Vaisala - Annual Report 2005

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Environmental parameters play a significant role in industry and built-up environments. By measuring and controlling these parameters, it is possible to influence e.g. product quality, the efficiency of manufacturing processes, energy consumption, and the safety and well-being of people.

Relative humidity - aiming for high quality and energy savings

Relative humidity is one of the most important factors affecting indoor air quality. By measuring and controlling relative humidity, it is possible to ensure a pleasing working and living environment for people. Mold and fungi thrive in highly humid environments, which can result in substantial risks to health. Mold growth is especially problematic when humidity is high and ventilation is insufficient.

As most materials are hygroscopic, their water content strives to reach equilibrium with the surrounding environment. Thus most materials have their own ideal storage humidity levels, and maintaining these help to ensure the quality of stored material for as long as possible. In many production processes, it is extremely important to measure and adjust humidity correctly in order to sustain the high quality of products and the correct level of energy consumption. The right humidity makes it possible to optimize energy consumption and improve end product quality and quantity.

Dewpoint - accurate measurements in demanding conditions

A cold drink in a glass provides a practical example of dewpoint temperature. If the temperature of the glass is below the dewpoint temperature of the surrounding air, the air around the glass will become saturated with water vapor and the excess water will condense as dew on the surface of the glass.

Dewpoint is especially measured in processes where the formation of dew can be a problem or where it is important to know the precise water content of air or gas. Dewpoint measurement has become popular in many industrial applications such as metal treatment, compressed air systems, and plastic drying. For instance, dew formation should be avoided in compressed air pipelines because moisture can damage or clog the equipment. Another typical dewpoint measurement application, in which plastic is dried before molding, is used in the plastics industry. This is important because excess moisture can cause imperfections in the end-product. Dewpoint measurement is also used for measuring moisture in natural gas to ensure high quality of the gas and to prevent failures.

Barometric pressure - better performance through barometric pressure measurement

Barometric pressure is one of the most important parameters in weather observation because the movement of pressure fronts indicates the direction in which weather fronts are heading. Weather stations almost always include a barometer, and barometers are also used in data buoys and ships at sea. In hydrological and ground water applications, data on barometric surface pressure is needed in order to take into account the effects that the hydrostatic pressure of air has on different areas.

Barometric absolute pressure influences other physical and industrial processes as well. For example, in laser interferometer systems, measurement results are affected by the refractive index of air, which is a function of air pressure. Engine performance is also affected by air intake pressure, and aircraft altitude can be calculated from atmospheric air pressure, with aircraft altimeters adjusted according to air pressure readings reported by airports. The accuracy of the Global Positioning System (GPS) is affected by atmospheric air pressure. System accuracy may be enhanced by barometric pressure information at the GPS receiver antenna level.

Carbon dioxide - raising crop productivity

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is one of the most common gases in our atmosphere. It is formed when humans and animals breathe, in fermentation and decomposition processes, and during the burning of fossil fuels. Carbon dioxide levels are also a good indicator of indoor air quality and ventilation efficiency, as it is people who release carbon dioxide to the indoor environment. By controlling ventilation according to carbon dioxide levels, indoor air can be kept fresh without wasting energy.

Carbon dioxide has favorable effects as well. Carbon dioxide enhances plant growth and raises crop productivity and quality. Carbon dioxide is therefore used as a fertilizer in greenhouses: the precise control of carbon dioxide concentrations promotes the growth of flowers and vegetables and leads to improved productivity.