Trace Moisture Measurement

Applications

Our application notes are designed to provide practical guidance, useful examples and best practices for using our products and solutions in real-world scenarios. Each note outlines the impact of trace moisture in your application, performance tips and best practice advice to help you get the most out of your application.

By following these notes, you can:

Improve the efficiency and reliability of your setup

Discover new ways to optimise performance

Avoid common pitfalls through tested solutions

For additional support or further documentation, please refer to our user manuals or contact our support team.

This month’s focus – trace moisture in welding.

Welding processes rely on controlled inert gas atmospheres to protect the molten weld pool from atmospheric contamination. Even trace levels of moisture in shielding gases can cause hydrogen-assisted cracking, porosity and reduced mechanical strength.

Our moisture measurement analysers provide continuous, high-precision monitoring of shielding gases, ensuring compliance with specified moisture thresholds. These application notes detail the sources of moisture contamination, its metallurgical effects and recommended mitigation strategies.

Optimal performance is achieved by selecting appropriate sensor technology, integrating it into the shielding gas system and following strict calibration and maintenance protocols. This approach supports quality assurance, reduces rework, ensures industry standard compliance and maintains weld reliability under varied operating conditions.

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Applications

Welding GasesDifferent welding processes require specific inert gases for atmospheric shielding. Our trace moisture measurement systems continuously measure moisture to ensure feed gas used for shielding remains within the specified range, maintaining optimal conditions for welding.

AerospacePortable dewpoint meters are crucial in the production of aeronautical parts requiring vacuum furnace heat treatment with very dry argon, and for verifying the dryness of welding shield gas at the torch head according to NADCAP standards.

Breathing AirIn diving, firefighting, and defence applications, portable dewpoint meters are used to test high-pressure cylinder breathing apparatus to prevent equipment freeze caused by excess moisture, which could have fatal consequences.

Food and BeverageMoisture control is critical in the food and beverage industry to prevent food quality loss. Packaging foods in an atmosphere of dry gases like Nitrogen and carbon dioxide extends shelf life. Our AMT and AMT-Ex transmitters enable continuous trace moisture measurement, reducing waste and carbon footprint.

HDPE ProductionPortable dewpoint meters are used for spot-checking moisture in flammable gases like ethylene feedstock. They ensure safety and efficiency in the production of polyethylene to avoid decreased yields caused by excessive moisture.

Injection MouldingPortable dewpoint meters are used to verify the dryness of air circulating through plastic pellets, improving surface finish, colour, and opacity of products — increasing yields and reducing production costs.

Medical GasesEssential for ensuring the reliability and accuracy of moisture content in hospital air systems, portable dewpoint meters help conduct continuous monitoring and quarterly spot checks to prevent microbial growth and potential infection — meeting NHS HTM02 standards.

Natural Gas and LNGPortable dewpoint meters are vital for preventing freezing issues in pipelines and valves, and preserving gas calorific value by accurately measuring moisture during transit from extraction to storage.

PharmaceuticalsPortable dewpoint meters are crucial for spot checks on inert blanketing gases in medication and medical device production, preventing microbial growth and ensuring the dryness necessary for freeze-drying processes.

Power GenerationFor routine spot checks on hydrogen used in alternator cooling, portable dewpoint meters help maintain efficiency and safety by ensuring moisture is below critical levels to avoid condensation.

Whatever the challenge, you can rely on Alpha Moisture Systems

If you require a customised trace moisture measurement solution for use in hazardous areas, book a consultation with our expert technical team and find out how you can increase the efficiency and productivity of your operations.

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