History of VPInstruments | Since 1999 | Enabling worldwide energy savings

In 1974, Anton van Putten pioneered the development of MEMS flow sensor technology by implementing the world’s first thermal mass flow sensor on a silicon substrate. This flow sensor would become the mother of all CMOS flow sensors and its revolutionary design can still be found in many other flow sensors around the world.

In 1994, the founders of VPInstruments invented a revolutionary way to eliminate drift in sensors; the Alternating Direction Method (ADM). This patented method eliminated offset dynamically. The ADM method was the only way to ensure full, dynamic offset drift compensation for thermal mass flow sensors. Examples of applications are; leak monitoring, high dynamic range flow sensors and high accuracy gas metering (energy metering).

VPInstruments 1993 study Alternating Direction Method

In 1998, we participated in the McKinsey New Venture ’98 competition with our businessplan and we won 1st price!

In 1999, after thousands of man-hours invested, together with a solid technology base, VPInstruments was founded. The logo was painted for VPInstruments, representing creativity and two eyes for details.

2001. The following years were all about product development and market research. Once introduced, the products soon caught the attention of leading compressor manufacturers, pneumatic equipment manufacturers and machine builders. Together with a leading compressor manufacturer, VPInstruments developed the VPFlowMate insertion probe, which is now one of the most popular field instruments for compressed air audits. The measurement principle of the VPFlowMate was rewarded with a patent.

VPFlowMate compressed air insertion flow meter

In 2005 the experience with the VPFlowMate was the basis for the development of the VPFlowScope product line. This all-in-one device measured mass flow, pressure and temperature and contained a built-in data logger. The VPFlowScope could be compared to the “Swiss Army Knife” for compressed air professionals during their field audits.

In 2006 the VPFlowScope development was completed and the VPFlowScope received a top ten nomination for the Process Engineering award in the Netherlands.

In 2007 the VPFlowScope product line was launched. The VPFlowScope was the world’s first multivariable (three-in-one) mass flow meter and revolutionized the way compressed air audits were performed. Customers worldwide saved over a quarter million Euro on compressed air consumption in the first six months of release.

In 2007 the 3-in-1 measurement principle – patent was published as well.

In 2008 air audits with the VPFlowScope and VPFlowMate resulted in over one million Euro of compressed air savings annually. VPInstruments’ distribution network has grown rapidly and you are part of it. There are in 2008 over 30 distributors worldwide to help customers to save on compressed air.

In 2009 VPInstruments introduced the VPVision remote monitoring system, world’s first easy to use monitoring system for compressed air installations. Industry 4.0, before the word even existed. That meant that customers could now keep track of energy consumption any time and at any place.

In 2011 the VPFlowScope Differential Pressure flow meter was introduced. It combined three sensors and enabled customers to perform air audits in wet, condensing air conditions. With the VPFlowScope DP clients could now measure the output of a compressor.

VPFlowScope DP for saturated air measurements

In 2012 VPInstruments introduced VPVision 2.0, the web-based monitoring solution for compressed air. With VPVision the complete compressed air system can be monitored from supply to demand side.

VPVision energy system visible via VPN network

In 2013 the VPFlowScope in-line was introduced. With the VPFlowScope in-line, VPInstruments sets a new standard for compressed air measurements again. It offered flow, pressure, temperature and totalizer in a single instrument. With the optional display and 2 million point data logger, performing air audits became as easy as taking pictures.

In 2015 VPInstruments took innovation to the next level with the introduction of the VPFlowScope M. Unlike traditional flow meters that have to be shipped back for recalibration, this revolutionary product consists of a transmitter and a patented cartridge, the VPFlowSensorCartridge^®. You simply exchange the cartridge and continue your business, resulting in near zero down time, less customs/paperwork, less costs and most importantly: consistent reliable measurements.

In 2016 the VPSensorCartridge principle was officially patented.

VPFlowScope M flow meter for compressed air and industrial gasses

In 2018 a new office was opened in the United Kingdom to accelerate growth and provide professional customer support.

In 2018 the VP Academy was launched. In the VP Academy clients can study and learn all about the VPFlowScope M flow meter for compressed air and industrial gases. By tutorial video’s, schematics and reading, it is now possible to learn how to configure, install and read out the flow meter, at your own pace, time and place. The VPFlowScope M is just the first product, we will continue including more products in the future.

In 2019, we were proud to celebrate our 20 years anniversary. Throughout these 20 years, VPInstruments developed innovative products for easy insight into the energy flows of compressed air and technical gases. Our revolutionary products made it possible to perform compressed air audits in an easy manner and today our product portfolio comprises a complete energy management solution. Our highly motivated team continues to develop new products and we look forward to many years to come.

In 2021, we announced the establishment of a new office in Shanghai, China. The VPInstruments China office’s main goal was to contribute to sales growth and strengthen customer service in China. We also helped customers in China to gain awareness of energy savings and make efforts to build a greener manufacturing industry.

In 2022, we introduced VPVision Release 7 – A new outlook toward Energy Management. In release 7, the VPVision software got a complete make-over. The modern design offered better navigation, improved stability, and increased performance. The software was more intuitive and self-explanatory, making a user manual almost redundant.

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History