Humidity is a difficult measurement, and it is a critical measurement for many industrial processes. This podcast is dedicated to helping companies make a better measurement of humidity or water vapor, meaning more reliable and accurate. When you make a better measurement, your process is more efficient and you enjoy a higher quality output. Learn about how to measure humidity, what affects the measurement, pros and cons of myriad measurement technology, and much more. Because humidity measurement really does matter!
Reduce Compressed Air Electricity Usage with Dewpoint Demand Switching
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 through dew point demand switching. Unlike refrigerated dryers that condense water vapor by cooling the air, heatless desiccant dryers use chemicals like silica gel or activated alumina to adsorb water vapor. These dryers operate with two towers: while one dries the air, the other regenerates using a portion of the dried compressed air. Typically, these dryers function on a timed cycle, which can be inefficient during periods of low demand. Dew point demand switching, however, allows these cycles to be controlled based on the actual dewpoint in the air as it exits the drying chamber, leading to significant energy savings. For instance, in a hypothetical scenario, implementing dew point demand switching in a two-shift plant operating seven days a week could save up to 20% in energy costs.
Key points:
- Compressed air is an essential yet energy-intensive utility in manufacturing.
- Heatless desiccant dryers offer the potential for significant energy savings.
- Dew point demand switching optimizes dryer operation by measuring real-time dewpoint temperature.
- The technology is particularly effective during periods of low demand, preventing unnecessary energy use.
- Implementing dew point demand switching can lead to substantial energy cost savings, up to 20% in some cases.
Download the news article (https://www.vaisala.com/sites/default/files/documents/VN172_Increasing_compressed_air_plant_efficiency.pdf) and read more about reducing energy usage with dewpoint demand switching.
A podcast by Bruce McDuffee and Steven Santoro of Vaisala
26 Feb 2024
Measuring Dewpoint in Compressed Air Systems
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 pressure increases, the dew point temperature also rises, potentially leading to water presence in the system.
Different applications require varying air quality levels, and the podcast explores the importance of choosing the right dew point measurement instrument based on specific process requirements.
A podcast by Bruce McDuffee and Steven Santoro of Vaisala
27 Dec 2023
Calibration Part 3 - Accredited or Non-Accredited Calibration; That is the Question
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 Santoro of Vaisala
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