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Design and Validation of the MBW Standard Humidity Generators.

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Title: Design and Validation of the MBW Standard Humidity Generators.
Authors: Wettstein, S.1 sascha@mbw.ch, Mutter, D.1
Source: International Journal of Thermophysics. Oct2018, Vol. 39 Issue 10, p1-1. 1p.
Subjects: Humidity, Dew point, Water vapor, Saturation vapor pressure, Hygrometers, Standards
Abstract: MBW Calibration AG (MBW) is the Designated Institute (DI) for humidity appointed by the Federal Institute of Metrology, METAS. MBW currently offers calibration and measurement capabilities (CMC) for frost/dew-point hygrometers by comparison with precision chilled-mirror transfer standards that have been calibrated using the primary standards of leading European National Metrology Institutes or DI. The design, construction and validation of two standard humidity generators to be used as the Swiss national standards for the primary realization of frost/dew-point temperature in the range from − 90 °C to + 95 °C are presented and discussed. The generators are operated as continuous flow “single-pressure” generators in the range from − 80 °C to − 10 °C with saturation over ice and from 0.5 °C to + 95 °C with saturation over water. Additionally, they are used in “two-pressure” mode for saturation over ice down to frost-point temperatures of − 90 °C and down to − 20 °C for saturation over water. The main saturators of both generators have been designed to fit in commercially available calibration baths with either ethanol or distilled water as the heat transfer fluid for saturator temperatures below and above 0 °C, respectively. Saturator temperature is measured using standard platinum resistance thermometers and a purpose-built precision thermometer. Pressure measurements are taken with gauge pressure transducers and a separate barometric sensor, to reduce the influence of the atmospheric pressure on the measurement of the pressure ratio and make full use of the correlation of pressure measurements and enhancement factors when operating in two-pressure mode. A totally automated pre-saturation and flow control system facilitates the calibration of state-of-the-art chilled-mirror transfer for standards without manual readjustment of the generated flowrate to ensure a constant volumetric flow at the conditions of the mirror. The uncertainty budget leading to the CMC for frost/dew-point temperature realization is presented in the context of the experimental validation performed. The results in the overlapping range of both generators are presented and used as further evidence of the saturation efficiency of both standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Abstract:MBW Calibration AG (MBW) is the Designated Institute (DI) for humidity appointed by the Federal Institute of Metrology, METAS. MBW currently offers calibration and measurement capabilities (CMC) for frost/dew-point hygrometers by comparison with precision chilled-mirror transfer standards that have been calibrated using the primary standards of leading European National Metrology Institutes or DI. The design, construction and validation of two standard humidity generators to be used as the Swiss national standards for the primary realization of frost/dew-point temperature in the range from − 90 °C to + 95 °C are presented and discussed. The generators are operated as continuous flow “single-pressure” generators in the range from − 80 °C to − 10 °C with saturation over ice and from 0.5 °C to + 95 °C with saturation over water. Additionally, they are used in “two-pressure” mode for saturation over ice down to frost-point temperatures of − 90 °C and down to − 20 °C for saturation over water. The main saturators of both generators have been designed to fit in commercially available calibration baths with either ethanol or distilled water as the heat transfer fluid for saturator temperatures below and above 0 °C, respectively. Saturator temperature is measured using standard platinum resistance thermometers and a purpose-built precision thermometer. Pressure measurements are taken with gauge pressure transducers and a separate barometric sensor, to reduce the influence of the atmospheric pressure on the measurement of the pressure ratio and make full use of the correlation of pressure measurements and enhancement factors when operating in two-pressure mode. A totally automated pre-saturation and flow control system facilitates the calibration of state-of-the-art chilled-mirror transfer for standards without manual readjustment of the generated flowrate to ensure a constant volumetric flow at the conditions of the mirror. The uncertainty budget leading to the CMC for frost/dew-point temperature realization is presented in the context of the experimental validation performed. The results in the overlapping range of both generators are presented and used as further evidence of the saturation efficiency of both standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:0195928X
DOI:10.1007/s10765-018-2436-6