Science and processing technology rely on humidity sensors as part of control systems in a variety of applications. Many people are aware of the relative humidity number reported by the local weather reporter on TV. While this helps the average citizen prepare for his day, it is only one very small reason for the existence of sensors to measure humidity. Humidity has impacts on a wide range of industrial and scientific processes and makes a difference in everyone's daily lives. This short article will examine the technology and uses of humidity measurement.
The basic definition of humidity is the water vapor content in a gas such as air or nitrogen. Notice this refers to water vapor - not water in any form. Water existing as a mist or ice crystal in air is not within the definition of humidity. Also, humidity is discussed in various terms depending on how the measurement is made and used. Within certain ranges it is possible to calculate the equivalent measurement in different terms, such as converting relative humidity measurements to dew point temperatures.
The most common humidity measurements are dew point, relative humidity, and relative humidity. Each of these is best suited for specific applications where the range and accuracy of the measured values is used in research or process control. Humidity measurement has advanced along with other technologies and is a common part daily life.
Most people have experienced the "bad hair day" that is caused by high relative humidity. Scientists used the changes in human hair to detect and indicate relative humidity in early sensors. Horse hair was also used in mechanical devices to indicate humidity. When material science began producing artificial materials such as nylon, researchers soon realized these synthetic materials were more predictable and more accurately calibrated. The evolution of humidity measurement has led to the solid-state humidity sensor that is relatively cheap, extremely accurate and damage resistant.
The temperature at which water vapor begins to condense out of a gas at a specified pressure is called the dew point. It is a common weather report term. It is also important in scientific calculations and is used in manufacturing situations or processes. The first dew point instruments used a chilled mirror to determine the temperature of condensation. These sensors were expensive and difficult to keep calibrated. Electronic technology used in modern dew point sensors can make measurements at temperatures as cold as -40degrees F.
The third common humidity measurement is absolute humidity. This is the calculation or measurement of the weight (actually mass) of water vapor in a volume of gas. This measurement is expressed as grains per cubic foot or grams per cubic meter. Absolute humidity is the most useful measurement for calculations and is found in many applications. Electronic sensors can measure absolute humidity in gases as hot as 200 degrees C., even in polluted environments.
In manufacturing, changes in humidity can impact the stability of processes. This is particularly true with painting. Constant real-time monitoring of humidity allows automatic adjustments to the process to compensate for changes. Research results can be skewed by changes in humidity so recording humidity during the research is important. Modern sensor manufacturers have products to cover almost any application.
Humidity sensor manufacturers can deliver accuracy, robustness, size, and cost to meet just about any scientific or technological requirement. Some online research is sure to reveal a variety of options for any application. This article should provide just enough information to make your research more effective.
The basic definition of humidity is the water vapor content in a gas such as air or nitrogen. Notice this refers to water vapor - not water in any form. Water existing as a mist or ice crystal in air is not within the definition of humidity. Also, humidity is discussed in various terms depending on how the measurement is made and used. Within certain ranges it is possible to calculate the equivalent measurement in different terms, such as converting relative humidity measurements to dew point temperatures.
The most common humidity measurements are dew point, relative humidity, and relative humidity. Each of these is best suited for specific applications where the range and accuracy of the measured values is used in research or process control. Humidity measurement has advanced along with other technologies and is a common part daily life.
Most people have experienced the "bad hair day" that is caused by high relative humidity. Scientists used the changes in human hair to detect and indicate relative humidity in early sensors. Horse hair was also used in mechanical devices to indicate humidity. When material science began producing artificial materials such as nylon, researchers soon realized these synthetic materials were more predictable and more accurately calibrated. The evolution of humidity measurement has led to the solid-state humidity sensor that is relatively cheap, extremely accurate and damage resistant.
The temperature at which water vapor begins to condense out of a gas at a specified pressure is called the dew point. It is a common weather report term. It is also important in scientific calculations and is used in manufacturing situations or processes. The first dew point instruments used a chilled mirror to determine the temperature of condensation. These sensors were expensive and difficult to keep calibrated. Electronic technology used in modern dew point sensors can make measurements at temperatures as cold as -40degrees F.
The third common humidity measurement is absolute humidity. This is the calculation or measurement of the weight (actually mass) of water vapor in a volume of gas. This measurement is expressed as grains per cubic foot or grams per cubic meter. Absolute humidity is the most useful measurement for calculations and is found in many applications. Electronic sensors can measure absolute humidity in gases as hot as 200 degrees C., even in polluted environments.
In manufacturing, changes in humidity can impact the stability of processes. This is particularly true with painting. Constant real-time monitoring of humidity allows automatic adjustments to the process to compensate for changes. Research results can be skewed by changes in humidity so recording humidity during the research is important. Modern sensor manufacturers have products to cover almost any application.
Humidity sensor manufacturers can deliver accuracy, robustness, size, and cost to meet just about any scientific or technological requirement. Some online research is sure to reveal a variety of options for any application. This article should provide just enough information to make your research more effective.
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