Hygrometer controls cabinet climate.

The new ETF 012 from STEGO is the evolutionary answer to increasing demands in control cabinet climate management. Building on decades of application experience, the proven hygrotherm has been completely redesigned – setting new standards in functionality, space efficiency, and global usability.

At just 35 mm wide, the ETF 012 saves valuable space on the DIN rail inside the control cabinet. This not only allows more flexible positioning but also creates room for additional components – a crucial advantage in compact enclosures and control environments. The wide voltage range from 24 V to 240 V AC and 24 V to 60 V DC eliminates the need for multiple variants, reducing inventory and installation effort.

The ETF 012 features modern push-in terminals. Electrical connections are established quickly, securely, and completely without tools – a significant simplification compared to conventional screw terminals. This saves installation time and minimizes potential wiring errors. An integrated LED reliably indicates the device’s operating status.

The redesigned electronics of the ETF 012 measure temperature and humidity accurately and respond rapidly to changing ambient conditions. The adjustable temperature range extends from 0 to +60 °C, while relative humidity can be regulated between 50 and 90 %, each with a hysteresis of ±1. An optimized internal layout, with heat-emitting components positioned in the upper housing section, further enhances measurement performance.

Electronic hygrotherms such as the ETF 012 monitor temperature and relative humidity inside control cabinets and technical enclosures. When defined thresholds are exceeded, they automatically activate heaters or fans – effectively preventing condensation. Excess humidity can impair insulation, promote corrosion, or, in the worst case, cause short circuits. Hygrotherms therefore play a key role in maintaining operational safety and extending the service life of sensitive components – especially in applications exposed to fluctuating environmental conditions or low ambient temperatures.

With its dual °C/°F scale and international certifications (UL, CE), the ETF 012 is suitable for worldwide use. Its robust design enables operation at ambient temperatures from –40 to +70 °C and up to 95 % relative humidity (non-condensing). High switching capacity (16 A at 240 V AC) and long service life make it the first choice for demanding applications in control cabinets and technical installations – particularly in mechanical engineering, infrastructure, wind energy, and industrial systems.

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Process monitor is multichannell.

The launch of the Michell Multi-Channel Process Monitor sees the welcome expansion of the process analyzer range. The MCPM provides up to 6 independent measurement channels with any combination of moisture in gas, moisture in liquids or oxygen sensors to give the user maximum flexibility at lower per-channel cost.

Utilizing the Promet/Liquidew I.S. industrial hygrometer systems for measurement of high pressure, flammable process gases and/or vaporized liquids, with optional Minox-I oxygen measurement transmitters.

• Designed for safe-area operation with a single easy-to-use 7” color touch screen, displaying moisture content / dew point or O₂ and analysis pressure or temperature for each channel.
• Integrated Galvanic Isolation type barriers for Exi measurement transmitters
• Three 4...20 mA per channel, with user-definable outputs
• Two alarm relays with user-programmable set points per channel, with additional system alarm
• Full data logging including measurement parameters and error codes
• Modbus RTU over RS485 and Modbus TCP/IP

The Multi-Channel Process Monitor (MCPM) is a flexible multi-channel analyzer designed to provide real-time, multi-parameter displays for our industrial hygrometer systems, for measurement of high-pressure process gases and vaporized liquids on natural gas platforms and terminals, petrochemical plants and industrial gas manufacturing facilities.

Optional oxygen electrochemical sensors offer additional capability for percentage and ppmV O₂ measurements. Combined with a choice of PST sensors and proven sample conditioning system design-engineering capabilities, the system provides a multi-channel online instrument for both flammable and non-flammable gases, that is reliable and easy to operate.

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Climatic chamber verification (Video).

Michell Instruments' fast-responding Optidew 401 chilled mirror hygrometer makes an ideal humidity reference for climatic chamber verification. Their latest video demonstrates how to set up and install the Optidew in a climatic chamber to ensure optimal performance and reliability.


Environmental chambers are used in a variety of applications where defined temperature and humidity conditions are required. Although humidity and temperature probes are built into climatic chambers to provide control, these probes are usually selected for their response speed and repeatability rather than accuracy. Chilled mirror hygrometers, such as the Optidew 401, are used to verify the temperature and humidity conditions of the chamber, providing reference values of the climate inside.

