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Causes of Drift in Humidity Sensors

Air temperature

Every gas in your environment can interact with your humidity sensors, causing potential drift. Since water can move in and out of the sensor, gases and other contaminants can also do that. Usually, if you notice a strong smell, a contaminant might be evaporating. A cleaning product is a common culprit of drift, especially floor waxes. Alcohol, which you might use to wipe a surface down, can also cause drift. Even the best temperature and relative humidity sensor might experience drift, especially in newer buildings.

What Humidity Drift Looks Like

If a sensor gets exposed to chemicals, like floor wax, a decrease in sensitivity usually happens. The substances inside occupy space that water would otherwise be able to get to. That results in measurements that are lower at high humidity. In short, the readings are inaccurate and cannot be relied on.

Another effect is that your readings in dry conditions might not be as accurate either. Still, the effect is not as noticeable as with high humidity. Just remember that the most significant impact is less sensitivity.

If you think that your relative humidity sensor might have a chemical drift, you should look at different humidity levels. One level might not accurately tell you about the effects of the chemical drift. Corrosion can also lead to the failure of the device. It might not happen in an office, but it can occur in other areas with a lot of water.

What You Can Do About Drift in Your Temperature and Relative Humidity Sensor

If you want to know more about the impact of chemical exposure on your sensors, it is best to contact a professional company. They can help you find out more about how your sensors might get impaired by chemical exposure. Luckily, today’s humidity sensors often have better resistance to chemicals than ones made in the past.

If you need a critical measurement for your processes, you might want to look for a more advanced sensor. Many of them have a chemical purge feature. This regularly heats the sensor to get rid of possible contamination. That way, you can depend on the measurement provided by your measurement tools.

Choose the Right Air Temperature and Humidity Sensors Today

No matter what you want to measure or what type of instrument you have to use, it is essential that you properly maintain and continually calibrate the devices. If you’re going to pick the right air temperature and humidity sensors, turn to HUBZone-certified Comptus, Inc. today. Feel free to reach out to us today with any questions or concerns you might have.

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