Theory and Operation of Condensation
Chilled Mirror Hygrometers
Chilled Mirror Hygrometers are used in
Standards and Metrology labs as well as in industrial applications
where precise and repeatable humidity measurement and control
is required. The inherent accuracy and long term stability
provides many advantages over other types of humidity measurement
technologies. Since chilled mirrors fundamentally measure
the dew or frost point temperature directly by controlling
a reflective surface to equilibrium between dew/frost formation
and evaporation and precisely measuring the temperature
of the mirror at this point, the methodology has been validated
by standards labs worldwide. General Easten’s chilled
mirrors are capable of measuring dew/frost points (Td) from
-80°C to +85°C with an accuracy of +/- 0.15°C.
An introduction of the principles and theory of operation
of chilled mirrors follows.