Vaisala DRYCAP® Technology

Vaisala Drycap Wafer in hand

The DRYCAP story began in the mid-1990s following an unresolved measurement challenge. Traditional humidity instruments were not accurate enough at very low humidities, while commonly used aluminum oxide sensors were prone to drift and required frequent calibration. There was a strong demand for accurate, easy-to-use, cost-effective, and low-maintenance dew point instruments.

Vaisala's solution was to combine the highest quality polymer technology with a patented key feature – auto-calibration – that would eliminate sensor drift in very dry conditions. In 1997, Vaisala introduced a a new type of dew point sensor based on thin-film polymer technology, the DRYCAP® sensor. Since its launch, the DRYCAP product family has grown to encompass a huge range of applications, from drying processes to compressed air and dry chambers. The DRYCAP sensor is particularly renowned for its reliable performance in hot and very dry environments and this highly successful innovation is still going strong today.

 

How it works

DRYCAP’s unrivalled performance is based on two innovations: the proven capacitive thin-film polymer sensor and the auto-calibration function. The sensor’s thin-film polymer absorbs or releases water vapor as the surrounding humidity increases or decreases. The dielectric properties of the polymer change as the humidity around the sensor changes, as does the capacitance of the sensor. Capacitance is converted into a humidity reading. The capacitive polymer sensor is bonded together with a temperature sensor, and dew point is calculated from the humidity and temperature readings. Vaisala’s patented auto-calibration function optimizes the measurement stability in dry environments. The sensor is heated at regular intervals during the automated auto-calibration procedure. The humidity and temperature readings are monitored as the sensor cools to ambient temperature, with offset correction compensating for any potential drift. This enables the DRYCAP sensor to deliver accurate measurements in the long term, dramatically reducing the need for maintenance.

Vaisala´s Drycap Technology description

Typical applications for dew point measurement

Vaisala DRYCAP dew point instruments measure dew point in industrial applications, where gas humidity is typically very low. Dew point is often a critical parameter, with inadequate control resulting in problems such as process downtime, damaged process equipment, and deterioration in end-product quality. Dew point is measured in various drying and heat-treatment processes, such as plastic drying, baking ovens, and food drying. It is also controlled in compressed air, where excess moisture can result in poor end-product quality, ice formation, and equipment corrosion. Other typical applications include medical gas, dry environments in lithium battery manufacturing, and gas-insulated high-voltage equipment used in the power industry.

Vaisala DRYCAP dew point products

Vaisala's dew point instruments are suitable for accurate and stable monitoring of dry conditions in a variety of applications from -80 to +100 °C Td. Vaisala’s product range includes transmitters for demanding industrial applications, compact instruments for installation in dryers, and hand-held meters for spot checking. Portable sampling systems are also available.

Download Vaisala Compressed Air e Guide or try our Drying Simulator to calculate your energy and cost savings!

 

Compressed air tube
It is also controlled in compressed air, where excess moisture can result in poor end-product quality.

 

Products using DRYCAP® Technology

Vaisala DRYCAP®  Dew Point and Temperature Probe DMP5 is designed for in-line humidity measurement in industrial drying applications.

Dew Point and Temperature Probe DMP5

Vaisala DRYCAP® Dew Point and Temperature Probe DMP5 is designed for in-line humidity measurement in industrial drying applications with high temperatures and a wide dew point range.
Probe head and probe body of the DMP6 for very high temperatures

Dew Point Probe DMP6

Vaisala DRYCAP® Dew Point and Temperature Probe DMP6 is designed for in-line humidity measurement in industrial drying applications with very high temperatures and a wide dew point range.
DM70 Hand-Held Dewpoint Meter

Handheld Dewpoint Meter DM70

Handheld Dewpoint Meter DM70 for spot-checking applications and field calibration offers accurate and fast measurement for industrial dew point applications, such as compressed air, metal treatment, additive manufacturing as well as food and plastics drying.
DMT345 and DMT346 Dewpoint Transmitters

Dew Point Transmitters DMT345 and DMT346

Note that the DMT340 series is being discontinued. The Vaisala DRYCAP® Dewpoint Transmitters DMT345 and DMT346 are designed for humidity measurement in industrial drying applications with particularly high temperatures.
DMT132 Dewpoint Transmitter for Refrigerant Dryers

Dew Point Meter DMT132

Vaisala HUMICAP® Dewpoint Transmitter DMT132 is an affordable dew point measurement instrument designed to verify the functionality of refrigerant dryers.