The Optidew 401 chilled mirror hygrometer is compact, lightweight and able to measure dew points between -40 to +120°C. Its remote hybrid sensor provides a fast, dynamic response to changes in humidity with an accuracy of ±0.15°C dew point and ±0.1°C.

• Michell Instruments are marketed through Instrument Technology in Ireland.

#PAuto #Environment @Michell_Inst

High precision hygrometers.

Michell Instruments has launched its upgraded S8000 chilled mirror hygrometer range to maintain its position as the world’s most popular and cost-effective family of industrial chilled mirror hygrometers. The first of the new instruments released in April 2018 were the S8000 RS and S8000 Remote. The very popular mid-range S8000 Integrale is due to be released in May.

The chilled mirror hygrometers from Michell cover a dew-point range from -100°C dp to +120°C dp, using both integral and remote sensors. The remote sensors can survive environmental temperatures up to +120°C, so can often be positioned directly at the point of interest.

The all-new S8000 series instruments now use the same intuitive, touch-screen HMI, making it easier to use and configure. For multi-instrument users, the common interface makes it simple to switch between models – which is a key feature for many operators. A complete range of communication options are now available on all models, giving the option of USB, Ethernet, RS232 or RS485 to take the hassle out of establishing connectivity with your system. All models feature data logging to SD card as standard for convenient standalone operation.

The cases have also been updated to a fresh, easy to clean surface and distraction-free look.

These high-precision instruments use the fundamental chilled mirror principle to ensure reliable and drift-free measurements of dew-point. The S8000 RS is a real ‘work-horse’, with an accuracy of ±0.1°C dew point, which can measure dew points down to -90°C with no need for additional cooling. Typical applications range from use as a calibration reference, to industrial settings where precise control of humidity is critical, such as semi-conductor manufacture.

The S8000 Remote combines high accuracy with a remote sensor for measuring directly in the process. Typical applications include environmental chamber verification, pharmaceutical manufacture or as a National Measurement Institute traceable precision reference tool for field calibrations.

• Michell instruments are marketed in Ireland through Instrument Technology.

 @Michell_Inst #PAuto 

Portable hygrometer spot checks natural gas.

The MDM300 I.S. high speed portable hygrometer from Michell Instruments enables gas pipeline operators to ensure safety and quality compliance on natural gas. Often these measurements are made in remote locations in extreme weather conditions – either hot or cold. The following features are key to ensuring the instrument is up for the job:

Certified for use in hazardous areas around the world: crucially, the MDM300 I.S. has ATEX, IECEx, FM, CSA, GOST INMETRO and TC TR Ex certifications. This means it is compliant no matter where the gas plant is located.

Long battery life: recognising that spot checks of natural gas often need to be carried out in remote locations, the MDM300 I.S. has a long battery life to allow up to 24 hours of operation between charges.

Fast response reduces waiting time: to ensure operators spend less time waiting for measurements, the MDM300 I.S. has a T95 response to -60°C dew point in less than 30 minutes. More spot checks per day means time and money saved.

Lightweight, ergonomic design: the MDM300 I.S. weighs 1.5kg so it can easily be held during operation. The large buttons are placed so the user can perform all operations using their thumbs, even when wearing gloves. The hardwearing IP66 / NEMA4 rated enclosure is designed to stand up to the rigours of daily usage in harsh environments.

Convenient, portable sample options available: to ensure the most reliable measurements and protection for the sensor, sample conditioning is a must. Michell’s sampling options range from simple kits to control sample flow, through to a panel mounted system which includes filtration, flow bypass, and pressure / flow indication.

• Michell Instruments' products are marketed in Ireland through Instrument Technology.

@Michell_Inst #PAuto

Compact portable hygrometer for convenient spot checks.

The MDM50 portable hygrometer from Michell Instruments makes taking spot checks of dew point or moisture content down to -50°C dew point quick, easy and simple.

