 °C, improved chemical resistance. Typical minimum thickness: 1.2 mm. Less stiff than PU. Type indication SI
Optional pressure resistance to 110 bar
Optional use of epoxy to be resistant against certain chemicals, however at lower flexibility. Type indication EP
Optional calibration determination of temperature dependence
Manufacturing TNO Science and Industry, former TNO-TPD
Hukseflux special heat flux sensor: PU series Figure 1 Dimensions of PU series, PU category of 3 mm thickness:
sensitive area (1), guard (2), cable with miniplug (3), disconnectable miniplug (male) on sensor (4), optional temperature sensor (5)

The PU series of heat flux sensors consists of a number of "standard" sensors with different diameters and thicknesses.
Apart from the standard models, special models can be manufactured on demand.
In most cases the use of the PU series is associated with specific requirements concerning size (small or thin), temperature (up to 250 degrees C), mounting (flexible), chemical resistance (high) or the necessity to cover a large area.
The PU series is designed and manufactured by TNO-Science and Industry (former TNO-TPD).

A nice clear print of the original product brochure.

Introduction

The PU series standard models consist of two categories: the PU category of 3 mm thickness and the PU-T category of 1 mm thickness.

Unique features of the PU series are:

  • record breaking sensitivity per unit area
  • small sensors available
  • flexibility (for the PU-T category only)

The PU series is typically applied when one or a combination of these features is a technical necessity, for instance measurement of fluxes from human or animal bodies, or measurements on cylindrical surfaces. The sensor body of the PU series is made out of cast polyurethane.
In addition the PU manufafcturing technology is applicable whenever very large sensors need to be manufactured.

More Information

In case the PU series specific characteristics are not relevant, typically one should consider using the "standard" Hukseflux models HFP01 and HFP03.

Special models can be made according to customer specification. Typical variables to be specified are:

  • size (can be very large)
  • area of sensitive part
  • thickness (1 mm or higher)
  • temperature / pressure range
  • chemical resistance
  • sensitivity
  • flexibility
  • heat flux range
  • IP protection class

In particular many special designs are made of silicone. This material choice results in high temperature, chemically inert and more flexible sensors. The mechanical robustness however is less than that of polyurethane. In exceptional cases epoxies are used.

PU SERIES SPECIFICATIONS

Model PU 11 PU 22 PU 32 PU 43 PU 54
thickness mm 3 3 3 3 3
Overall diameter mm 25 50 75 100 150
Dimensions sensitive area mm2 10*20 20*20 25*25 30*30 50*50
Sensitivity (nominal) µV/Wm-2 20 50 50 170 300
Electrical resistance Ohm 200 500 500 1500 3000
Filling material PU
Temperature range °C -20 - +90
Thermal resistance m2K/W 0.012
Expected accuracy % +5%/-5% @ 20 degrees C, temperature dependence typically 0.17%/K
Cable connection disconnectable miniplug + cable 2m
Minimum bending radius mm infinite

The PUT series

Hukseflux special heat flux sensor: PU series - Dimensions Figure 2 Dimensions of PU series , PU-T category of 1 mm thickness: sensitive area (1), guard (2), fixed wires (3), minimum bending radius (4), optional temperature sensor (5) NOTE: PU-T sensors can be bent, but are quite rigid. Installation typically requires taping.
Model PU 11 T PU 22 T PU 32 T PU 43 T
thickness mm 1 1 1 1
Overall diameter mm 25 50 75 100
Dimensions sensitive area mm2 ø 15 ø 30 ø 30 ø 55
Sensitivity (nominal) µV/Wm-2 8 30 30 150
Electrical resistance Ohm 400 1700 1700 7000
Filling material PU
Temperature range °C -20 - +90
Thermal resistance m2K/W 0.004
Expected accuracy % +5%/-5% @ 20 degrees C, temperature dependence typically 0.17%/K
Cable connection fixed wires 2m
Minimum bending radius mm 15 25 40 50
Version 0717