Technical Foundation
What Is a Pitot Tube?
A pitot tube measures fluid (air or gas) velocity by comparing total pressure (impact pressure at a forward-facing opening) against static pressure (measured at a perpendicular port), with the pressure differential converted to velocity via Bernoulli's equation, typically read out through a connected manometer or differential pressure transmitter. Standard pitot tubes take a single-point velocity reading, requiring a traverse across multiple points in a duct or stack to calculate accurate average flow, per methods like EPA Method 2 for stack testing.
Averaging pitot tubes (often called Annubar-style, after a common trade name) use multiple sensing ports along the probe's length inserted across the full duct diameter, internally averaging the pressure differential to give a representative flow reading from a single insertion point — reducing the labor of a full multi-point traverse for continuous or repeated monitoring. S-type pitot tubes use two larger-diameter, offset-facing tubes and are less prone to clogging in particulate-laden or dirty gas streams like combustion flue gas, at the cost of a different (lower) calibration coefficient than a standard Prandtl-type pitot tube.
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| Spec | What It Means | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Pitot Tube Type | Standard (Prandtl), averaging (multi-port), S-type | Determines whether a full traverse is needed and suitability for dirty/particulate flow |
| Probe Length | Sized to duct/stack diameter plus insertion depth | Must be long enough to reach the required measurement point(s) across the flow area |
| Material | Stainless steel (standard), Inconel/high-temp alloys | High-temperature or corrosive stack gas requires an appropriately rated probe material |
| Pressure Connection | Barbed tubing, compression fitting, threaded | Must match the connected manometer or differential pressure gauge's input fitting |
| Calibration Coefficient | Manufacturer-specified (0.99 for standard Pitot-static; varies for S-type/averaging) | Required to convert measured differential pressure to accurate velocity |
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Applications
Where Pitot Tubes Get Used
Pitot tubes are specified anywhere air or gas velocity in a duct, stack or pipe needs to be measured for balancing, compliance or process monitoring.
HVAC Testing, Adjusting & Balancing (TAB)
Standard pitot tubes measure duct air velocity to verify and balance airflow against design specifications.
Emissions Stack Testing
S-type pitot tubes measure flue gas velocity in EPA Method 2 stack testing for regulatory emissions compliance.
Industrial Process Flow Monitoring
Averaging pitot tubes provide continuous velocity/flow monitoring in process gas and air handling lines.
Boiler & Combustion Efficiency Testing
High-temperature pitot tubes measure combustion gas velocity for efficiency and emissions calculations.
Wind Tunnel & Aerodynamic Testing
Precision pitot-static tubes measure airspeed in controlled aerodynamic and research testing setups.
Cleanroom & Laboratory Ventilation
Pitot tubes verify exhaust and supply air velocity in critical ventilation systems requiring precise airflow control.
FAQ
Pitot Tubes Questions, Answered
What's the difference between a standard pitot tube and an averaging pitot tube?
A standard (Prandtl-type) pitot tube takes a single-point velocity reading, requiring the technician to move it across multiple points in a duct traverse to calculate an accurate average flow. An averaging pitot tube has multiple sensing ports along its length that span the duct diameter in one insertion, internally averaging the pressure differential to give a representative reading without a manual traverse — useful for continuous monitoring or faster spot checks.
Why use an S-type pitot tube instead of a standard pitot-static tube for stack testing?
S-type pitot tubes use larger-diameter, offset-facing sensing tubes that are much less prone to clogging from particulate matter in dirty gas streams like combustion flue gas, compared to the fine internal passages of a standard Prandtl-type pitot tube. EPA Method 2 stack testing commonly specifies S-type probes for this reason, along with a different (typically lower) calibration coefficient than standard pitot tubes.
How long a pitot tube probe do I need for my duct?
Probe length should be sufficient to reach the required measurement point(s) across the full duct or stack diameter, accounting for wall thickness and any insertion fitting — for a full traverse, the probe needs to reach at least to the duct centerline, and often further for standard multi-point traverse methods. Measure your duct's actual diameter and add insertion allowance before selecting probe length.
Do I need a special manometer to use with a pitot tube?
Yes — a pitot tube only produces a differential pressure signal; converting that to a velocity reading requires a connected manometer or differential pressure transmitter capable of reading the (often very small) pressure differential involved, especially at lower duct velocities. Many pitot tube kits are sold bundled with a compatible manometer for this reason.
What material pitot tube do I need for high-temperature flue gas?
Standard stainless steel pitot tubes are rated for a specific maximum temperature; combustion or process gas streams exceeding that rating require a probe built from a high-temperature alloy (such as Inconel) to avoid degradation or failure of the probe material. Check your stack or duct's actual gas temperature against the probe's rated maximum before ordering.
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