A Guide on Selecting the Right Dew Point Sensors for Smooth Compressed Air Applications

Dew point sensors are instruments that are particularly designed to measure the temperature at which dew develops. Selecting the right dew point meter type in order to meet the stringent requirements of your unique installation is a crucial task. In this article, we will guide you via the most vital questions you must answer when weighing your choices.

The first and foremost question to ask is whether you are browsing for a portable or a fixed dew point meter. Fixed mount sensors generally entail an external power source to function and can range in intricacy from a basic analogue sole device to extremely sophisticated units with data-logging, displays, Ethernet connections, alarm relays and more.

Here are a set of questions that will help you narrow down products to select from-

What do you require the devices to do?
Integrated display or panel meter?
Datalog?
Send a signal somewhere for control or miscellaneous purposes?
Alarm at a low/elevated point?
Fixed mount dew point meters can be set up on the supply-side OEM applications, for dryer monitoring and demand side for end user applications connecting to panel meter displays, PLCs and data loggers.

Dryer Type:
 
In most of the compressed air systems, the kind of dryer will regulate the dew point operating range entailed from the dew point meter type. Presently, there is no single device available in the market that measures all dew point levels accurately. Sensing techniques are optimized in order to excel in certain ranges- moderate-range ambient levels, high humidity condensing atmospheres and extremely dry conditions. Measuring dew point in each of these conditions exhibits it own unique set of challenges.

Selecting the instrument with an accurate measurement range would affect both the long-term and short-term stability and accuracy of the dew point measurement.

Refrigerant Dryers:
 
In systems functioning at higher levels, refrigerant dryers produce dew points between 35-40F. For such measurements, dew point sensors optimized for higher dew points are recommended. Since usage conditions like temperature and pressure can affect the choice of sensor, it is an ideal idea to consult a specialist dealer before making your final decision.

Moreover, it is important to know the temperature and pressure at the measurement site. While the temperature of the compressed air would not have any sort of affect on the dew point value, it might negatively influence the performance of the dew point meter. Prudent management and monitoring of pressure is imperative to making an accurate measurement.

Desiccant Dryers:
 
Compressed air mechanisms utilizing a desiccant-kind dryer can have dew points anywhere between -148 to 22F. Nevertheless, most function between -76 to 40F. It is essential to identify what range you want to control. In case your dryer outputs air at -112F dew points, however, your intended control set point is at -58F, this is where your performance and precision is important.

Contamination Resistance:
 
Finally, excellent dew point sensors have specific features that make sure a dry and clean compressed air system. These include swift wet to dry response time; long calibration intervals; thorough recovery from saturated conditions; high resistance to contamination-immunity to compressor lubricants and chemicals. For more info visit: http://www.csinstrument.com/