FlowLite LDA Systems

A new generation of FlowLite systems for 1D, 2D and 3D-component Laser Doppler Anemometry (LDA) and Particle Dynamics Analysis (PDA) measurements is now available.

It benefits from the emergence of new compact lasers, opening the door to new LDA and PDA system configurations.

New possibilities with portable turnkey LDA systems 

FlowLite systems are the ideal choice for users with little or no experience in LDA, because no adjustments are needed. With their compactness, the new FlowLite systems open up new possibilities for flow measurements in e.g. automotive, aerospace and hydraulic research.

For towing tank applications, FlowLite makes installation on the towing carriage much easier, because the FlowLite units are much smaller and lighter than water cooled Ar-Ion lasers with three-phase power supply which often require reinforcement and modification of the carriage.

The FlowLite product range now comprises 1D and 2D systems operating with red, green and blue lasers.

To meet a wide range of requirements regarding measurement distance and space available, three probe sizes are available, covering measurement distances from a few centimeters to more than one meter.

Combined with the latest generation of BSA processors, portable, high-performance LDA and PDA system configurations are now a reality.

The FlowLite solutions have the following attractive features:

• turn-key, non-intrusive flow-measurement system
  
• results on-line with Windows software
  
• no adjustments
  
• dustproof and waterproof optics
  
• low weight
  
• small size
  
• single-phase power supply
  
• no need for water cooling
  
• 1D, 2D and 3D configurations available
  
• high power 2D version available
  
• calibrated probes available

Flexibility

A major benefit of FlowLite is the system's flexibility and, as and when necessary, adaptability to meet new requirements.

There is a wide choice of probes, front lenses, sideways-looking sections and beam expanders to optimise the FlowLite system to the application. The cable length to the optics can be custom-made to suit your needs.

Two-component high power solution

FlowLite 2D systems are available with blue/green laser combinations making them ideally suited for water flows, because blue and green light penetrate deeper into water than red light. Both high power and low power versions are available. The high power version has 200 mW lasers for both the blue and the green wavelength.

The low power version has 20 and 30 mW lasers, giving a better laser power balance than that of the earlier FlowLite 2D generation. Positioning of the measurement volume relative to solid surfaces has become easier with the new FlowLite models. When set to "Reduced", the output laser power and hence the strength of reflections from solid surfaces is reduced substantially.

Three-component turnkey LDA optics

A one-component system can be combined with a two-component system to constitute a three-component system, using red, green and blue light to separate the components. There are no adjustments of the optical system except overlap of the measurement volumes of the two probes.

FlowLite - A wide choice of probes

The 14 mm diameter probe is used for applications requiring the smallest possible probe dimensions and a 50 mm measuring distance. Its compact size permits it to be embedded in models or placed directly in the flow with minimal disturbance. 

The 27 mm probe is suitable for measuring distances up to 160 mm; it achieves small measuring-volume dimensions in a relatively compact package.

The 14 mm and 27 mm probes are watertight as standard. Front optics suitable for submerged operation are also available.

The 60 mm probe measures at distances up to 1000 mm. A submersible version with a measuring distance up to 497 mm is available. This probe offers a high degree of flexibility in terms of measurement distance and achieves smaller measuring volume dimensions than the 27 mm probe at the same measurement distance.