Dew point is the amount of water that has to be cooled to reach saturation. If the dew point is high, it means that the moisture is more in the atmosphere. Dew point temperature enables you to know whether or not you will be comfortable outside. If the dew point is high, it will be hard for the seat in your body to evaporate. You will also feel hot and uncomfortable.

If a dew point temperature is below 50 degrees, it is considered dry. A 58-68 degrees temperature is comfortable, while 69-76 degrees are uncomfortable. If it exceeds 77 degrees, then the temperature is more uncomfortable because they are too high.

 You can calculate and measure dew points. The instrument used to measure dew point is a hygrometer, while the one for calculation is the relative humidity value.

How to Measure Dew point

There are many instruments used to measure dew points. You can measure it directly using a dew-point hygrometer. The process is somehow complicated.

There are different parts of the hygrometer. It has a chamber with a mirror, light beam, and a light detector. When the air in the chamber cools to its saturation, the dew will form on the mirror.

Dew is a collection of tiny droplets that will block the incoming light. The light detector will then detect the blocking of light, showing that the air has reached its dew point. Therefore, when the dew forms on the mirror and the light is blocked, that is the air’s dew point. Hygrometers are available online. They are used in lots of weather stations and airports to forecast dew points.

How to Calculate Dew Point

If you want to calculate the dew point, make sure to use air temperature and relative humidity. You can measure these using a sling psychrometer. The device is a metal rod that is around 6 inches long. It also has a thermometer fixed at the top. 

To determine the measurement, make sure to hold the bottom and the sling around the thermometer. The device is used to measure relative humidity by determining two temperatures. The two temperatures are the actual air temperature and the wet bulb. Wet temperature refers to the temperature achieved if the air was cooled to saturation. You can always use dry and wet bulb temperatures to determine humidity. From there, you will then calculate the dew point.

Tools Used to Measure Dew Point Other than Hygrometer

Lithium Chloride Sensors

Lithium chloride is one of the tools used to measure dew point. They are reliable and easy to construct as well. These tools are the best because they are not easily contaminated like electrical humidity tools. Lithium chloride is used in dryers and refrigeration control. In these applications, every sensor has a metal tubing wall that is saturated with lithium chloride.

The instrument is not easily contaminated. And you can clean it with ammonia and recharge it with lithium chloride. Lithium chloride sensors are generally used in applications that need moderate accuracy.

Aluminum Oxide Hygrometers

Aluminum oxide is a metal oxide that is used to measure dew point. It is also referred to as aluminum technology. These devices are mainly used to measure low dew points. They come in small sizes and are often put on the wall in industries.

These meters are widely used in industries due to their many features. These hygrometers are less accurate, and so they are not fit for long-term use. If you expose these meters to a damp environment, they may get damaged. Always be careful with these meters. Also, make sure to always calibrate and monitor them because they are sensitive.

Polymer Sensors

Polymer sensors are one of the oldest tools used to measure dew points. They are also used to measure humidity and are effective. These sensors are primarily used in power industries and petrochemicals. They work well with low dew points. They last long and are reliable, and their maintenance cost is low.

How to Control Dew Point

The differences between human heat comfort are led by dew points. If the skin is too dry, that means the dew point is high. Controlling dew points is more accessible than humidity control. If the dry bulb changes, it means that the relative humidity is varying all over the building. It then makes the room to get control of the dew point. When you change the temperature into the dew point, your system will be okay and constant.

Conclusion Dew point measurement and control are always essential. Hygrometers are the most accurate and reliable devices used to measure dew point. Always make sure that the hygrometer is well maintained and calibrated for better results. Also, note that these devices are more expensive than those that measure relative humidity. Make sure to take good care of it to avoid unnecessary costs.