Michell unveils hygrometer for anti-icing systems

The new generation of the Optidew Hygrometer from Michell Instruments is designed for applications in anti-icing systems for stationary gas turbines.

In power generation plants located in environments with low temperatures and high relative humidity there is a risk of ice forming in the air intake systems.

The accumulation of ice on the filter elements will block the filter and lead to loss of power through a drop of pressure and reduced mass flow.

In turn, this will lead to reduced thermal efficiency.

In extreme cases, chunks of ice may be ingested into the compressor and cause physical damage to the turbine.

Protecting against icing is vital to prolonging the life and efficiency of the gas turbine.

Ice protection systems vary between de-icing and anti-icing, the latter usually featuring a precision hygrometer such as the Optidew for anti-icing systems.

Applying the cooled-mirror measurement principle, it delivers a repeatable, drift-free dew point or relative humidity measurement.

The design of the Optidew hygrometer for anti-icing systems is capable of withstanding demanding conditions and needs minimal maintenance.

When compared to a traditional polymer RH probe, Michell said that the Optidew anti-icing version offers better accuracy and stability.

The Optidew hygrometer for anti-icing systems has a wide measurement range from - 50C to +90C dew point over a temperature range of - 10C to +90C.

It has been successfully tested in extreme atmospheric conditions.

Optidew for anti-icing provides two 4-20mA output signals, configurable through interfacing software to dew point and temperature, or relative humidity and temperature.

The RS232 interface allows connection to custom data logging and configuration software, operating under a Windows environment.

Optidew also features Michell's Dynamic Contamination Correction (DCC) system.

The DCC system automatically eliminates any error that may be caused by mirror particle contamination and adapts itself to accommodate even the dirtiest of processes.

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