Because it has its own self-contained sampling system, setting up the MDM50 involves simply connecting the hose to the sample point: there are no extra sample conditioning add-ons to purchase or to carry around. The integral sampling system allows for measurements of dew point to be made at pressure, up to 20 barg, with an option available to measure up to 300 barg. The integrated filter removes particulates down to 0.3μm which provides 99.5% protection to the sensor.

A long battery life is essential for making measurements in the field, especially in locations where there is limited access to charging points, so the MDM50 portable hygrometer has an operation time of 16 hours on one full charge. This means users have the confidence that they can work all day without having to stop taking measurements for charging. The universal charger fits neatly into the case when not in use to make sure it’s always handy.

The fast-responding polymer moisture sensor of the MDM50 gives rapid dew-point measurements in compressed air – T95 to -35°C from ambient typically in less than 5 minutes. The sensing element is highly stable, resistant to contamination and, along with the robust and sturdy case, this means the hygrometer is well-suited to the often tough conditions in industrial applications.

As well as dew point in compressed/instrument-air dryers, typical applications for the MDM50 include moisture measurements in medical gases, polymer chip and the output from refrigerated dryers.

• Michell Instruments products are marketed by Instrument Technology.

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Chilled mirror hygrometer.

Michell Instruments’ S8000RS chilled-mirror hygrometer offers an accuracy of ±0.1°C, with a wide measurement range of -90 to +20°C dew point, making it the ideal choice for moisture control in a range of metallurgical processes, including sintering.

Sintering is a process where powdered metals are bonded together to form light and strong products, from filters to machine parts. Because the powdered metal is not fully melted, the temperatures involved are relatively low – around 600°C – but careful control of moisture is essential to ensure the finished quality. Because the raw material is powdered metal, moisture present in the furnace could cause clumping or, as the moisture evaporates in the heat, large holes being created in the finished product. To avoid this, accurate control and measurement of moisture is vital.

For sintering carried out 600°C, maintaining a constant dew point of -60°C in the furnace is necessary and the gas is sampled at several points in the process. A fast-responding moisture analyzer is essential so that action may be taken quickly if moisture levels rise above acceptable limits.

The Michell’s S8000RS uses the fundamental chilled mirror technique to measure moisture, which ensures long-term accuracy to ±0.1°C dew point as well as reliability and a fast response. The measurement range of -80 to+20°C dp is ideal to ensure consistent monitoring at -60°C with confidence in the accuracy.

The S8000RS is the smallest hygrometer on the market which is able to reliably reach dew points of -80°C. This small size is possible because it does not require any external cooling, which makes it well-suited to metallurgical applications where its small footprint makes it easy to install in an air conditioned instrumentation cabinet.

• Michell Onstruments products are marketed in Ireland by Instrument Technology.

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Affordable in-house validation of humidity probes.

The new HygroCal100 humidity verifier from Michell Instruments provides a practical option for companies that are not able to invest in a full humidity calibration laboratory to verify their humidity probes in-house. The unit is cost-effective and is available either on its own or with a choice of options to meet a variety of needs.

On its own, the HygroCal100 provides a simple way to validate humidity probes on site. Weighing just 3.2 kg and with a battery life of up to 8 hours it is easily portable. It is capable of validating up to 7 probes of different sizes simultaneously, and has a simple automatic validation program which allows the operator to ‘set and forget’ while the unit is working.

While the HygroCal100 comes with its own internal reference, it can also be integrated with any hygrometer with an analogue output to act as an external reference. This gives users the flexibility to incorporate their traceable reference units in their validation routines.

The unit is also available as part of a package to enable users to start making traceable calibration checks immediately. One option supplies both the HygroCal100 with an Optidew Vision chilled mirror hygrometer, which provides a fundamental reference. The kit includes port adaptors to fit both the dew-point and temperature sensors into the chamber.

• Michell Instruments are marketed in Ireland by Instrument Technology.

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Not just a pretty face! Upgraded hygrometer!

Michell Instruments has redesigned its S8000 Integrale Chilled Mirror Hygrometer to take advantage of improvements in technology since its introduction in 2007, as well as give it a fresh new look.

