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This section provides an overview for heat flux sensors as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 7 heat flux sensor manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked heat flux sensor companies as of January, 2025: 1.KYOTO ELECTRONICS MANUFACTURING CO., LTD., 2.Reading Thermal, 3.Captec.
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Graduated with a master's degree in mechacanical engineering from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Tokyo.
As a student, he was engaged in research on thermophysical properties and materials, such as thermal interface materials and heat insulating materials.
After that, he mainly engaged in the development of coating equipment and CAE work at a chemical manufacturing company. Currently, he is engaged in research and development related to CFD, molecular dynamics, chemical equilibrium, and gas-liquid equilibrium at a food manufacturing company.
Figure 1. What is a heat flow sensor?
A heat flux sensor is a device used to measure the amount of heat transfer, also known as heat flow. Heat generally moves from an area of higher temperature to a lower temperature. By measuring this heat flow, the amount of heat transfer can be quantified, and subsequent temperature changes can be estimated.
These sensors convert the heat passing through them into an electrical signal. They are available in flexible designs for curved surfaces and waterproof versions, suitable for various applications.
Heat flux sensors are commonly used in evaluating the thermal insulation performance of housing equipment. With advances in miniaturization and flexibility, their usage has expanded beyond housing applications to include areas such as electronic components and automotive engineering, where they help monitor heat dissipation and loss.
For example, these sensors can be installed inside electronic components to measure the heat they generate. In automobiles, they are used for evaluating heat loss in engine compartments, seat heaters, and air conditioners. Additionally, heat flux sensors are instrumental in measuring the amount of heat flow in and out of materials during phase changes. One innovative application involves enclosing the material to be measured in a bag-shaped heat flux sensor. This setup allows for the measurement of heat flow in and out of the object and can be coupled with a cooling agent to monitor cooling capacity and duration.
Figure 2. Principle of heat flow sensor
Heat flux sensors operate based on Fourier's law and the Seebeck effect. Fourier's law indicates that heat flow per unit area and time is proportional to the temperature gradient. The Seebeck effect generates a voltage when a temperature difference is applied across a substance.
The internal structure of these sensors typically includes N-type and P-type semiconductors, which exhibit the Seebeck effect, and thermocouple materials like copper and chromel-alumel connected in series. This configuration amplifies the small voltage generated by each component, enabling effective detection of heat flow.
Figure 3. How to use a heat flow sensor
Proper selection and installation of heat flux sensors are crucial. It's important to adhere to the specified temperature range limits to avoid issues like adhesive surface peeling. Sensors should be securely attached to the measurement object, using high-conductivity adhesives or silicon grease to minimize errors due to contact thermal resistance.
Before installation, it's necessary to ensure that no air or foreign matter is trapped under the sensor and to check the direction of heat flow and the polarity of the sensor's output by applying a temperature difference.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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Reading Thermal is a developer and supplier of temperature measurement as well as data logging systems established in 1986 as a division of Reading Bakery Systems. Based in Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania, the company offers various digital humidity sensors for measuring relative humidity in different baking chambers, as well as their SCORPION 2 branded profiling system, which is an all-in-one measurement solution for analyzing key baking parameters like temperature, heat flux, air velocity, and humidity. Reading Thermal serves clients throughout the baked goods, confectionery and snack foods sectors, including Nabisco, Mondelez International, and Frito-Lay.
AMI Instrument , established in 1998 in Shanghai, China, is a manufacturer of advanced heat flux sensors and optimal meters for various applications. The product lineup includes various types of heat flux sensors, radiometers, and meters,each designed to accurately measure heat transfer in different environments and conditions. These sensors play a crucial role in industries such as aerospace, automotive, construction, and material research by providing valuable insights into thermal performance and efficiency. The products offer benefits like optimal sensitivity, robust construction, and precise data collection, enabling engineers, researchers, and manufacturers to optimize designs, enhance energy efficiency, and improve product performance.
EKO Instruments, founded in 1927 in Tokyo, Japan, is a manufacturer of advanced scientific instruments and solutions. The company specializes in producing unique instruments for measuring solar radiation, measuring photovoltaic performance, and environmental parameters. The products include solar radiation sensors, pyranometers, photovoltaic analyzers, and meteorological instruments. These products provide accurate data collection, enabling professionals in industries such as renewable energy, meteorology, agriculture, and environmental research to make informed decisions and optimize their processes. EKO Instruments' precision, adaptability, and technological advancement in the field of solar measurement and environmental monitoring result in the global transition towards sustainable and efficient energy solutions.
Captec, in Lille, France, founded in 1995, is a designer and manufacturer of heat flux sensors, radiant flux sensors, thermal transducers, thermal conductivity meters, ultra-thin heaters, nickel-plated probes to monitor surface temperatures, and heat flux gage for high heat flux. All products can be made to specifications and make heat flux measurement easier in various research and industrial fields, such as civil and building engineering, solar energy, thermal resistance measurement, thermal conductivity, and radiative heat transfer.
Kyoto Electronics Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (KEM), established in 1961 in Japan, is a manufacturer and supplier of scientific instruments, medical instruments, and medical substance generators. The company's product line has grown to include an extensive line of analytical instruments and thermal measuring equipment that includes automatic potentiometric titrators, Karl Fischer moisture titrators, density and specific gravity meters, and thermal measuring instruments to measure the thermal conductivity and heat flow of various substances and materials. The company's equipment and instruments are used across the chemical, electricity, paint, food and beverage, and petrochemical industries, among many others.
