New device

CS Instruments – VA 526

Compact. Connected. Future-proof. The new thermal mass inline flow sensor for compressed air and gases measures flow, consumption and temperature in one sensor – optionally pressure and dew point too.

Measuring Principle: Thermal mass flow
Measured Medium: Compressed air, N₂, Ar, CO₂, O₂, N₂O (other gases on request)
Measuring Range: up to 1195 m³/h (DN 50, Max version 185 m/s)
Operating Pressure: up to 16 bar (optionally 40 bar)
Connections: G or NPT, 1/4" to 2"
Interfaces: Bluetooth (standard), 4–20 mA, Modbus-RTU, Ethernet/PoE, M-Bus, IO-Link
Options: Pressure and dew point measurement, flow straightener
Measuring Principle: Thermal mass flow
Measured Medium: Compressed air, N₂, Ar, CO₂, O₂, N₂O (other gases on request)
Measuring Range: up to 1195 m³/h (DN 50, Max version 185 m/s)
Operating Pressure: up to 16 bar (optionally 40 bar)
Connections: G or NPT, 1/4" to 2"
Interfaces: Bluetooth (standard), 4–20 mA, Modbus-RTU, Ethernet/PoE, M-Bus, IO-Link
Options: Pressure and dew point measurement, flow straightener
Standard equipment 6 · Options and accessories 9
  • Compact inline design with measuring sectionMeasuring sections from 1/4" (DN 8) to 2" (DN 50) with G (BSP) or NPT thread.
  • Thermal mass flow sensorMeasures flow, consumption (meter) and temperature; units m³/h, l/min for air (1000 mbar, 20 °C) or Nm³/h, Nl/min for gases.
  • Colour display with rotationChoose the most important values to display; the view rotates in software for good readability in any mounting position.
  • Bluetooth and CS SensorAppMeasuring point name, meter reset, units, gas type, zero point and averaging settings, live readings and export of consumption and leakage analyses.
  • Built-in data logger50 MB of memory (about 2 years at a 10-minute interval).
  • Supply and housing18…36 VDC, 5 W; IP65 polycarbonate housing; aluminium measuring block.
ParameterVA 526
Measured Parametersm³/h, l/min (1000 mbar, 20 °C) for compressed air; Nm³/h, Nl/min (1013 mbar, 0 °C) for gases
Configurable Units (CS SensorApp)m³/h, m³/min, l/min, l/s, ft/min, cfm, m/s, kg/h, kg/min, g/s, lb/min, lb/h
SensorThermal mass flow sensor
Measured MediumAir, gases
ThreadG 1/4"
Measuring range (air) [m³/h]6.3 (105 l/min)
Measuring range [cfm]3.6
Length L [mm]135
Width B [mm]50
Height H [mm]86
Accuracy (r.v. = reading value, f.s. = full scale)± 1.5 % r.v. ± 0.3 % f.s.; on request ± 1 % r.v. ± 0.3 % f.s. or ± 6 % r.v. ± 0.5 % f.s.
Pressure Measurement Accuracy1 % r.v.
Operating Temperature [°C]−20 … +80
Operating Pressure [bar]up to 16 (optionally up to 40)
Digital OutputRS 485 (Modbus RTU), M-Bus (optional), Ethernet or PoE, IO-Link, Bluetooth
Analog Output4…20 mA for m³/h or l/min
Power Supply18 … 36 VDC, 5 W
Load< 500 Ω
HousingPolycarbonate (IP65)
Measuring BlockAluminium or 316L stainless steel
Connection ThreadG 1/4" to G 2" (BSP) or 1/4" to 2" NPT
Mounting PositionAny
Data Logger50 MB (about 2 years at a 10-minute interval)

Why Choose the VA 526?

Bluetooth and CS SensorApp

Bluetooth is standard. The iOS and Android app finds all nearby sensors, shows live readings, curves and consumption, and enables remote service support.

4 values in one sensor

Flow and consumption plus temperature, optionally pressure (0–16 bar, 0–40 bar or 10–2000 mbar abs.) and humidity/dew point (−20…+50 °Ctd).

No inlet section

The optional integrated flow straightener creates a stable flow profile even right after a 90° elbow – for installation in the tightest spaces.

Every key interface

4–20 mA, Modbus-RTU (RS485), Ethernet with PoE (Modbus/TCP), M-Bus and IO-Link – for easy integration with energy monitoring and PLCs.

Robust, cleanable measuring tip

The sensor sits in the centre of the flow inside a stainless steel tube with baffles and is protected by a glass coating. The tip can be cleaned with water and a mild cleaning agent.

CRA-ready

Compliance with the EU Cyber Resilience Act is already implemented as standard.

Built-in data logger

50 MB of memory – enough for about two years of readings at a 10-minute interval.

Compact and robust

IP65 polycarbonate housing, aluminium or 316L stainless steel measuring block, any mounting position.

Energy and industrial processes

Energy

Energy Monitoring

Reliable measurement of air and gas flow rates to support energy monitoring and improve process efficiency.

Compressor station

Compressor Stations (FAD)

FAD Measurement

Measurement of Free Air Delivery (FAD) directly in pipelines, even while the system remains in operation.

Chemical industry

Chemical Industry

Process Flow Measurement

Accurate flow measurement of technical gases for stable and safe chemical processes.

Food industry and inert gases

Food Industry (N₂ / CO₂)

Inert Gases

Monitoring nitrogen and CO₂ consumption in packaging, cooling, and protective atmosphere applications.

Automotive industry

Automotive Industry

Production Line Monitoring

Reliable measurement of air and gas flow rates in manufacturing, assembly, and painting processes.

Aerospace industry

Aerospace Industry

Critical Flow Monitoring

High measurement accuracy for monitoring flow rates in demanding and safety-critical applications.

Metallurgy and welding

Metallurgy and Welding

Shielding Gases

Measurement of shielding and process gas flow rates for stable welding and metallurgical processes.

Natural gas and industrial processes

Natural Gas and Steam

Process Media

Monitoring industrial gas and process media flow rates for energy and technological applications.

Measuring devices

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