ABOUT HUMEA

ABOUT HUMEA 15RPT03

Need

Humidity is among the most important parameters in connection with measurements related to indoor climate and ventilation, the storage of food products, industrial and medical gases, textile, paper and many other products requiring humidity measurement and control within certain limits. Humidity affects many properties of air, and of materials in contact with air. Water vapour is a key agent in both weather and climate, and it is a key atmospheric greenhouse gas.

Measurement of humidity is complex and vitally important to a huge range of industries, as well as in healthcare and in terms of climate change and global warming. However, what is equally important is that the measurements are made with calibrated, traceable instruments. Only if this is done, it is possible to understand individual scenarios, to compare the results of measurement and at the end to underpin any legislation.

Traceable measurements of air humidity from the ground level up to the stratosphere are required.

Download Publishable Summary for 15RPT03 HUMEA

15RPT03_Publishable_Summary_January 2018.pdf (62 kB)

Objectives

The overall objective of the project is to develop measurement and research capabilities in humidity measurements (relative humidity and dewpoint) in participating emerging NMI/DIs’ countries, based on stakeholder needs, with optimised efforts and avoiding duplication of resources, where applicable.

The specific scientific and technical objectives of this project

1. To identify existing and future needs in the field of humidity measurement for each participating emerging NMI/DI’s country. (WP1 and WP2)

2. To improve measurement methods in the field of humidity via the development and characterisation of an inner chamber for calibration of relative humidity instruments. The target uncertainties are between 0.3 %rh and 2 %rh for a relative humidity range of 2 %rh to 98 %rh at temperatures from -60 °C to 100 °C. (WP1)

3. To organise and undertake an intercomparison of relative humidity measurements using the small chamber to underpin and validate the procedures developed and measurement capabilities of the participants. (WP1)

4. To improve research capacity in the field of dew point measurements by systematic review and improvement of dew point generators. The target uncertainties are between 0.05 °C and 0.1 °C for a temperature range of -70 °C to 90 °C. To implement the improved dewpoint capability into the national/regional traceability infrastructure. (WP2)

5. To develop individual strategies for the long-term development of research capabilities in humidity traceability including a strategy for offering calibration services from the facilities established to customers in their own country and neighbouring countries, through questionnaires and workshops organised in the local language, which will involve the broadest spectrum of stakeholders. The individual strategies will be discussed within the consortium and will lead to an overall strategy document to be presented to the EURAMET TC-T, to ensure that a coordinated and optimised approach to the development of traceability in this field is developed for Europe as a whole. (WP3)

Progress beyond the state of the art

This project will design, construct and characterise a chamber within a chamber system for the calibration of relative humidity instruments. The smaller chamber should lead to reduced spatial variation of the parameters (temperature, humidity etc.), a more rapid stabilisation of the conditions within the chamber, and therefore a faster turnaround time for calibrations. An intercomparison of relative humidity measurements using the small chamber will be carried out to underpin and validate the procedures and measurement capabilities of participants developed during the project.

The project will also address research capacity in the field of dew point measurements by the undertaking of a systematic review and improvement of dew point generators at each of the emerging NMI/DIs. This will establish a methodological approach to building of new dew point generators and allow for the development of traceability in dew point measurements in these countries.