Application note 0011

High Humidity Environments

High humidity in itself is not a problem, the problem occurs when this humid sample passes
through an area of lower temperature and forms condensation. Although the water will be distilled
and therefore to a large extent non-corrosive/non-conductive an accumulation is undesirable and
can cause other problems.

As a sampling pipe leaves a hot humid atmosphere and cools, the condensation forms and it can
then be collected in a condensation trap, as illustrated in figure 1. The length of this pipe and
relative temperature drop will influence the amount of moisture removed from the sample at this
stage. This section of pipe material should have good thermal conduction properties to allow the
heat to be removed from the sample. It should also be remembered that this pipe must be fitted
on a gradient, so that any moisture falls towards the condensation trap. Where the removal of
moisture is insufficient the pipe should be extended or cooled further whilst remaining within the
required transport times.
Application note 0011

High Humidity Environments

Where it is impractical to totally remove all moisture from the sample provision should be made
for use of a heater box. By re-heating the sample just before it enters the detector the ability of
the sample to carry moisture is increased. The air heater box also heats the detector, minimizing
the possibility of condensation forming within the detector.

In either case a piped exhaust should be used to return the sampled air via the shortest route, to
ensure that no pressure difference exists either side of the aspirator. Fig 2 illustrates the general
design philosophy that should be employed:

Fig 2.