The improvements cover three areas – mechanical design for increased durability and strength, improved sensor head for faster readings at lower dew points and increased simplicity of use with a touch-screen interface with intuitive menus. The S8000 Integrale MKII now includes many of the features found in Michell’s top of the range chilled mirror instrument, the S8000 RS.

The S8000 Integrale MKII has an all-new sensor head design, featuring improved integrity and sealing mechanisms. This means that the Integrale now has a faster response to -60°Cdp, improved sensitivity and faster reaction to transient dew-point conditions. The pressure rating of the instrument has improved from 17 barg to 20 barg, and the unit still has the same accuracy of ±0.1°Cdp The new chassis design is not purely cosmetic. As well as being more durable and resistant to scratches, the casing now facilitates easier access for maintenance: there are just four screws to remove rather than 18 on the previous model.

The new full colour touch-screen interface is intuitive and makes the instrument both easy to use and interrogate. The new S8000 Integrale also offers more options for communication. As well as Modbus RTU over USB, it offers the option for Ethernet, RS232 and RS485.

Typical applications for the S8000 Integrale include high-precision moisture measurements in metrology laboratories and clean rooms as well as industrial applications such as environmental control in engine testing.

• Michell Instruments are marketed in Ireland by Instrument Technology.

Hygrometer approved for explosive atmospheres in Brazil!

Michell Instruments’ MDM300 I.S. high-speed portable dew-point hygrometer has gained certification from INMETRO, the Brazilian National Institute of Metrology, Standardization and Industrial Quality for use in hazardous or explosive atmospheres. The MDM300 I.S. already carries certification from ATEX, IECEx, CSA, FM and GOST. The Brazilian certification extends the instruments’ global coverage. With its custom-designed sampling kit, the MDM300 I.S. is able to make reliable measurements in natural gas streams at up to 350 bar, giving readings that are representative of actual process conditions. Because it is a portable instrument, the MDM300 I.S. enables measurements to be made at multiple points in the process – which means that points of moisture ingress are identified quickly and easily before damage is caused. Michell’s thermo-paramagnetic oxygen analyzer, the XTP601 and explosion-proof dew-point transmitter, the Easidew PRO XP, also have INMETRO Certification. • Michell products are marketed in Ireland by Instrument Technology.

Safe lithium-ion batteries in China!

Major manufacturers of Lithium-Ion batteries in China have chosen the S4000RS and S8000 Integrale precision chilled mirror hygrometers to monitor environmental conditions in their production facilities.

Solvents used in the liquid electrolytes of the Lithium-ion cells are very sensitive to water vapour, and will react to create hydrofluoric acid (HF). When sealed inside the cell, this strong acid will erode the film which isolates the cathode and anode, and can potentially cause short circuits and, in some cases, fire.

Keeping the air in the production room sufficiently dry to avoid the build-up of HF is not easy: the moisture from the operators’ breath and skin can easily raise the humidity above an acceptable level if conditions are not tightly controlled.

Therefore, moisture is one of the most important parameters to monitor. To ensure highest product quality the manufacturing process of lithium batteries needs to be carried out in very dry conditions.

To remove the excess moisture from the atmosphere in the production area very dry air – at around ‑60°C dew point – is delivered into the production room at one end and removed from the other to produce a flow. Because of the moisture emitted by the production operatives, when it leaves the room the dew point of the air may be raised to around -40°C. Rotary desiccant dryers are used to remove the additional moisture from the air and recycle it. Because even small changes in the humidity levels of the room can have a detrimental effect on the quality and safety of the cells produced, conditions in the production environment need to be continually monitored to a highest possible precision.

In one production facility in China, a total of 15 S4000RS chilled mirror hygrometers are installed at various points in the room to monitor the dew point. At another site – eight S8000 Integrales are used. The instruments are used as part of a control system, which changes the flow of air through the dryers depending on the measured dew point. If the levels of moisture in the air rise above an acceptable level, the instruments trigger an alarm, to alert operators that manual intervention is required. The S4000 RS was chosen for this task because of its ±0.1°C dp accuracy. It is capable of precisely measuring from -85°C to +20°C dew point which means that it is also highly reliable at the key -30 to -60°C dew point levels needed for the application. The S8000 Integrale is also appropriate, and achieves these measurements with no additional cooling, which makes it highly compact. This is an important consideration in manufacturing processes where space is often at a premium.