Hukseflux, is a manufacturer of heat flux measurement sensors that employ thermopiles, located in Delft, The Netherlands and founded in 1993. The products include heat flux measuring systems, soil temperature sensors, and heat flux sensors such as high-temperature foils, water-cooled cone calorimeters, heat flux plates, ultra-sensitive, and self-calibrating heat flux sensors applied in data loggers and amplifiers. The company provides application support, pyranometer calibration, special engineering services, software, and downloadable manuals.
Vatell Corporation, founded in 1985 by Lawrence Langley, is a Christiansburg, Virginia-based manufacturer and supplier of heat flux measurement instruments such as heat flux microsensors, Thermogages and heat flux sensors. The Thermogage is a Vatell’s patented product segment comprising Water-Cooled Heat Flux Sensors, Conduction-Cooled Heat Flux Sensors, and Water-Cooled Radiometers. The company also offers dual channel HFM amplifiers and single channel Amp-6 to Amp-15 amplifiers designed to work with their sensors. Their products are used in aerospace, vehicle instrumentation, explosion characterization, rocketry and process control applications.
Ranking as of January 2025
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | KYOTO ELECTRONICS MANUFACTURING CO., LTD. |
30.1%
|
| 2 | Reading Thermal |
20.1%
|
| 3 | Captec |
15.3%
|
| 4 | Vatell Corporation |
12.0%
|
| 5 | EKO |
10.0%
|
| 6 | AMI Instrument |
8.6%
|
| 7 | Hukseflux |
3.8%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the heat flux sensor page as of January 2025. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
|
Japan
|
2 | 33.3% |
|
United States of America
|
1 | 16.7% |
|
China
|
1 | 16.7% |
|
France
|
1 | 16.7% |
|
Netherlands
|
1 | 16.7% |
47 products found
47 products
TopoLogic Co., Ltd.
30+ people viewing
Last viewed: 1 day ago
High-speed detection of human skin and even breath. Visualize "heat" and catch abnormal phenomena in 0.01 seconds. TL-SENSING™ is a heat flux senso...
OVAL Corporation
460+ people viewing
Last viewed: 4 hours ago
Standard Response
This is an energy -saving management flow meter that ensures that a small flow rate of utility gas such as air and nitrogen (call diameter 15mm: 10...
5 models listed
Cosmo Trading Co., Ltd.
150+ people viewing
Last viewed: 1 day ago
Standard Response
4.0 Company Review
The STA 6000, which uses the specially developed SaTurnA™ sensor, and the STA 8000, which can measure up to 1,600℃, are highly versatile thermograv...
2 models listed
Oki Riko Jizai Co., Ltd.
90+ people viewing
Last viewed: 3 hours ago
Standard Response
■Summary We can handle a wide range of tasks from research to routine analysis. Small, simple and robust design. Also supports quality control such...
Oki Riko Jizai Co., Ltd.
60+ people viewing
Last viewed: 1 minute ago
Standard Response
■Summary Measurements up to 1,600℃ are possible with the newly developed SaTurnA™ sensor. It is a highly versatile analytical device that can perfo...
Sensirion
220+ people viewing
Last viewed: 3 hours ago
The "SFM5500" mass flow meter series is the culmination of Sensirion's 20 years of excellent experience in gas flow measurement. Based on the micro...
OG Co., Ltd.
80+ people viewing
Last viewed: 14 hours ago
■Features -Easy to install in various applications and housings ・Excellent long-term stability ・Simple signal processing ・Symmetrical heater des...
OG Co., Ltd.
110+ people viewing
Last viewed: 14 hours ago
■Features - Ideal for applications requiring high flow rates and fast response times in CTA mode - Ideal for leak detection at very low flow rates ...
OG Co., Ltd.
90+ people viewing
Last viewed: 15 hours ago
■Features ・Ideal for flammable liquids ・No contact between sensor and liquid ・High chemical resistance ・Easy flow detection possible
OG Co., Ltd.
80+ people viewing
Last viewed: 17 minutes ago
■Features ・Flow direction detection ・MID housing with integrated flow path and soldering pad ・Ultra-fast response time ・Simple assembly with bu...
OG Co., Ltd.
90+ people viewing
Last viewed: 10 hours ago
■Features ・Easy to connect with other devices (no calibration required) ・Output signal without using microcontroller or software ・Simple CTA (co...
OG Co., Ltd.
80+ people viewing
Last viewed: 7 hours ago
■Features ・Single power supply 12VDC ・Temperature sensor divided on chip ・Connection to screw terminal block ・Flow path and air connector are a...
OG Co., Ltd.
80+ people viewing
Last viewed: 7 hours ago
■Features ・High sensitivity ・Graphical signal display software ・Excellent measurement dynamics ・Data logging function - Fully calibrated and US...
OG Co., Ltd.
70+ people viewing
Last viewed: 1 day ago
■Features ・Single power supply 5VDC ・Ideal for flammable liquids ・No contact between sensor and liquid ・Adjustable
20+ people viewing
Suitable for evaluating insulation performance, energy management, and monitoring heat flow in and out. This is a low heat flow sensor that is used...
