Energy monitoring
Continuous flow and consumption measurement per line, cost per m³ and ISO 50001 reports.
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CS InstrumentsMade in Germany
Measuring equipment for compressed air and gases
Dew point, flow and consumption, pressure, residual oil, particles and leaks – with CS Instruments measuring technology you know how much air you use, what quality it is and what it costs. We help you choose the measuring points, supply and install the device and connect it to your control system.
- measuring devices and sensors
- 40+
- lowest measurable dew point
- -80°Ctd
- residual oil detection limit
- 0.001mg/m³
- of CS Instruments experience in compressed air measurement
- 20+years
New deviceNew from CS Instruments
VA 526 – compact, connected, future-proof
Flow, consumption and temperature – optionally pressure and dew point – in one compact sensor you set up from your phone.
- 4 in 1flow and consumption, temperature, optional pressure and dew point
- Bluetoothas standard, with the free CS SensorApp
- No inlet runno straight inlet section with the optional flow straightener
- IO-Link · PoEplus 4–20 mA, Modbus-RTU and M-Bus
What do you want to measure?
Measuring equipment by measurement
Each category has its own page with models, technical data, a comparison and selection tips.
Dew point
- Stationary sensors and portable meters down to -80 °Ctd
- For refrigeration, membrane and adsorption dryers
Flow and consumption
- Thermal, differential pressure, vortex and Venturi meters
- Consumption, leaks and costs per line
Air quality – oil and particles
- Residual oil from 0.001 mg/m³ and particles from 0.1 µm
- ISO 8573-1 class 1 monitoring
Leak detection
- Ultrasonic detectors and acoustic camera
- Leak in l/min and cost in € on the spot
Pressure and differential pressure
- Pressure sensors from vacuum to 400 bar
- Filter pressure drop monitoring
Data loggers and software
- Stationary and mobile data loggers for up to 12 sensors
- Energy analysis, alarms and reports
Humidity in gases and oil
- Humidity and temperature in gases up to 300 bar
- Moisture in oil as water activity aw
Ambient conditions
- Pressure, temperature and humidity in the compressor room
- For accurate compressor performance assessment to ISO 1217
Applications
From energy audits to quality monitoring
We combine devices according to your goal – one data logger can record flow, pressure, dew point and electrical power at the same time.
Air quality to ISO 8573-1
Dew point, residual oil and particles – for the food, pharmaceutical and electronics industries.
Leak detection
Ultrasonic detectors and an acoustic camera show the leak, its size in l/min and its cost in €.
Compressor station audit
Mobile measurement of power, flow, pressure and ambient conditions shows the specific power in kWh/m³.
Why measure
Compressed air is one of the most expensive forms of energy
70–80 %
of the total cost of a compressed air system is electricity.
25–35 %
of compressed air is lost through leaks in mature networks.
30 %
of full-load power is used by a compressor idling – without delivering any air.
3 %
energy saved when the compressor intake air is 10 °C cooler.
Source: CS Instruments catalogue 2025/26.
ISO 8573-1:2010
Compressed air purity classes
ISO 8573-1 defines limit values for solid particles, water (pressure dew point) and oil. A class is written e.g. as ISO 8573-1 [1:2:1] – particles, water and oil in that order.
Water → dew point measurement
A refrigeration dryer reaches about +3 °Ctd (class 4), an adsorption dryer -40 °Ctd (class 2) or -70 °Ctd (class 1). Only a measurement shows whether the dryer really works.
Dew point meters →Oil → OIL CHECK 500
Class 1 allows at most 0.01 mg/m³ of oil. OIL CHECK 500 measures residual oil vapour from 0.001 mg/m³ – continuously and stationary.
Air quality →Particles → PC 400 particle counter
The PC 400 laser particle counter counts particles from 0.1 µm in three size classes, as ISO 8573-1 requires for class 1.