• Michell products are marketed in Ireland by Instrument Technology.

Chilled mirror hygrometer exceptional response to trace moisture!

The S8000 hygrometer’s accuracy at very low temperatures (below -80°C dp) is due to a new measurement system which Michell Instruments calls ‘RRS’. RRS is a sophisticated technique that detects very small changes in moisture condensed on the chilled mirror surface. This guarantees both high sensitivity and fast response when measuring low dew points. The S8000 is also the smallest and among the lightest chilled mirror instruments on the market with the ability to quickly measure dry dew points while offering an accuracy of ±0.1°C. The S8000 stands out from other instruments in its class in its ability to measure low dew-points without requiring external cooling. Its compact size means that it is convenient for use either as a bench-top instrument or installed in a 19” rack system. The touch-screen interface is highly intuitive and makes the instrument simple to use. The ability to precisely measure trace moisture makes the S8000 an ideal reference instrument for moisture calibrations and it is popular in calibration laboratories. Its fast response and high accuracy give it an advantage in verifying the purity of industrial gases and for ensuring the quality of semiconductor gas supply. The S8000 is available with UKAS (ISO17025) accredited calibration, traceable to NIST. • Michell products are marketed in Ireland by Instrument Technology.

Compact, stand-alone chilled mirror hygrometer provides boost for small labs!

Since its launch in 2012, the S8000 RS from Michell Instruments has proved to be a popular reference instrument with smaller calibration laboratories enabling them to generate extra revenue by extending their service to humidity calibration. The reason? It is the smallest and lightest hygrometer in its class, which enables small calibration laboratories to extend their ranges – but without also needing to extend their premises. The easy-to-use instrument also suits in-house reference labs at larger organisations.

The S8000 RS Precision Chilled Mirror Hygrometer measures dew points down to -90°C (0.1ppmV) with an accuracy of ±0.1°C. However, unlike many other hygrometers in this class, no additional external cooling equipment is needed to accurately reach these dry dew points. Even without all the extra cooling equipment, the S8000’s nearest competitor in performance weighs 28 kg more than the S8000. Designed to fit into a standard 17” rack, the S8000 is the most compact, convenient and – because it doesn’t need extra equipment to work – the most cost effective hygrometer in its class.

This compact design was possible because of a sophisticated new optical system that detects very small changes in moisture condensed on the mirror surface. This guarantees high sensitivity and fast response when measuring low dew points.

With a high-contrast LCD touch screen, the S8000 RS is easy to operate and interrogate. USB or Ethernet connections are supplied as standard to enable remote operation and data logging via a PC or network. As with all Michell chilled mirror hygrometers, the S8000 RS is available with a 5-point calibration, traceable to national standards, with UKAS accredited calibration available.

• Michell Instruments are marketed in Ireland by Instrument Technology.

Hygrometer exceeds the specifications!

Chilled mirror hygrometer exceeds the specifications set out in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) for Engine Testing

Recent tests carried out on Michell’s Optidew Chilled Mirror Hygrometer confirm that it meets the Code of Federal Regulations for Engine Testing: an essential requirement for any instrument used for emissions testing in the US and many other regions. The code (CFR Title 40, Part 1065, Engine Testing Procedures) sets out a number of criteria that humidity measurement instruments must meet, and Michell’s Optidew Hygrometer exceeds each of these:

• the Optidew has an accuracy of ±0.2°C – twice better than the required dew-point accuracy of ±0.5°C • the Optidew has a repeatability of 0.1°C – five times better than the required repeatability of 0.5°C • the Optidew updates its digital outputs every 5 seconds, or 0.2Hz twice as frequent as the required data update frequency of 0.1Hz, or once every 10 seconds • the Optidew consistently has less than 0.008°C noise on its outputs. The maximum output noise level is 0.02°C • the complete system rise and fall time, which is the time taken for the sensor to heat or cool from 10% to 90% of its range, should be no more than 50 seconds – the Optidew has a total rise/fall time of less than 45 seconds.

