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Environmental parameters significant in industrial applications

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 - high quality, low energy consumption

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.

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.

Dewpoint - indicating absolute humidity

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.

Barometric pressure - weather information and performance

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. Barometric absolute pressure influences other physical and industrial processes as well. For example, engine performance is affected by air intake pressure.

Carbon dioxide - better indoor air quality

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 is also used as a fertilizer in greenhouses.

Oxygen level - successful fermentation processes

Vaisala oxygen level measurement instruments have been developed for different industrial applications. For example, breweries and wineries, which use fermentation processes, need oxygen and carbon dioxide measurement instruments. Vaisala oxygen and carbon dioxide instruments can also be used for controlling air conditioning systems and maintaining safe oxygen and carbon dioxide levels. Another important oxygen measurement application is in petrochemistry.