Balometer
A Balometer, is a type of airflow meter that resembles an air collection hood, also referred to as an air flow hood. It is used to measure the flow rate of air leaving or entering the ventilation outlet of an airflow system. Some, balometers also measure the atmospheric pressure of a space as well as the temperature and relative humidity of the flowing air.
Balometers contain a grid with many holes called a flow grid and a micro-manometer, this measures the flow and pressure individually and throughout the grid and compares this to the atmospheric pressure in the space. The function in a similar way to air capture hoods that contain an anemometer but tend to be more accurate and are pre-configured to convert a recorded velocity of air into an volumetric measure.
A barometer (not balometer) is also used to measure atmospheric pressure, traditionally though with closed tubes containing mercury. They are often found outside windows measuring outside air pressure to weather predictions, rising air pressure would indicate a good weather forecast whilst falling pressure might forecast rain or bad weather.
See also: Air capture hood.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Air capture hood.
- Air conditioning.
- Air infiltration.
- Air permeability testing.
- Air quality.
- Air tightness in buildings.
- Changes to Building Regulations Part F.
- Computational fluid dynamics.
- Condensation.
- Cross ventilation.
- Cultivating Cleaner Air with BSRIA.
- Displacement ventilation.
- Domestic ventilation systems performance
- Draughts in buildings.
- Effective ventilation in buildings.
- Heat recovery ventilation.
- Indoor air quality.
- Mechanical ventilation.
- Natural ventilation.
- Passive building design.
- Stale air.
- UV disinfection of building air to remove harmful bacteria and viruses.
- Ventilation.
Featured articles and news
ECA Industry Awards 2024 shortlist revealed
22 leading businesses from across the electrotechnical and engineering services sector.
Government unveils Skills England strategy
Skills England to transform opportunities and drive growth.
New Government Hub for York Given Planning Green Light
For up to 2,600 civil servants, due for completion by 2028.
Construction Skills Certification Scheme cards
July update on Professionally Qualified and Academically Qualified Person Cards.
BSRIA Briefing 2024, November 22
Sustainable Futures: Redefining Retrofit for Net Zero Living.
The CLC on driving competency in the retrofit sector
Previously published roadmap on skills for net zero.
The first labour government King's speech in fifteen years
Construction industry reactions, support and some concern.
CIOB Retrofit of Buildings Technical Information Sheet
What retrofit is, the approach to be taken and processes to be followed.
Adapting Historic Buildings for Energy and Carbon Efficiency
Historic England advice note 18, free download published.
10 retrofit projects revisited 10 years after completion.
Information orders, building liability orders and SPVs
Key BSA terms and how they impact special purpose vehicles.
Listed despite problems with its design.
Zen and the art of cycling exploration.
Design Council Homes Taskforce launched
To support government 1.5 million homes target within UK climate commitments.