The industrial chilled mirror hygrometer combines the accuracy and integrity of a laboratory hygrometer with an instrument which is robust enough to survive in a tough industrial environment. The rugged 316 stainless steel NEMA 4 / IP66 wall mount enclosure is suitable for installation in an engine test room, while the remote sensor can be mounted directly into the engine air-intake ducting.

The Optidew gives reliable results every time because it measures a primary characteristic of moisture – the temperature at which condensation forms on a surface. With no calculated variables that can shift over time, the Optidew is ideal for monitoring engine test cell inlet air where consistency of measurements and long-term reliability are vital.

All vehicles with petrol or diesel engines require emissions testing – this includes cars, motorcycles, locomotive engines and many others – but even powered tools, for example lawnmowers and chain saws, need to undergo the same kinds of tests. Engine tests ensure that their emissions meet the current standards to protect the environment and prevent pollution. While the exhaust gases are typically checked for concentrations of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, formaldehyde and particulate matter, precise measurements of the humidity and temperature of the air in the engine intake is vital for the accuracy of the tests. This is particularly important for applying a correction factor to the measured concentration of nitrogen oxides which is influenced by the inlet humidity and temperature.

• Michell products are marketed in Ireland by Instrument Technology.

Efficient dew point measurement for hydrogen cooled electricity generators

Modern power stations operate with only a few maintenance engineers and anything that can save the time needed to carry out critical maintenance checks has real benefit. With this in mind, Michell Instruments designed the MDM300 I.S. portable hygrometer for fast, easy and ergonomic operation in hazardous areas – making it ideal for checking the dew point in hydrogen cooled electricity generators.

Michell Instruments is a pioneer in dew point measurement technology and continually strives to deliver real customer benefits by providing innovative, practical and high-performing solutions. The use of the MDM300 I.S. has been well-proven in helping to ensure the safety and reliability of hydrogen-cooled electricity generators and demonstrates Michell’s in-depth understanding of both technology and application. • Michell Instruments are marketed in Ireland by Instrument Technology.

Depending upon plant requirements, water dew point in hydrogen coolant can be continually monitored with online instrumentation or spot checks taken using a portable measurement device. An online solution has the advantage of continuous monitoring and alarm capability should the dew point rise above an ambient level but a portable ‘spot check’ instrument offers a cost-effective and flexible solution which can be used across the site for periodic checking or as back-up to an online system. The MDM300 I.S. maximises operational efficiency by taking as many measurements as required from different applications across a whole site with no waiting time in between. It gives fast, accurate responses and measurements are carried out at system pressure to give true representation of the risk of condensation occurring in working conditions. To ensure easy quality control and compliance with the requirements of local authorities, the units are supplied with traceable calibration certificates.

The MDM300 I.S. is an adaptable unit with a robust casing which can withstand the rigours of day to day operation at a power utility plant. Customised sampling and other accessories are available to ensure spot checks are as quick and easy as possible and the unit has the added benefit of being suitable for other applications on site, such as the measurement of moisture in SF6, natural gas and instrument air.

As the primary device for monitoring dew point levels in the hydrogen coolant, the adaptability and ease of use it offers across multiple applications makes it an exceptionally efficient, useful and cost-effective tool. If a continuous online monitoring system is installed, this flexible instrument can be used across the site as a back-up device or to give the complete peace of mind from accurate measurement spot checks.

High-precision dew-point hygrometer

Helps to reduce cost of annealing processes

Michell’s S8000 RS new high-precision dew-point hygrometer enables furnace operators to achieve high standards of finishes and quality of metal products at lower annealing temperatures.

For best control, the moisture content of the furnace atmosphere needs to be continually monitored, so the hygrometer used must be capable of showing changes accurately and quickly. Michell’s S8000RS uses the chilled-mirror technology, which is the most accurate and reliable method to monitor dew-point, because it measures the actual formation of moisture or frost on a temperature-controlled mirror, rather than relying on calculated values. The S8000RS’s advanced dual optics system detects minute changes in moisture condensed on the mirror surface, resulting in very high sensitivity (±0.01°C) when making measurements at low levels of moisture content. Because of the high temperatures involved, the sample gas is extracted from the furnace and passed through a cooling coil to bring it back down to ambient temperature for safe measurement.

