Devices for measuring air humidity: principle of operation, types, advantages and disadvantages

There is always water vapor in the air. Their percentage is defined as an indicator of the relative humidity of the air. Control over it is carried out with the help of special devices that have a different principle of operation.

Why measure air humidity?

Both excessively dry and excessively humid air can lead to incorrect operation of various devices and equipment, and cause health problems. Its optimal moisture parameters exist for the growth of plants and animals, as well as fermentation processes that play an important role in food production.

High humidity can cause mold, fungus, damage to furniture, things and products in the room. Excessive dryness causes a lot of dermatological problems, often causes allergies and causes asthma in a person.

The air is considered too dry when the moisture content in it is less than 40%, and excessively humid when the rate is more than 80%.

Devices for measuring air humidity: types, principle of operation

Modern manufacturers produce devices of various types of action and type. The most ancient measuring device is the moisture meter invented by Leonardo da Vinci in 1400. Now it is practically not used.

Modern moisture meters are called hygrometers

Modern moisture meters are called hygrometers

It was a pharmacy scale, on one bowl of which a piece of wax was placed, and on the other the same amount of some porous material. The disadvantage of the device is that it can only control fluctuations in air humidity.

There are hygrometers:

  • hairy. Their principle of operation is based on changing the length of a human hair, which is the main element of the device. In dry rooms, the hair is shortened, and in wet rooms it is lengthened. These fluctuations in hair length are displayed on the scale of the device as an indicator of the percentage of moisture vapor in the air.
  • Psychometric. Their design is considered the most simple. It consists of two mercury thermometers. One is dry and the other is wet. The humidity indicator is determined from the table from the difference in the readings of the instrument's thermometers. The operation of the psychometer is based on the principle of evaporation and absorption of water. When a liquid evaporates from the wetted surface of one of the thermometers, energy is lost and, as a result, the temperature drops. The reverse process causes an increase in the humidity of the air in the room.
  • Weighted. The device consists of a pump and tubes filled with a hygroscopic composition capable of absorbing air. With the help of a pump, air is pumped into the device, by the volume of which and the weight of the structure, the relative humidity of the air is determined.
  • Mechanical (ceramic). The principle of operation of the device is based on measuring the electrical resistance of the filler of the device.It changes with fluctuations in the relative humidity of the air. As a filler, a ceramic mass is used, consisting of oxides of kaolin, silicon and clay.
  • Electronic. The most accurate instrument. The principle of operation is based on changing the resistance of lithium chloride, which is applied to a special glass plate.
  • Condensation. The main element of the device is a mirror, the temperature of which changes with fluctuations in air humidity.

Measurement data of instruments can be displayed in numerical format or on a dial with an arrow.

The best budget hygrometers

The rating is made for household moisture meters. Devices of this category have a cost of up to 1500 rubles and are designed to control humidity in residential and office premises.

Stadler Form Selina Little Hygrometer White S-080

Stadler Form Selina Little Hygrometer White S-080

Stadler Form Selina Little Hygrometer White S-080

The country of origin is Switzerland. Very light model. Its weight is only 15 grams. The small overall dimensions of the device allow it to be carried in a pocket of clothing. With this model, you can measure not only the relative humidity of the air, but also the temperature. The last value can be displayed on the screen in C° or F°.

The measurement error is +3%. The device has a convenient retractable stand and a large screen. If necessary, it can be fixed to a wall or cabinet. Measurement range of air humidity - 10-98%, temperature - from -10 to +50 C°. Manufacturer's warranty period is 12 months.

Advantages:

  • portability;
  • light weight;
  • clear display of the measurement result;
  • ease of installation and measurements.

No deficiencies found.

Megaon 20207

Megaon 20207

Megaon 20207

Country of origin - China.The electronic hygrometer has an easy-to-visualize wide LCD screen that simultaneously displays all measurement values. With this model, you can measure the relative humidity and temperature. There is a memory for saving previous measurements.

The model has a push-button control device, small size and light weight. The design is equipped with an alarm clock, clock and calendar. The model is designed for measurements at home and in office premises. Operates on a AAA battery. Operating voltage 1.5 V. The device can operate in the temperature range from -50 to +70°C. This allows it to be used in unheated buildings. Measurement error +5%.

Advantages:

  • compactness and low weight;
  • economical power consumption;
  • ease of operation;
  • heat resistance.

Main disadvantage:

  • high error rate.

CEM DT-322

CEM DT-322

CEM DT-322

Country of origin - China. The model is intended for measurements of relative air humidity and temperature in domestic and office premises. Measurement range: temperature - from 0 to 50°С, humidity - from 10 to 90%. The design has a built-in alarm clock and calendar. The temperature can be measured by the instrument in C° or F°. The weight of the model is 74 grams. The last readings of the device are stored in its memory. Measurement error +5%.

