Humidity Sensor to Check Steam Coil Leak

[JeffHofacre]

I am installing a steam coil air heater to heat seal air to precipitator insulator boxes. The warm air will blow through the end of the insulator into the dirty flue gas inside the precipitator. I want to install a humidity sensor downstream of the coil to determine when a leak occurs in the steam coil. Will this work? The air temp will be 200 deg F. The airflow is 10,000 SCFM at 14" static pressure at the coil.

Any suggestions for vendors?

 

[pennpoint]

JeffHofacre
Rotronics offers models that will withstand up to 390 F.
0-100 %, +/-2% accuracy.

http://www.rotronic-usa.com

Regards
pennpoint

 

[friartuck]

I would have thought regular maintenance inspections would have been better. ??

When you heat air, its humidity lowers and I guess you would end up with very low % hum levels, possibly 10% or so. However in the event of a leak, the air will increase in humidity.But a small leak might not register.

If for instnace the outdoor air moisture level went up, the overall humidity would also rise. How would you set up and calibrate the sensor?

I think you would need to have anex ternal sensor to measure the incoming value and an offgoing sensor to see what the change would be. If the change was more than expected, then I could see it working. However, sensors need regular maintenance and cleaning, so you might as well scrap the expensive gizzmos and use your eyes.



Friar Tuck of Sherwood