Video: How to Use a Pitot Tube
Practical Guidance on Taking Accurate Duct Velocity Measurements
LEVCentral Expert Commentary
The Pitot Tube remains one of the most important instruments used by LEV engineers, commissioning engineers and occupational hygienists. When used correctly, it provides a reliable method of measuring duct velocity and calculating airflow within LEV systems.
Despite its apparent simplicity, incorrect use of a Pitot Tube remains one of the most common causes of inaccurate airflow measurements. Common mistakes include incorrect orientation of the tube, poor connection to the manometer, failure to identify the correct pressure ports and misunderstanding of negative pressure readings.
This practical training video provides a step-by-step introduction to the correct use of a standard Pitot Tube. It demonstrates how to connect the instrument to a manometer, orientate the tube correctly within a duct and obtain meaningful pressure readings that can be used to calculate velocity and volumetric airflow.
The video is particularly useful for engineers preparing for BOHS P601 and P602 qualifications, individuals new to LEV testing and anyone wishing to improve confidence in airflow measurement techniques.
Organisation: OXYL8 Ltd
Resource Title: How to Use a Pitot Tube
Document Type: Training Video
Primary Topics: Pitot Tubes, Airflow Measurement, Duct Velocity, LEV Testing, Commissioning
Audience: LEV Engineers, Occupational Hygienists, P601 Candidates, P602 Candidates, Commissioning Engineers and Duty Holders
Further Resources
- HSG258 – Controlling Airborne Contaminants at Work
- LEVCentral Basic LEV Maths Revision Guide
- OMEGA – Measuring Air Flow in Ducts, Pipes, Hoods and Stacks
- BSRIA Commissioning Air Systems (BG 49/2024)
Recommended Learning
- BOHS P601 – Thorough Examination and Testing of LEV Systems
- BOHS P602 – Basic Design Principles of LEV Systems
- P600 Methods for Testing Performance of LEV
- P604 Commissioning & Performance Evaluation of LEV
Thought Leadership
Many LEV performance decisions are ultimately based on airflow measurements. If those measurements are inaccurate, the conclusions drawn from them may also be flawed.
Developing good measurement technique is therefore as important as understanding the calculations themselves. The Pitot Tube remains one of the simplest and most effective tools available for assessing duct performance, provided it is used correctly and consistently.
