Extending dew-point temperature scale up to +50 °C

Extension of dew-point temperature scale has been performed using a two-temperature (2-T), constant pressure humidity generator that is developed for the first time by the National Institute of Standard (NIS) in order to extend the calibration capabilities to the high dew-point temperature range at NIS. It relies on the saturation of a stream of gas flowing over a water surface maintained at constant, well-known, temperature. In this paper, primary realization of dew-point temperature scale in a dew-point temperature range up to +50 °C was performed to extend calibration capabilities and to improve the uncertainties of the dew-point temperature scale realization. Several experiments were carried out in order to characterize the generator. Characterization comprises studies of the saturator efficiency, temperature stability and a comparison with a calibrated chilled-mirror hygrometer. The results of the efficiency tests showed good performance of the generator. For uncertainty of measurements, a thorough analysis was also described representing estimations of contributions for all the sources that possibly affect measurements.

Evaluation of the performance of full-scale packed saturators

An evaluation of the performance of full-scale packed saturators was made. Measurements of saturator effluent air concentrations, saturator efficiency and precipitated are reported for both cold water and warm water operating conditions. Packed saturators were analyzed over a full range of operating pressures and loading rates. Measured results compared to predicted results based on a comprehensive model for the performance of packed saturators prove the model to be a useful tool in designing efficient and cost effective saturation systems.

Rational design of packed saturators

The paper describes the development of a mathematical model for predicting the mass transfer efficiency of packed saturators used for dissolved air flotation. The first part of the paper deals with the equilibrium condition, i.e. the maximum attainable air concentration with a packed saturator at 100% transfer efficiency. The second part derives a kinetic model based on concentration-driven diffusion and the Lewis-Whitman two-film theory. The transfer rate constant across the laminar liquid film and the wetted packing area are estimated with the Onda correlations. The model is finally used to demonstrate the effects of hydraulic loading, packing depth, packing size and temperature on saturator efficiency.