Itabar and deltaflow Pitot Flow Tubes
Differential pressure flow sensors for gases, steam and liquids in pipes and ducts of almost any size, with a fixed Itabar sensor for permanent installation and the portable deltaflow pitot tube for verification.
Key Features of the Itabar and deltaflow Pitot Tubes
Patented Itabar profile
Total pressure is measured on the front of the sensor and static pressure on the back, averaged across the pipe.
Low pressure loss, simple installation
One opening in the pipe instead of a flanged orifice run, with very little permanent pressure loss.
High pressure and temperature
IBR threaded: up to 70 bar at 70 °C and -50 to +200 °C. IBF flanged: up to PN400 depending on the flange and up to 400 °C.
Insensitive to dirt
Itabar sensors are insensitive to dirt and build-up and are nearly maintenance-free.
deltaflow portable kit
A 22 mm probe in 1.4828 stainless steel up to 1040 °C, extendable to 8.5 m, with a handheld manometer in a carrying case.
Tolerant of misalignment
The deltaflow profile can be held at up to 10° to the flow without affecting the measurement.
Itabar and deltaflow Technical Specifications
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- DN40 to DN12000Pipe sizesIBF flanged
- ±1%Accuracywith the specified straight runs
- up to 400 °CProcess temperatureIBF
- PN400PressureIBF, flange dependent
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Principle | Averaging pitot (Itabar) and Prandtl pitot (deltaflow): total minus static pressure gives the dynamic pressure, from which velocity and flow are calculated |
| Media | Gases, steam and liquids |
| Accuracy | ±1% with the required undisturbed pipe runs (Itabar); depends on the DP transmitter used |
| Pipe sizes | IBR threaded: DN40 to DN1800; IBF flanged: DN40 to DN12000 |
| Signal | Differential pressure to a DP transmitter (4 to 20 mA, HART per transmitter); flange-plate version for direct transmitter mounting |
| deltaflow readout | Handheld manometer 0 to 25 mbar or 0 to 130 mbar, 0.1% of reading + 0.1% of end value; analysis to DIN 2640 |
| IBR operating limits | Up to 70 bar at 70 °C; -50 to +200 °C |
| IBF operating limits | Up to PN400 depending on the mounting flange; up to 400 °C |
| Straight pipe (Itabar) | Typically 7 D upstream and 3 D downstream, up to 24 D upstream after a control device, for ±1% |
| Installation | Liquids: lower half of a horizontal pipe, transmitter below; gases: upper half, transmitter above |
| deltaflow probe | 22 mm profile, 25 mm guide tube, through a 1" ball valve; up to 8 extensions to 8.5 m; 8 mm DP bores; 1.4828 stainless steel up to 1040 °C |
| Maintenance | No moving parts; insensitive to dirt and build-up; clean with a soft wire brush if needed |
Figures from the Intra-Automation Itabar IBR/IBF manual and the systec deltaflow brochure. Confirm the sensor type, length and pressure rating for your pipe before ordering.
Download Data SheetHow does an averaging pitot tube work?
Step by step:
The difference between total and static pressure is the dynamic pressure, which rises with the square of the velocity. The transmitter takes the square root, and the pipe area and the Itabar coefficient turn velocity into volume or mass flow.
Where pitot flow tubes are used
Typical applications for averaging and portable pitot tubes.
- 01Air, gas and flue gasCombustion air, process gas and stack gas in large pipes and ducts.
- 02SteamSteam distribution at high temperature and pressure with the flanged IBF.
- 03Cooling and process waterLarge water lines where an orifice plate or full-bore meter would be costly.
- 04Flow verificationChecking installed meters and establishing flow profiles with the portable deltaflow.
How pitot flow tubes compare
The highlighted row is this instrument. Tap any other name to open its page.
| Instrument | Principle | Range | Output | Supply | Protection |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electromagnetic | |||||
| ALLMAG 4000 electromagnetic flow meter | Electromagnetic | DN10 to DN2000, up to 15 m/s | 4 to 20 mA, pulse, RS485, HART | 100 to 240 V AC or 24 V DC | IP65 compact, IP68 remote |
| ALLMAG 5000 IO-Link electromagnetic flow meter | Electromagnetic | 0.01 l/min (G¼) to DN100 flanged | IO-Link, 4 to 20 mA, pulse, switch | 19 to 30 V DC | IP67 |
| Coriolis | |||||
| Coriolis mass flow meter | Coriolis | DN3 to DN150, up to 360 t/h | 2 × 4 to 20 mA, pulse, Modbus, HART | 24 V DC or 220 V AC | IP67 |
| Flow sensor | |||||
| ALL-005 programmable thermal flow sensor | Thermal (calorimetric) | 0.04 to 3 m/s liquids, 2 to 100 m/s air | 2 × switch, 4 to 20 mA, IO-Link | 18 to 30 V DC | IP65 / IP67 |
| Differential pressure | |||||
| Itabar and deltaflow pitot flow tubes | Differential pressure | DN40 up to DN12000 | Via the DP transmitter | Passive sensor | Stainless steel, up to 400 °C (IBF) |
From Selection to a Working Signal in Your Control System
A flow meter is only as useful as the signal that reaches the control room. Proplant PCE handles the steps around the instrument as well as the instrument itself.
Application review
We check the liquid or gas, pipe size, flow range, process conditions and output before recommending a meter.
Supply
Instruments from the brands on this page, with datasheets and calibration certificates for your engineering file.
Installation
Mechanical installation, earthing, cabling and termination by our E&I team.
Integration
Signal wiring and configuration into your PLC or SCADA, including Siemens systems.
What to tell us so we can recommend an instrument
Tick off what you already know. We will check the pitot flow tube against your conditions, or suggest a better fit from our range.
Other flow instruments to consider
Pitot Flow Tube FAQ
What is an averaging pitot tube?
A sensor that spans the pipe and senses total pressure on its upstream face and static pressure behind it at several points, so the differential pressure represents the average velocity across the pipe.
Why choose a pitot tube over an orifice plate?
It needs only one opening in the pipe, causes far less permanent pressure loss, and suits very large pipes and ducts.
Can it measure steam and hot gases?
Yes. The flanged Itabar IBF is rated up to 400 °C and up to PN400 depending on the mounting flange.
How much straight pipe is needed?
For ±1% the Itabar typically needs 7 D upstream and 3 D downstream after a single bend, and more after valves or control devices. A comparison measurement can calibrate a shorter run.
What is the deltaflow portable pitot tube for?
Traversing a pipe or duct to verify an installed meter or establish the flow profile, inserted through an existing 1″ connection.
Can Proplant PCE help me specify a pitot tube?
Yes. Send us the medium, pipe inside diameter, flow range, pressure and temperature, and we will specify the sensor and DP transmitter.
Let's Discuss Your Flow Application
Tell us what is flowing, the pipe it flows in and what the signal needs to do. We will come back with a recommendation and the datasheet.