Particle measurement →| Class | Solid particles – number per m³ | Water | Oil (aerosol + vapour) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.1–0.5 µm | 0.5–1 µm | 1–5 µm | Pressure dew point | mg/m³ | |
| 0 | As specified by the user – stricter than class 1 | ||||
| 1 | ≤ 20 000 | ≤ 400 | ≤ 10 | ≤ -70 °C | ≤ 0.01 |
| 2 | ≤ 400 000 | ≤ 6 000 | ≤ 100 | ≤ -40 °C | ≤ 0.1 |
| 3 | – | ≤ 90 000 | ≤ 1 000 | ≤ -20 °C | ≤ 1 |
| 4 | – | – | ≤ 10 000 | ≤ +3 °C | ≤ 5 |
| 5 | – | – | ≤ 100 000 | ≤ +7 °C | – |
| 6 | – | – | – | ≤ +10 °C | – |
Source: CS Instruments catalogue 2025/26 (ISO 8573-1:2010).
Measurement and analysis
Compressed air system measurement and analysis
On-site measurements with CS Instruments devices and personal advice. We measure air quality, consumption, leaks and energy and deliver a report with recommended actions.
Compressed air quality measurement
Compressed air quality directly affects process reliability, equipment lifetime, and final product quality. We measure dew point, solid particles, and oil aerosols and vapors to verify compliance with process and ISO requirements, and to ensure dryers and filtration systems are properly selected and configured.
Flow and pressure
Stable flow and pressure are essential for reliable operation of pneumatic equipment and the entire production process. Through measurements, we analyze actual consumption, load profiles, and pressure drops within the system. Based on the results, we identify bottlenecks, incorrect settings, and opportunities for compressor control optimization.
Leak detection
Leaks in compressed air systems are one of the largest sources of energy loss. By accurately identifying leak locations, we assess their impact on energy consumption and provide a prioritized action plan. This enables quick savings and improved system efficiency.
Vibration and equipment condition
Vibration and temperature measurements enable early detection of mechanical issues such as bearing wear, misalignment, or overload. This reduces the risk of unplanned downtime, extends equipment lifetime, and improves compressor station reliability.
Energy analysis
Energy consumption of a compressor station represents a significant share of operating costs. We analyze energy usage (kWh), load profiles, and peak demand to assess system efficiency. Based on the data, we propose measures for control optimization, loss reduction, and long-term cost management.
KOMP-R
Measuring equipment with support from selection to calibration
A meter is only as good as its selection and installation. We take you through every step.
Measuring point selection
Based on pipe diameter, pressure, medium and purpose we recommend the meter and the installation point.
Supply and installation
Insertion sensors are installed under pressure via a ball valve, without stopping production.
Connection and commissioning
We connect 4…20 mA, Modbus or Ethernet and set up the data logger, alarms and software.
Calibration and service
We organise periodic calibration of dew point and flow sensors in the CS Instruments calibration laboratory.
FAQ
Questions about measuring equipment
Which measurements matter most in a compressed air system?
For operating costs, flow and consumption measurement is key, as it reveals leaks and the actual consumption per department. For reliability and quality, the pressure dew point downstream of the dryer is key. Where air contacts the product, we add residual oil and particle measurement to ISO 8573-1.
Does the compressor station have to be stopped to install a sensor?
Not for insertion probes (e.g. VA 500, VD 500, FA 510 with measuring chamber). The probe is installed and removed under pressure via a 1/2″ ball valve or quick coupling. Inline meters with a measuring section are installed in the pipe, so they are usually fitted during a planned shutdown.
Can measurements be connected to an existing control system?
Yes. CS Instruments sensors have 4…20 mA analogue outputs and digital interfaces such as Modbus-RTU, Modbus TCP, M-Bus, Ethernet (PoE) and IO-Link (depending on the model). DS 500 and DS 400 data loggers collect data from several sensors and pass it on.
How often do meters need calibration?
We recommend annual calibration of dew point and flow sensors, more often for demanding processes or billing measurements. CS Instruments has its own calibration laboratories for flow and dew point meters.
Can the equipment be used for other gases?
Many models also measure nitrogen, oxygen, argon, CO₂, helium and vacuum. The meter is set to the correct gas when ordered, which is essential for accurate thermal flow measurement.
Measuring devices
Tell us what you measure and we will propose the right instrument.
Fill in a short form and we will prepare a proposal for measurement equipment and implementation based on the medium, measuring range, and measurement objective.
Proposal of the right instrument type and measuring range
Measurement reports, trends, and interpretation of results
Supply, installation, calibration, and service
Where to find us
DirectionsPod lipami 4 · 1370 Logatec, Slovenija