Typically, the dew-point required for optimum performance in an annealing furnace is between -70 and -50°C, depending on the type of metal being treated and the end results required. This is well within the range of S8000RS, which has a measurement range of -80 (or -90, depending on the model) to +20°Cdp.

The S8000 RS has an intuitive interface, offers user selectable measurement units and has three analogue outputs as standard. Other features include internal datalogging to an SD card and a USB connection. The instrument is supplied with a traceable calibration as standard, but an optional UKAS accredited calibration is also available.

• Michell products are marketed by Instrument Technology in Ireland.

Moisture spot checks!

Compact sample conditioning for speedy spot-checks of moisture

Compact and convenient sample options ensure the best results from their portable hygrometers, MDM300 and MDM300 I.S.
• Michell Instruments are marketed in Ireland by Instrument Technology.

Without sample conditioning the results of moisture measurements may be affected by pressure, while sensors are at risk of damage by particles, liquids or glycol in the sample gas. Michell has specialised in industrial hygrometry for four decades and this expertise has produced compact and light sample systems which ensure that making spot-checks of moisture with a portable hygrometer will give readings that are as reliable as online measurements.

Various sampling options are available giving users the choice of the best system for their needs. According the MDM300 product manager, Auberon Tatum, the most popular and flexible of these is the MDM300 sample panel. ‘It is a fully-functioning sample system that is also light and easily portable,’ he explains. ‘It provides both flow control and filtration, but is also compact and light enough to carry.’ The sample panel is capable of measuring moisture in gases under pressure – up to 300 barg – and will operate in temperatures up to +50°C."

It only takes a few minutes to set up the system: the MDM300 is mounted on to the panel and connected to the inlet and the outlet. This only needs to be carried out once, as the complete system can be transported between sample points, ensuring that using the sample panel makes no impact on the speed at which measurements can be made. For further protection, a robust case is available to transport the system over longer distances, even within hazardous areas.

Further sampling options and accessories for the MDM300 range are available including kits with sample pump, SF6 application kits and a medical gas kit for clean air in hospitals.

Michell’s Easi-fit and Compressed Air Kits are suitable for applications where the sample is above atmospheric pressure. The Compressed Air Kit includes a particulate filter and fittings to make it easy to connect into a compressed air system. The kits are small, making them a convenient method to ensure correct measurements from common applications for the MDM300.

New hygrometer design for climatic chambers

The new sensor design of Michell Instruments’ S8000 Remote chilled mirror hygrometer combines high-accuracy temperature control with new materials to improve reliability and avoid condensation.

The relative humidity in climatic chambers will always deviate from the set point. Even in high precision chambers this deviation is typically between 1-3% RH, which can have a considerable effect on the results of many tests. A calibrated reference instrument such as a chilled-mirror hygrometer reduces this uncertainty to just 0.5% RH, but can be difficult to install and bulky, reducing the amount of usable test space within the chamber.

To overcome these space issues, Michell Instruments has introduced an innovative sensor design with the launch of their S8000 Remote chilled mirror hygrometer. The compact remote sensor head features an open cell design, removing the need for any complex heated sampling arrangements or an external pump. Installing the sensor is simply a matter of placing it in an appropriate position within the chamber, and routing the cable externally to the instrument.

The improved design has an optional aluminium sensor head that provides a swift response to changes in temperature, preventing any risks of condensation occurring during rapid transitions between temperature set points. The field-proven sensor boasts upgraded temperature control for extremely accurate dew-point measurement, and, coupled with the standard ±0.1°C accuracy ambient temperature sensor, it provides fundamentally derived, high precision relative humidity readings necessary for validating the results of environmental tests.

