Here at QTP Environmental, we are the sole authorised UK distributor of CTS Environmental Test Chambers – a world leading brand in test chambers.
CTS use capacitive sensors in their chambers instead of psychrometric sensors. Here’s ten reasons why we feel capacitive sensors are the preferred choice.
More accurate
When using environmental chambers, capacitive sensors are more accurate than psychrometric sensors. The measurement tolerance of our capacitive sensors is < 1% relative humidity (rh).
Better range
When measuring rh in a well-controlled environmental chamber, capacitive sensors have a much wider range than their psychrometric counterparts. For example, capacitive sensors measure negative dew points effectively whereas psychrometric devices do not.
Less maintenance
Capacitive sensors require no maintenance whereas psychrometric sensor operators must change the wet sock on the sensing bulb and ensure the quality of sock is kept consistent.
No water supply
Operators need a water supply, pumps and pipes for psychrometric sensors because clean, demineralised water must be introduced before measurement. However, you do not have to humidify a capacitive sensor before each measurement.
Durability
For the reason above, capacitive sensors perform better over extended test periods
Developed and established technology
Capacitive sensor technology is well-established but older testing chamber manufacturers still use psychrometric sensors – viewing capacitive as an additional cost.
Among leading chamber manufacturers, only CTS has taken full advantage of the developments in capacitive sensor technology and reliability and uses capacitive devices as its standard measurement sensor.
Used worldwide
Capacitive sensors are now used worldwide for humidity measurement. Our premium sensor provider, Rotronic is extremely well established and respected.
Less measurement drift
Capacitive devices sense moisture directly from the chamber atmosphere and are therefore virtually immune to the risk of mineral build up. Because “wet sock” psychrometric systems must always use water the opportunities for slow mineral build-up over time and subsequent measurement drift are significant.
Easily changed
In the rare case of capacitive sensor failure the device can be changed very easily and simply swopped in and out. Psychrometric sensor failures or faults occur more frequently and can be caused by a number of factors, such as a build-up of mineral deposits or the bulb sock drying up.
Less chance of damage
In CTS chambers the capacitive sensor is installed in a small enclosure within the test space to avoid drops from the ceiling and less susceptible to accidental damage and droplet humidity errors.
If you would like to discuss capacitive sensors further or any other about this subjects relating to our CTS chambers, please contact info@qtpe.co.uk