The 'Metrovick' velometer takes its name from the Metropolitan-Vickers Electrical Company Ltd. who manufactured it in 1951.
The velometer was an air velocity meter and like the anemometer before it, was developed to measure the speed of ventilating air in mine shafts. A strong flow of fresh air was needed to remove the explosive gases given off by coal in deep mines and provide a fresh source of air for miners to breathe.
The electrical velometer could give instant readings of air speeds up to 6,000 feet per minute allowing Mine Deputies to test quickly and easily the strength and flow of fresh air around mine shafts.
