2024-03-11

Importance of dew point

The dew point is defined as the temperature to which a gas, such as air, must be cooled at a constant pressure before water vapor can begin to condense into liquid water. In other words, when the dew point temperature is reached, the gas is completely saturated with water vapor. Terminology"Pressure dew point" refers to the dew point temperature of a gas at a pressure above atmospheric pressure. When dealing with the dew point in compressed air, the correct term is actually "pressure dew point", but it is usually abbreviated as "dew point".

 

Why is dew point so important in pharmaceutical applications?

Compressed air can be used for many applications in the pharmaceutical industry, such as raw material transportation, processing equipment, pneumatic power sources and cleaning. Understanding the importance of the dew point in the compressed air line may be critical for some applications, but not so important for others. For example, bulk solids and powder conveyors used to move products rely on air that is sufficiently dried and filtered to perform its function correctly and prevent product contamination. Continuous monitoring and control of dew point is usually a requirement for instrument air, drying process, packaging and actuating process control valves. Risks associated with unchecked dew point levels may include equipment failure, condensation on production lines and finished products, and the possibility of bacteria formation.

 

Why is dew point so important in a laboratory environment?

Laboratory environments are typically designed to maintain a controlled atmosphere to eliminate airborne contaminants and any sources of error that may interfere with testing. Dew point is an important parameter for control. Usually this is done through an environmental control system and is independent of the compressed air. Some laboratory equipment, such as glove boxes, may require their feed gas to reach a defined dew point level to maintain an inert atmosphere in the reaction chamber.

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