Air capture hood
Commissioning Air Systems (BG 49/2015), written by Chris Parsloe and published by BSRIA in March 2015, explains how to commission ducted air distribution systems in buildings. It was originally published in 2013 and was then updated in 2015.
It states in relation to an air capture hood (thermal): “This instrument measures air flow by means of exposed thermal elements housed inside a moulded rectangular section body over which the air passes. The instrument has a measurement range of 2 to 65 l/s with a typical accuracy of ±5% of the indicated value.’
It defines an air capture hood (Balometer) as: ‘….lightweight collapsible assemblies used for the measurement of flow rates at supply and extract diffusers. An air flow hood captures the air from the diffuser and directs it past an integral array of pressure sensing points which (working on pitot tube principles) provide a direct measurement of flow rate. They give a direct reading, usually in l/s. The typical range is between 25 and 950 l/s. Typical instrument accuracies are in the range ± 3% of the indicated value.’
See also: Balometer.
--BSRIA
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Inspiring the next generation to fulfil an electrified future
Technical Manager at ECA on the importance of engagement between industry and education.
Repairing historic stone and slate roofs
The need for a code of practice and technical advice note.
Environmental compliance; a checklist for 2026
Legislative changes, policy shifts, phased rollouts, and compliance updates to be aware of.
UKCW London to tackle sector’s most pressing issues
AI and skills development, ecology and the environment, policy and planning and more.
Managing building safety risks
Across an existing residential portfolio; a client's perspective.
ECA support for Gate Safe’s Safe School Gates Campaign.
Core construction skills explained
Preparing for a career in construction.
Retrofitting for resilience with the Leicester Resilience Hub
Community-serving facilities, enhanced as support and essential services for climate-related disruptions.
Some of the articles relating to water, here to browse. Any missing?
Recognisable Gothic characters, designed to dramatically spout water away from buildings.
A case study and a warning to would-be developers
Creating four dwellings... after half a century of doing this job, why, oh why, is it so difficult?
Reform of the fire engineering profession
Fire Engineers Advisory Panel: Authoritative Statement, reactions and next steps.
Restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster
A complex project of cultural significance from full decant to EMI, opportunities and a potential a way forward.
Apprenticeships and the responsibility we share
Perspectives from the CIOB President as National Apprentice Week comes to a close.
The first line of defence against rain, wind and snow.
Building Safety recap January, 2026
What we missed at the end of last year, and at the start of this.





















