Permanently trouble-free at last

Dew point sensors from IPF for compressed air systems

Compressed air is indispensable in many industrial sectors. Depending on the area of application, different requirements are placed on the medium. However, they all have one thing in common: compliance with a certain moisture content or dew point of the compressed air as a basic prerequisite for permanently trouble-free operation, which, among other things, ensures higher energy efficiency with sustainable cost savings.

Condensation water in compressed air lines is a recurring cause that rapidly shortens the life of pneumatic components. For example, hoses become brittle more quickly or metallic components corrode, to name just a few examples. In specific processes, moisture also causes various goods transported with compressed air, e.g. sugar, flour, cement, granulates, etc., to stick together.

IPF has developed the following sensors specifically for humidity and dew point measurement in compressed air and gases YT900001 for absorption dryers and YT900002 for refrigeration dryers. The measurement of relative humidity is carried out via a capacitive polymer sensor. Only water vapor penetrates the cover electrode by diffusion and is reversibly deposited on the polymer, which changes the capacitance of the sensor. The sensor element is particularly impressive due to its high long-term stability (>5 years) and high accuracy (±1 °C at 50...-20 °C, ±2 °C at -20...-50 °C, ±3 °C at -50...-80 °C).

The sensors are designed for two measuring temperature ranges: -80 °C...+20 °C (YT900001) and -20 °C...+50 °C (YT900002). The measured values can be output either via an analog output (4...20mA) or a Modbus RTU interface. For quick and easy installation, the measuring chamber AT000009 is available. The connection is made via a 5-pin plug connector (e.g. VK505621).