Humidity Matters

In Episode 20 of Humidity Matters, we discuss how you can see significant energy savings in compressed air plants using a process called dew point demand switching for heatless desiccant dryers. We'll discuss the significance of compressed air in industrial settings, often referred to as the "fourth utility" due to its widespread use and energy-intensive nature. Compressing air is a highly energy-intensive process, requiring up to 7-8 times more electricity than an electric motor to achieve the same amount of horsepower.

The core of the discussion revolves around the heatless desiccant dryers and the potential energy savings achievable...

In episode 19 of "Humidity Matters," Steve and Bruce discuss measuring and managing dewpoint in compressed air systems.  We discuss five common questions:

What is dewpoint?How does pressure affect dewpoint measurement?What do pressure and atmospheric dewpoint mean, and why are those terms important?How does dewpoint measurement indicate compressed air quality?What are some important aspects of choosing a dewpoint instrument for a compressed air system?

Key points covered include:

Dew point temperature is crucial for indicating moisture levels in the air and is significantly affected by pressure variations.In a compressed air system, as p...

In Episode 18 of the "Humidity Matters" podcast, the third part of the calibration series, Bruce and Steve discuss the differences between accredited and non-accredited calibrations in humidity instruments. The episode delves into the definitions, standards, and processes of accredited calibrations, including independent third-party audits and adherence to specific global and national standards. We also addresses when accredited calibrations are necessary and the value they add, alongside providing insights into various calibration practices, uncertainty, accuracy, and traceability in measurements. The episode concludes by summarizing key takeaways from the entire calibration series.

A podcast by Bruce McDuffee and Steven...

Episode 17, part 2 of a 3-part series, delves into the practical aspects of calibrating humidity instruments. We begin by outlining three primary approaches to calibration:

Calibrate at your own In-house labSend instruments to an external lab Field calibration at your facility out in the process or on the factory floor

Each method is analyzed for its pros and cons. In-house labs offer control and a consistent environment but are expensive and require significant investment in equipment and expertise. External labs provide specialized equipment and expertise without the need for capital and operating investment, but they pose risks related t...

In the 16th episode, we discuss the importance and intricacies of calibration in the context of humidity measurement instrumentation. Even the most stable and high-quality sensors require regular calibration to maintain their accuracy and reliability. Calibration is not just about ensuring that instruments meet their original specifications but is also a critical part of broader maintenance strategies.  We also discuss the concept of traceability in calibration, explaining how it forms an unbroken chain from the instrument being calibrated up to international standards and the SI units.

The episode covers these key points:

Calibration vs. Maintenance: Calibration i...

In episode 15 of "Humidity Matters," we discuss the complexities of measuring humidity in environments with less than 5% RH, highlighting that standard humidity sensors are often inadequate for such dry conditions. We'll explore various applications where precise dryness measurement is crucial, such as in compressed air systems, battery production, plastics manufacturing, and 3D printing. The conversation also covers different technologies suitable for these challenges, like the Vaisala technology, DRYCAP, which is capable of accurate measurements in extremely dry conditions and is resilient to moisture exposure.

Key takeaways:

Measuring humidity below 5% RH requires specialized technology, as standard sensors...

In this episode of "Humidity Matters," Bruce McDuffee and Steve Santoro discuss the challenges and intricacies of high humidity applications in industrial settings. The duo highlights the evolution of products designed to measure water vapor in high humidity conditions, emphasizing the importance of avoiding condensation. They also delve into the unique solution offered by VAISALA, which uses a heated probe to measure dew point and then calculates relative humidity. They touch upon various applications, including environmental test chambers, hydrogen fuel cells, and the innovative mycelium technology for biodegradable packaging.

Key points:

High humidity applications have become...

In this episode, Steve and I discuss compressed air systems and the importance of measuring and limiting water vapor or condensation.  Topics we'll cover include:

What is the best measurement parameter for compressed air, and why?Pressure dewpoint versus atmospheric dewpointWhere to measure dewpointWhat level of air quality is needed for your application

Steve shares a few really interesting applications for dry compressed air, just how water enters a system and the rule of thumb for how pressure affects dew point temperature.

A podcast by Bruce McDuffee and Steven Santoro of Vaisala

In this episode, Steve and I discuss how humidity and temperature measurement and monitoring are critical functions for data centers.  Topics we'll cover include:

Maintaining accurate and reliable humidity and temperature measurements improves the efficiency and reliability of critical data centers.The importance of monitoring humidity and why it is critical to the efficiency and reliability of data center performance.Energy consumption and savings from outdoor measurement of temperature, humidity, and wind.

In summary, the podcast underscores the vital role of environmental control in the efficiency and reliability of data centers, highlighting the importance of technology and s...

In this episode of Humidity Matters, we delve deep into the nuances of humidity measurement – a parameter that plays a pivotal role in numerous scientific and industrial applications. As professionals in the field, it's imperative to ensure that every reading we take is both precise and accurate. It's not just about using the right tools; it's about understanding the intricacies of the environment and the measurement process itself.

Underlying Principles: Begin with a solid foundation by revisiting the fundamental principles of humidity measurement. A refresher on basic science can often provide invaluable insights into practical challenges....