Theory of Operation and Glossary
E-1
October 2007
Theory of Operation
The OptiSonde utilizes condensation hygrometry, which is a precise
technique for determining the water vapor content in gases by directly
measuring dew point or frost temperatures. Using this technique, a
metal mirror is cooled until it reaches a temperature at which a thin
layer of condensation begins to form on it. The dew layer is detected
optically; the temperature of the mirror is regulated such that the
condensed mass is constant. The mirror temperature, measured with a
platinum resistance thermometer, is an accurate indicator of the dew
or frost point. These hygrometers are widely used as reference
standards in many of the world’s metrology laboratories, because the
measurement is highly accurate and repeatable.
Hygrometer Function
Figure E-1 on page E-2 illustrates how GE Sensing hygrometers
detect and measure dew point. The condensate mirror is illuminated
with a solid state, infrared emitter (IR). A photodetector monitors the
IR light reflected from the mirror. The photodetector is fully
illuminated when the mirror is clear of dew, and it receives less light
as dew forms. A separate LED and photodetector pair are used as a
known reference to compensate for any thermally induced changes in
the OptiSonde components. The photodetectors are arranged in an
electrical bridge circuit, the output current of which is proportional to
the light reflected from the mirror. The bridge output controls the
electrical current to the thermoelectric cooler.
A large bridge current develops when the mirror is dry, causing the
mirror to cool toward the dew point. As dew begins to form on the
mirror, less light is reflected, and the bridge output decreases. This, in
turn, causes a decrease in cooling current. A rate feedback loop
within the amplifier ensures critical response, causing the mirror to
stabilize at constant mass at a temperature that maintains a thin dew
or frost layer on the mirror surface. A precision thermometer element
embedded within the mirror directly monitors this dew point
temperature.
Содержание 1111H
Страница 1: ...GE Sensing OptiSonde General Eastern Chilled Mirror Hygrometer User s Manual ...
Страница 9: ...Chapter 1 ...
Страница 10: ...Features and Capabilities Introduction 1 1 Electronics Enclosure 1 2 The System 1 3 Sensors 1 4 ...
Страница 15: ...Chapter 2 ...
Страница 33: ...Chapter 3 ...
Страница 43: ...Chapter 4 ...
Страница 44: ...Programming the OptiSonde Introduction 4 1 Programming Technique 4 2 Programmable Functions 4 3 ...
Страница 57: ...Chapter 5 ...
Страница 68: ...Appendix A ...
Страница 73: ...Appendix B ...
Страница 74: ...Humidity Equations and Conversion Chart Introduction B 1 Vapor Pressure B 1 Humidity B 2 ...
Страница 77: ...Humidity Equations and Conversion Chart B 3 October 2007 Figure B 1 Graphical Humidity Conversion Chart ...
Страница 78: ...Appendix C ...
Страница 79: ...Configuring the Serial Interface Wiring to a Personal Computer C 1 ...
Страница 82: ...Appendix D ...
Страница 83: ...Chilled Mirror Sensors Introduction D 1 Depression D 1 Measurement Range D 2 Comparing OptiSonde Sensors D 3 ...
Страница 87: ...Appendix E ...
Страница 88: ...Theory of Operation and Glossary Theory of Operation E 1 The PACER Cycle E 4 Glossary E 5 ...