Advantages:

  • compactness;
  • ease of operation;
  • maintaining measurement statistics;
  • convenient screen and controls.

Main disadvantage:

  • slow sensor operation.

Laserliner ClimaCheck 082.028A

Laserliner ClimaCheck 082.028A

Laserliner ClimaCheck 082.028A

The German brand is made in China. The electronic device is designed to measure the temperature and relative humidity of the air in residential and office premises. The model is equipped with a convenient digital display. Temperature can be measured in C° or F°.The design has a convenient magnetic mount. Humidity measurement range - from 20 to 99%. Measurement error +one%. The weight of the device is 180 grams.

Advantages:

  • ease of operation;
  • compactness and low weight;
  • multifunctionality.

Main disadvantage:

  • uncomfortable narrow screen.

G337

G337

G337

Country of origin - China. The alcohol hygrometer can measure indoor and outdoor air temperature and relative humidity. Measurement range: temperature - from -40 to +50 C°, humidity - from 0 to 100%. The case of the device is equipped with a loop for wall mounting, made of plastic. The weight of the model is 50 grams.

Advantages:

  • safety;
  • does not require batteries and recharging the battery;
  • versatility of use;
  • light weight.

Main disadvantage:

  • out-of-date design.

Boneco A7057

Boneco A7057

Boneco A7057

The country of origin is Germany. The mechanical hygrometer is designed to measure the relative humidity of the air in residential and office premises. The model has a white plastic case. The device can be attached to the wall with Velcro. Measurement readings are displayed on a scale with a measurement range of 20 to 100%. Measurement error +5%.

Advantages:

  • compactness;
  • nice design;
  • low cost.

Flaws:

  • the device requires calibration before starting work;
  • short warranty period.

VIT-2

VIT-2

VIT-2

Country of origin - Russia. The psychometric type hygrometer is designed to measure temperature and relative air humidity in domestic, office and warehouse premises. The case of the model is made of plastic, has a mount for hanging on the wall. Instrument readings are displayed on a metal scale. Measurement range of relative air humidity from 20 to 90%.

Dignity:

  • low cost;
  • simplicity of design.

Main disadvantage:

  • the need to periodically add distilled water to the device.

TFA 45.2033

TFA 45.2033

TFA 45.2033

The country of origin is Germany. The mechanical type hygrometer is made in the form of a circle. The case has a brass ring and an informative dial, which is divided into comfort zones. Measuring range: humidity from 0 to 100%, temperature from -15 to +55C°. The device has a wall mount.

Advantages:

  • low cost;
  • ease of operation;
  • wall mounting option.

Main disadvantage:

  • when direct sunlight hits the device, it gives readings with a large error.

Sawo 115-HA

Sawo 115-HA

Sawo 115-HA

The Finnish brand is made in the Philippines. The body of the model is made of aspen and has the shape of a house. The original design of the device allows you to use it as an element of interior decor. Measurement readings are displayed on a large graphic dial. The model can be used to control the relative humidity in the steam room. At high temperatures, the hygrometer body begins to exude a pleasant woody aroma. Humidity measurement range of the device is from 0 to 100%.

Advantages:

  • low cost;
  • high accuracy;
  • ease of operation;
  • possibility of use in rooms with high humidity and temperature.

Flaws:

  • there is no protective glass of the dial;
  • no temperature measurement function.

Harvia SAC92200

Harvia SAC92200

Harvia SAC92200

The country of origin is Finland. The body of the model is made of wood in an eco-style. It has the shape of a rounded square, into which a clear dial is inserted, the measurement step of which is 10 units. The body material is birch. The model has a hair principle of operation. Measuring range: pressure from 0 to 100%, temperature – from -15 to +55C°.

Advantages:

  • nice design;
  • low cost;
  • high accuracy;
  • ease of operation.

Main disadvantage:

  • a long period of response to changes in air humidity.

Question answer

Should household hygrometers be certified by metrological services?

Household hygrometers do not require such certification, because there are no requirements for high accuracy of readings for devices for this purpose.

What error indicator can be considered optimal for household appliances that measure the relative humidity of the air?

The maximum allowable error for household appliances is 3-4%.

How long do you need to take measurements to get a more accurate measurement result?

Household appliances measure the relative humidity of the air within 40-60 seconds. The measurement speed of professional devices is 1-5 seconds.

Can household hygrometers be used to determine the relative humidity of the air and used to measure the moisture content of bulk materials?

To determine the moisture content of raw materials, manufacturers produce contact devices that have a narrow specialization: for wood, bulk materials, etc.

What measuring range should a household hygrometer have?

It all depends on the intended installation location of the device. The relative humidity measurement range should be: for the bathroom and kitchen from 0 to 100%, for living rooms and corridors from 20 to 80%.

Relative humidity control allows you to create comfortable living conditions in residential and office premises. For these purposes, household, non-contact hygrometers are used.

Video tips for choosing a hygrometer



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