Imagine living in a space that was constantly humid and there was no way of controlling the amount of moisture in the air? We would all be tired all the time, and we would become sick. Luckily for us, there is a way to control the amount of moisture in the air – all thanks to devices called hygrometers.
Hygrometers are useful tools that use calibration and calculation of temperature and pressure change to measure the amount of moisture in the air. Not only are they useful in homes and office buildings, but they are also useful in industrial and manufacturing processes where small changes in humidity can affect the materials being produced.
Let’s explore the different types of hygrometers used in different environments.
Different types of hygrometers and their applications
1.Electrical hygrometers
These hygrometers use resistance or capacitance to measure the amount of humidity in the air. Electrical hygrometers can either be capacitive or resistive. Capacitive hygrometers have two metals plates that have air between them; the moister the air is, the more it affects the plates’ ability to store a static electric charge. The amount of humidity is indicated by the metal plates’ ability to store the electric charge.  Resistive hygrometers, electricity passes through a piece of ceramic substance which is exposed to the air. The higher the humidity, the more water vapour condenses inside the ceramic, leading to a change in resistance.
2.Psychrometers
This type of hygrometer comprises two thermometers: one that has a dry bulb, and one that has a wet bulb. When evaporation occurs in the wet bulb, the temperature drops to a lower level than that of the dry bulb. This difference in temperature is caused by the humidity in the air.Psychrometers are ideal for measuring outdoor humidity and areas which need dry storage conditions.
3.Dew point hygrometers
Dew point hygrometers are used to measure the saturation of moist air in a gas. These hygrometers are used in areas where the smallest amounts of moisture need to be found. These devices are the most precise of all the hygrometers.
Hygrometers are useful devices that measure the amount of moisture in the atmosphere. They can be used in homes, office buildings, and in industrial areas. There are different types of hygrometers so you are guaranteed to find one that is suitable for your requirements.
Switches International offers an array of hygrometers. Contact us today to find out about our products.
