Michell Instruments S8000 hygrometer

The sensor design of Michell Instruments’ S8000 Remote chilled mirror hygrometer combines high-accuracy temperature control with new materials to improve reliability and avoid condensation.

The relative humidity in climatic chambers will always deviate from the set point, which can have a considerable effect on the results of many tests. A calibrated reference instrument such as a chilled-mirror hygrometer reduces this uncertainty to just 0.5% RH, but can be difficult to install and bulky, reducing the amount of usable test space within the chamber.

To overcome these space issues, Michell Instruments has delivered the S8000 remote chilled mirror hygrometer. The compact remote sensor head features an open cell design, removing the need for any complex heated sampling arrangements or an external pump. Installing the sensor is simply a matter of placing it in an appropriate position within the chamber, and routing the cable externally to the instrument.

The design has an optional aluminium sensor head that provides a swift response to changes in temperature, preventing any risks of condensation occurring during rapid transitions between temperature set points. The field-proven sensor boasts upgraded temperature control for accurate dewpoint measurement and, coupled with the standard ±0.1°C accuracy ambient temperature sensor, it provides fundamentally derived, high-precision relative humidity readings necessary for validating the results of environmental tests.

Outside of the chamber, the instrument operation is easy without user intervention. The S8000 Remote features a highly visible LCD that shows any three user-selectable parameters (typically dewpoint, relative humidity and temperature) in large clear text. The display also features a stability graph and displays the operational status of the unit. A powerful and easy-to-use menu system enables the operating parameters of the instrument to be quickly customised to suit the target application. The instrument also comes with three customisable analog outputs and one alarm, enabling integration into an existing automated test or calibration system.