What measurement parameters are important in industry?

In industry, it is essential to know which measurement parameters are important, as these can have serious effects on product quality and production efficiency, as well as on the efficiency and reliability of operations. There are many cases in which it is necessary to monitor humidity, temperature, particulate matter, and pressure, for example.

Specifically, in many industrial processes, humidity plays a bigger role than it seems.

Relative humidity (%RH) is the ratio of the amount of water vapor in the air (absolute humidity) to the maximum amount the air could hold at that temperature (absolute saturation humidity). To understand this, nothing beats an example. If relative humidity exceeds 100% (meaning it exceeds the absolute saturation humidity), water vapor condenses and forms water droplets (it is no longer moisture—it is water).

Antonio Fernández, Area Director at Grupo Álava

To measure humidity in the environment, it is necessary to select the most appropriate measuring instruments, which must be calibrated regularly and in accordance with traceable standards.

Humidity is the ratio of the amount of water vapor present to the amount that could be present at a given temperature. Problems in production facilities—such as expansion and contraction, hardening and softening of materials, changes in liquid viscosity, microbial growth, increased static electricity, and corrosion and rust—are greatly affected by humidity.

One of the best-known applications is in the pharmaceutical industry, specifically in what are known as “cleanrooms” or “white rooms.” A cleanroom is a room specifically designed to control contamination. Cleanrooms are used in virtually every industry where small particles can negatively affect the manufacturing process and the product.

For manufacturing processes in cleanrooms, pharmaceutical companies use state-of-the-art technology and adhere to very rigorous quality controls,in accordancewith Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).

Another highly regulated sector is the agri-food industry. In food processing plants, it is necessary to maintain the production area at or below a certain humidity level. This helps limit the growth of germs and bacteria that can cause food poisoning.

It is applicable to liquid crystal plants and paint plants. Similarly, it applies to semiconductor and electronics plants, where product development cycles are becoming increasingly rapid and, as a result, humidity control in the manufacturing process has become more stringent.

Another of the many applications for humidity-sensing technology is in data centers. They are the brain of nearly every company, whose success depends on the efficiency and reliability of its software operations. They must be protected from both external and internal environmental factors, and the buildings also require adequate cooling.

Failures at data centers can be devastating for both service providers and end users. They are typically unstaffed, located in remote areas, and expected to operate 99.99% of the year. Therefore, maintaining environmental conditions conducive to computing is critical.

It helps prevent malfunctions caused by intermittent issues that can result from static discharges when the relative humidity is too low. Electrostatic discharges are more likely to occur and are more difficult to eliminate in areas where relative humidity is below 35%. The situation becomes serious when the humidity level falls below 30%.

Antonio Fernández, Area Director at Grupo Álava

We offer a wide range of solutions for measurement, data logging, and analysis, as well as simulation and calibration of physical quantities. But as you can imagine , with 50 years of experience in the market, we offer more than just products. We also bring to you our capacity for innovation, integration, and commitment.

Our greatest strength? Our team, who will assist you with any questions you may have regarding sensors.

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