Performance of a microwave sensor for the precise measurement of water vapor in gases

Author

Rouleau, J.F. ; Goyette, J. ; Bose, T.K. ; Frechette, M.F.

Author_Institution

Dept. de Phys., Quebec Univ., Trois-Rivieres, Que., Canada

Volume

7

Issue

6

fYear

2000

fDate

12/1/2000 12:00:00 AM

Firstpage

825

Lastpage

831

Abstract

A microwave sensor designed for the measurement of humidity in sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆) has been developed for possible in-line use in the electrical utilities industry. This technique could be used to measure efficiently the humidity level to prevent excess moisture and to keep the electrical integrity of sensitive electrical equipment. The measuring system is based on the dielectric properties of the gas mixture at atmospheric pressure and ambient temperature. The voltage difference coming from a measuring cavity resonator and a reference one is related to the amount of water vapor in SF₆. The setup is sensitive enough to detect moisture levels down to 3 ppm

Keywords

humidity measurement; humidity sensors; microwave devices; SF₆; SF₆:H₂O; dielectric properties; electrical utilities industry; humidity measurement; microwave sensor; water vapor measurement; Atmospheric measurements; Dielectric measurements; Electric variables measurement; Electrical equipment industry; Humidity measurement; Microwave measurements; Microwave sensors; Moisture measurement; Pressure measurement; Sulfur hexafluoride;

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Dielectrics and Electrical Insulation, IEEE Transactions on

Publisher

ieee

ISSN

1070-9878

Type

jour

DOI

10.1109/94.891995

Filename

891995