Measuring and testing – Moisture content or absorption characteristic of material – By heat conductivity
Patent
1996-07-29
1998-09-22
Noori, Max H.
Measuring and testing
Moisture content or absorption characteristic of material
By heat conductivity
73 75, 73 2901, G01N 502, G01N 2556
Patent
active
058098267
ABSTRACT:
A condensation sensor according to the invention detects condensation at a level of concern on a surface of interest. It has a thermally passive test surface that emulates the condensation-forming characteristics of the surface of interest, and has thermal conductivity, thermal capacity, and surface heat density sufficiently high that a detectable quantity of condensation forms on the test surface no later than formation of condensation at the level of concern on the surface of interest; and a sensor at the test surface that provides a signal in response to the presence of a detectable quantity of condensation on the test surface. The sensor may comprise two electrodes separated by an effective gap, the presence of a droplet of condensation at the gap closing a circuit between the two electrodes, and may further comprise a gathering mechanism for bringing droplets condensing on the test surface to the effective gap. A method according to the invention includes (a) providing a test surface, (b) emulating the condensation-forming characteristics of the surface of interest with the test surface, (c) passively thermally focussing the test surface so that the thermal conductivity, thermal capacity, and surface heat density are sufficiently high that a detectable quantity of condensation forms on the test surface no later than formation of condensation at the level of concern on the surface of interest; and (d) detecting the presence of a detectable quantity of condensation on the test surface as a signal in a detection circuit.
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