Relative Humidity Sensors

RH sensors are utilized in various applications, including: HVAC systems, industrial processes, storage facilities, laboratories and incubators. 

As you look for a humidity sensor for your use-case, consider the following factors: 

1. Measurement Range and Accuracy: Ensure the sensor covers the humidity range you need and provides the accuracy required for your application.
2. Environmental Conditions: Consider the environment where the sensor will be used, such as temperature extremes, exposure to chemicals, or outdoor conditions, and choose a sensor that can withstand these factors.
3. Calibration Needs: Determine how often the sensor requires calibration to maintain accuracy and if this fits within your maintenance capabilities.
4. Integration: Check how easily the sensor can be integrated into your existing systems, including compatibility with other devices and software.

By evaluating these aspects, you can select a humidity sensor that best fits your specific needs.

Many RH sensors can be installed by the user without professional assistance. For instance, our plug and play Smart-Sensors and replaceable sensors store calibration data on-board, allowing for easy swapping and calibration.

Dickson’s RH sensors offer high accuracy. For example, the Temperature & Humidity Sensor (RTRH-R) provides an accuracy of ±2.0% RH from 5.0 to 95.0% RH.

Calibration involves comparing the sensor’s readings to a known standard and adjusting as necessary. Dickson offers A2LA and NIST-traceable calibration services to ensure sensor accuracy. Some sensors, like Dickson’s Smart-Sensors, store calibration data on-board, simplifying the calibration process.

Recalibration frequency depends on usage and environmental conditions. For critical applications, annual calibration is recommended. Dickson provides calibration services to maintain sensor accuracy.

There are several factors that can affect the accuracy of your sensors, including: exposure to contaminants, extreme temperature fluctuations, and mechanical stress. 

Yes, proper storage and handling are crucial. We recommend: Keeping sensors in a clean, dry environment within specified temperature and humidity ranges; avoiding exposure to contaminants and physical shocks; and storing sensors with their calibration data to ensure accuracy upon deployment.

The choice depends on your specific needs:

• DicksonOne Display Logger 

• Battery-Operated Data Logger

• Cobalt X
  
• Cobalt XS

• DicksonOne Touchscreen

Relative humidity (RH) sensors measure the amount of water vapor present in the air relative to the maximum amount the air can hold at a given temperature. This measurement is expressed as a percentage, indicating how close the air is to saturation.

RH sensors usually operate using capacitive or resistive methods. For capacitive sensors, they have a hygroscopic dielectric material between two conductive plates. As humidity changes, the dielectric constant of the material changes, altering the capacitance, which is measured and converted into an RH value. For resistive sensors, they use materials whose electrical resistance varies with humidity. As moisture levels change, the resistance changes, and this variation is measured to determine RH. 

The primary types of humidity sensors include: Capacitive sensors, resistive sensors, and thermal conductivity sensors. Capacitive sensors are known for their accuracy and stability over a wide humidity range; resistive sensors are often used in applications where cost is a concern, though they may be less accurate than capacitive types; and thermal conductivity sensors measure absolute humidity by assessing the thermal conductivity of the air, which changes with moisture content.