Compressed air is used for instrument air as well as breathing air in places like hospitals. It is incredibly important for this air to be free from contaminants, crisp and of a high-quality regardless of it’s intended use.
In certain applications, dewpoint monitoring is essential to maintain air quality, avoid the growth of bacteria and microorganisms & maintain equipment.
Dewpoint and Hospital Applications
In a hospital setting compressed air is used in various applications, including breathing air and vital instrument air. Unwanted moisture can have dire consequences on equipment and the health of the people using this compressed air.
Because of the nature of hospital applications, there are strict requirements that must be met that, if not adhered to, can have life or death consequences. On top of this, the use of compressed air in hospitals is heavily monitored and regulated by different governing bodies.
Dewpoint needs to be extremely well measured and monitored within this application. Here’s what you need to know.
Dewpoint and Pharmaceutical Applications
Compressed air is often used in a number of different applications within the pharmaceutical industry. Examples of this include cleaning, transporting raw materials, processing equipment and pneumatic power sources.
Importance of dewpoint monitoring varies in the industry, but for instrument air, packaging, actuating process control valves and drying processes the monitoring & controlling of dewpoint is a requirement.
Here are some of the most commonly found risks associated with not monitoring dewpoint levels:
- Equipment failure
- Condensation in process lines
- Condensation on finished product
- Potential for bacterial formation
Dewpoint and Laboratory Environments
In a laboratory setting, dewpoint is often seen as a critical parameter that needs to be carefully monitored and controlled. This is mainly because laboratories are often designed to maintain a controlled atmosphere. The aim is to eliminate airborne contaminants as well as any sources that may interfere with testing and jeopardize the results of said testing.
Also, equipment that is commonly found in labs, like glove boxes, may need their feed gas to meet a set dewpoint level in order to maintain the inert atmosphere within the chamber.
If you have questions on how to manage these scenarios, our experts can help. We even provide equipment and can assist with installation. Talk to us today to get a solution: 925.667.3400/sales@cdasystems.com.