EATON RAPIDS, MI —  Von Weise, a premiere supplier of gear motors and linear actuators, has announced the formation of its newest division, NJK Precision. The new division is part of  Von Weise’s strategic efforts to focus on growth opportunities related to its core technologies business.

NJK Precision, based in Eaton Rapids, provides technology and integrated air control solutions to optimize energy usage in various markets, including commercial, educational and residential buildings.

The company manufactures air and sound control products for the HVAC market that provide accurate, repeatable measurement of air movement through ducts and piping. Good air quality is an important component of a healthy indoor environment. A healthy indoor environment is one in which the indoor air is free from significant levels of odors, dust and contaminants and circulates to prevent stuffiness without creating drafts. 

NJK’s patented technology mechanically smoothes the turbulent air flow, providing precisely measured “mass air flow” with a single sensor – no other manufacturer offers such technology. Current technology requires multiple sensors to create an array capable of estimating “average air flow.” 

Integrating thin film resistor sensing and patented air-sampling technology, the NJK Precision Air Flow  Monitoring Station features an “air foil” and multiple precision-formed air passages (hole pattern) that are integrated into a stainless-steel assembly. Built to order, the structure’s engineered hole pattern can maintain its measuring accuracy even with 50% hole blockage. The system fits into existing ductwork – no duct removal is required. 

“Installation requires cutting an opening, adding a C-Channel insert, sliding the sensor in and installing a cover plate; no K-factor or in-field adjustments are required, and there is no need to remove and redesign your existing system to incorporate a precision flow sensor, regardless of intake area up to 72” x 96,” said Nick Wolgamott, vice president of engineering and technology, and the architect behind the sensor.

“The system is easy to remove and can be power washed. Humidity, ocean air and other naturally caustic fumes will not alter, distort or deform the precision-sensing structure,” Wolgamott added.

The NJK Air Flow Monitoring Station improves comfort, health and workplace productivity while saving energy and reducing the cost to operate any air make-up system. Test results show lab accuracy of ~ 0.5% and installed accuracy of ~ 2% versus competitor accuracy at ~3.0% and ~7-25%, respectively, and using one to four probes in varying sizes with each probe having two to four sensors. “Our system delivers better product accuracy than any existing product out there,” said Kevin Hein, president of NJK Precision. “Integrating thin film resistor sensing and patented air-sampling technology into our stainless-steel assembly provides superior accuracy and reliability while dramatically reducing installation costs.”

Improved accuracy reduces energy consumption by helping a building’s system optimize air exchanges. 

To achieve necessary air exchanges, conventional systems overcome limitations in sensor accuracy by bringing in extra outside air (heating cold air in the winter and cooling hot air in the summer). Even the low air flow common with outside air intake can be measured accurately with the NJK Precision sensor. 

“Imagine the improved comfort associated with maintaining the desired temperature and relative humidity with less variation. We are revolutionizing the industry and offering something it doesn’t have,” said Wolgamott. “Our sensors will outlast the building duct system.”

NJK Precision installed its sensor system at Michigan State University (MSU), East Lansing, MI, as a test installation. The university has since ordered 10 units to be installed on its campus. 

Made in the USA, the NJK Precision sensor can be installed in existing buildings and can help improve even the oldest systems. It can also be used in new construction to enhance all green technologies.

In addition to the Air Flow Monitoring Station, NJK Precision is developing duct balancers and VAV terminals for retrofit.