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Selecting the right dewpoint sensor and
transmitter type to meet the stringent needs of
your unique installation is a critical task. Steven Live Industrial Exhibition
(http://www.directindustry.com/)
Jiroutek guides you through the most essential All Pneumatic Actuators
questions you should answer when weighing your (http://www.engineerlive.com/directindustry/)

choices.
The first question to ask is whether you are you
looking for a fixed or a portable dewpoint sensor referrerUrl=)
and transmitter.Fixed mount transmitters usually
require an external power source to operate and Automation/Control
can range in complexity from a basic analogue Instrumentation
only device to very sophisticated units with Materials Handling
displays, alarm relays, datalogging, ethernet Plant Management

connections, and more. Process Equipment

Renewables
The following set of questions will help narrow Safety in the Plant
down products to choose from. Water Management

What do you need the instrument to do?

Previous Issues
- Continuously monitor with a local display?
- Panel meter or integrated display? Your Career

- Send a signal somewhere for control or other

purposes? What type of signal?
- Alarm at a high/low setpoint?
(http://www.engineerlive.com/yourcareer)
- Datalog?
Fixed mount units can be installed on supply-side (http://content.yudu.com/A2t2wd/EPEmay2014)
Newsbrief
OEM applications, for dryer monitoring or control,
To receive our free weekly
as well as on the demand-side for end user
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applications connecting to PLCs, dataloggers, and
email address below:
panel meter displays.
In terms of portable handheld devices, these Please select your Country:
battery-powered mobile devices of varying size United Kingdom
and function are optimised for different Engineering Discipline:
applications. They are typically used for verifying
Chemical





(http://content.yudu.com/A2i32j/EPEnov2013/resources/index.htm?
fixed mount transmitters in the field or for spot- referrerUrl=http%
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will dictate the dewpoint operating range required
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from the dewpoint instrument or sensor type.
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Currently there is no single instrument on the  Renewables





market that measures all dewpoint levels well.
Sensing technologies are optimised to excel in
specific ranges - very dry conditions, mid-range
ambient levels, or high humidity condensing Read the latest NewsBrief
environments. Measuring dewpoint in each of (http://setform-mail.com/t/381
these ranges presents its own unique set of -37476-10696KW62/cr.aspx)
challenges (Fig. 2).
(http://content.yudu.com/A24ja7/EPEmay2013/resources/index.htm?
Choosing the instrument with the right referrerUrl=http://www.engineerlive.com/content/software
-drives-plant-
measurement range will impact both the short- and optimisation-
long-term accuracy and stability of the dewpoint improvements)
measurement.
Desiccant dryers

http://www.engineerlive.com/content/23105 25-02-2015
Dewpoint meter for compressed air application | Engineer Live Page 2 of 3

Compressed air systems using a desiccant-type

dryer can have dewpoints anywhere between -100
and -30°C (-148 2 to 22°F). However, most
operate between -60 and -40°C (-76 to -40°F). It's
important to identify what level you actually wish to
control or monitor. If your dryer outputs air at -80°C
(-112°F) dewpoints however your intended control
setpoint is at -50°C (-58°F), this is where your (http://content.yudu.com/A1zc52/EPEnov2012/resources/index.htm?
accuracy and performance is critical. For these dry, referrerUrl=http%
low dewpoint conditions, products using Vaisala 3A%2F%
2Fwww.evolution-
DRYCAP polymer sensor type technology are mail.net%
recommended for optimum performance. 2Fresources%
2Fcontrols%
2Fpreview%
Refrigerant dryers
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preview.html)
In systems operating at higher levels, refrigerant
dryers produce dewpoints between 2 and 4°C (35
and 40°F). For these mid-range measurements,
sensors optimised for higher dewpoints are
recommended, such as Vaisala HUMICAP sensor
products as well as some of the DRYCAP sensor
products.
Since application conditions such as pressure and
temperature can affect the choice of sensor, it's a (http://content.yudu.com/A1wc6w/EPEMay2012/resources/index.htm?
referrerUrl=http%
good idea to consult a specialist before making 3A%2F%
your final decision. 2Fwww.engineerlive.com%
2F)
It is also important to know the pressure and
temperature at the measurement location.
While the temperature of the compressed air will
not have any affect on the dewpoint value, it may
negatively impact the performance of the dewpoint
sensor. If the air is too hot at the intended
measurement point, choosing a cooler downstream
location or use of a sampling system may be
(http://content.yudu.com/A1ubym/EPENov2011/resources/index.htm?
required. referrerUrl=http%
3A%2F%
Careful monitoring and management of pressure is 2Fwww.evolution-
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critical to making a good dewpoint measurement. 2Fresources%
Since changes in pressure have a dramatic affect 2Fcontrols%
on dewpoint, it's important to know the pressure at 2Fpreview%
2Fhtml%2Fblank-
each measurement location in order to compare preview.html)
dewpoint readings and baseline them to a single
pressure value.
Refrigerant dryers
Will the measurement be made directly in the line
or using a sample cell? Deciding how to install a
dewpoint probe can be a difficult choice. Two
options are usually considered - inserting the
threaded probe directly into a T, or ball valve for an (http://content.yudu.com/A1rsgp/EPEMay2011/resources/index.htm?
referrerUrl=http%
in-situ measurement or using a sample line and 3A%2F%
sample cell to isolate the measurement outside of 2Fwww.evolution-
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the system. There are advantages and 2Fresources%
disadvantages associated with each method. 2Fcontrols%
2Fpreview%
For in-the-line measurements, the benefits of in- 2Fhtml%2Fblank-
preview.html)
situ measurements include a simplified and lower
cost installation, and a potentially faster response
time.
However, drawbacks include fluctuating line
pressures (resulting in changing dewpoint values)
and inability to isolate or remove the probe
conveniently from the compressed air system
when it's time for service or calibration.
Typically dewpoint probes come in two varieties,
fixed and adjustable. Adjustable probes use a
threaded compression fitting allowing for
adjustable insertion depth into a line. Fixed probes
have welded fittings that cannot be repositioned.
The alternative approach involves the use of a
sample cell and stainless steel tubing connected to
the main line at the point of interest.
A small amount of compressed air is allowed to
flow past the sensor by opening a leak screw or
valve. The flow rate through the cell must be

http://www.engineerlive.com/content/23105 25-02-2015
Dewpoint meter for compressed air application | Engineer Live Page 3 of 3

carefully controlled in order to ensure minimal

pressure drop from the process line which could
cause erroneous readings.
The advantages of this approach are better control
of air pressure minimising main line fluctuations,
ability to isolate the sensor from the system, and
option to cool and condition the air sample if
necessary.
Contamination resistance
Finally, good dewpoint sensors have particular
features that ensure a clean and dry compressed
air system. These include: fast wet-to-dry response
time; high resistance to contamination - immunity
to compressor oil and other chemicals; complete
recovery from saturated conditions; and long
calibration intervals.
Steven Jiroutek is Regional Market Manager,
Vaisala, Boston, USA. www.vaisala.com

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