Outside of the chamber, the instrument operation is easy without user intervention. The S8000 Remote features a highly visible LCD display that shows any three user-selectable parameters (typically dew point, relative humidity and temperature) in large clear text. The display also features a stability graph and displays the operational status of the unit. A powerful and easy to use menu system enables the operating parameters of the instrument to be quickly customised to suit the target application. The instrument also comes with three customisable analogue outputs and one alarm, enabling integration into an existing automated test or calibration system.

Michell Instruments are marketed in Ireland by Instrument Technology.

Chilled mirror hygrometer

New fast and easy to use chilled mirror hygrometer for low dew point reference measurements in the lab and industry

Michell’s new S8000 RS has been designed to provide fundamental, dependable measurements in a range of industrial applications where highest precision of the dry gas measurement is critical and the ease of use is essential.  It is the smallest and among the lightest instruments on the market which is capable of measuring dry dew points precisely to -90°C (0.1ppm_v) with no need for additional, external cooling equipment. Combined with its 0.1°C accuracy this also makes it the most cost-effective as well as convenient hygrometer in its class.

Chilled mirror hygrometers have excellent accuracy and repeatability because they base their measurements on the actual formation of condensed water or frost on a mirror surface. This is a primary characteristic of moisture so will not drift over time, as can occur with calculated or inferred variables.

The S8000 RS has a sophisticated new optical system that detects very small changes in moisture condensed on the mirror surface. This guarantees high sensitivity and fast response when measuring low-dew points. As with all Michell chilled mirror hygrometers, the S8000 RS is available with UKAS and NIST accreditation.

With a high-contrast LCD touch-screen, the S8000 RS is easy to operate and interrogate. USB or Ethernet connections are supplied as standard to enable remote operation and data logging via a PC or network.

The robust overall design and practical features like alarms make the S8000 RS Reference hygrometer a multi-purpose tool for a wide range of applications in an industrial environment as well as for calibration facilities.

Michell supplies precision hygrometers and is the largest dew point sensors manufacturer in Europe. Their reference chilled mirror hygrometers, such as the S8000 RS, are constantly in use within their own factory for dew-point sensor manufacturing, and their 24/7 calibration facility and service. Michell’s customers benefit from the robustness and 40 years of expertise built into each chilled mirror hygrometer design.

Key applications for the S8000 RS include:
· Reference instrument for calibration laboratory. Compact, light and needing no additional cooling – it is ideal for small in-house calibration laboratories.
· Verifying the purity of industrial gases. Its fast response and high sensitivity enables quick measurements to be taken.

Ensuring the dryness of controlled industrial environments.

• Michell Instruments are marketed in Ireland by Instrument Technology.

Emissions testing

High precision chilled mirror hygrometers improve the quality of emissions testing

Emissions testing is an important environmental requirement in the design and production of internal combustion engines. The evaluation of engine emissions during engine design under indoor-related conditions and over defined timescales requires the use of climate-controlled emission testing systems such as emission test chambers and cells.

During an emission test, the control of the stability of ambient conditions plays an important role for the outcome of the test. Among other values such as temperature or pressure, the relative humidity has to be measured to comply with the defined test standards such as the EPA standards.

The Michell high precision range of cooled mirror hygrometers are the most precise instruments currently available on the market to help to meet requirements for relative humidity measurement from any of the leading environmental control authorities. With accuracies of 0.1°C dp, and based on the fundamental measurement principle which has no inherent drift, the new chilled mirror hygrometer S8000 Remote combines flexibility with outstanding accuracy exceeding the requirements dictated in the emissions control legislation.

The customer can use the instrument as a reference for other RH sensors used to control the relative humidity of the engine test cell or use it as a primary measurement and control device in the emission testing system.

With almost 40 years of experience in cooled mirror technology built into every single Michell Instruments hygrometer the company has been helping numerous car and combustion engine manufacturers to push the boundaries and exceed the requirements of the environmental legislation.
Every instrument is delivered fully calibrated, traceable to National Standards - they maintain direct traceability to NPL (London, UK) and NIST (Washington DC, USA) through their UKAS accredited Humidity Calibration Laboratory. This satisfies the most stringent of quality system requirements and gives ultimate confidence in the measurement being made.

• Michell products are marketed in Ireland by Instrument Technology.