{"id":101337,"date":"2026-02-12T14:01:42","date_gmt":"2026-02-12T12:01:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/smartair.fi\/?p=101337"},"modified":"2026-03-11T12:50:33","modified_gmt":"2026-03-11T10:50:33","slug":"nain-varmistat-korkealaatuisen-ja-kuivan-paineilman-prosessissasi","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/smartair.fi\/en\/nain-varmistat-korkealaatuisen-ja-kuivan-paineilman-prosessissasi\/","title":{"rendered":"This is how you ensure high-quality and dry compressed air in your process"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"et_pb_section_0 et_pb_section et_section_regular et_block_section\"><div class=\"et_pb_row_0 et_pb_row et_block_row\"><div class=\"et_pb_column_0 et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et-last-child et_block_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_0 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_block_module preset--module--divi-text--default\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Why moisture in compressed air is a problem<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ensuring dry compressed air is not based on dew point values alone. High-quality compressed air requires three things: good measurement practices, best-practice sensor installation, and thoughtful sensor placement. When these factors are in place, you maintain product quality, protect equipment, and improve energy efficiency.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Compressed air used in many industrial applications must be kept dry. This is because moisture in compressed air can cause corrosion, clogged valves, frozen pipes, product contamination and microbial growth. If compressed air is not dry, it can quickly go from being a clean and reliable \u201dfourth commodity\u201d to a quality and maintenance risk.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/smartair.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1765471944323.jpeg\" width=\"800\" height=\"1066\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-101340 alignnone size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smartair.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1765471944323.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/smartair.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1765471944323-480x640.jpeg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 800px, 100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The dryness of compressed air can be measured in different ways, but not all methods are equally reliable.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Relative humidity (RH) is the percentage of water vapor that can be held in the air at a given temperature. However, RH changes with temperature, so it is not a reliable indicator of the risk of condensation in a compressed air system.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The dew point, on the other hand, indicates the exact temperature at which moisture condenses into liquid water or ice. It depends on the pressure and indicates where and when in the process there is a risk of moisture forming in the compressed air. This is why it is an ideal control variable: if the dew point is above 0 \u00b0C, the process is at risk of condensation and corrosion. The lower the dew point, the safer the system.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><b>Typical dew point targets by dryer type:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Refrigeration dryer: approx. +5 \u00b0C<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Adsorption dryer: approximately -40 \u00b0C or lower<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Correct measurement of dew point<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Since the dew point is dependent on pressure, the compression of the air will affect the measurement result. This is important to consider if the air is vented to the atmosphere before measurement, as the dew point at the measurement point will differ from the process dew point. When the pressure dew point is required, either measure at process pressure or ensure that you carefully correct the measurement result.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A low dew point reading is not useful if the measurement does not reflect actual process conditions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Three simple steps to accurate dew point measurement<\/b><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Choose a measuring device with the correct measuring range.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Understand the pressure characteristics of the device. For example, some devices on the market cannot measure at process pressure, in which case the measurement must be corrected to determine the pressure dew point.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Install the sensor correctly according to the manufacturer&#039;s instructions. Do not install dew point sensors in a closed pipe where there is no airflow.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/smartair.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_2969.jpg\" width=\"1050\" height=\"1400\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-101341 alignnone size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smartair.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_2969.jpg 1050w, https:\/\/smartair.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_2969-980x1307.jpg 980w, https:\/\/smartair.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_2969-480x640.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1050px, 100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><b>Where should the dew point be measured?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The placement of the sensor is important. If you only install the sensor after the dryer, the measurement will only confirm that the dryer output meets the set parameters. For best results, it is also a good idea to place sensors at critical points of use and at the end of the network. This will allow you to detect leaks and losses due to cooling and distribution.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example, Walki Oy Valkeakoski uses a monitoring system with sensors placed after the dryer and at the end of the compressed air network. This enabled real-time alerts when a dryer malfunction increased humidity levels. The system triggered an automatic alarm when the dew point of the compressed air network reached -25 \u00b0C. The alarm enabled a quick response before the problem affected the production process.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/smartair.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_2240-1.jpg\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-101342 alignnone size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smartair.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_2240-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/smartair.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_2240-1-480x270.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 800px, 100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pictured are Mikko Nurminen and Petri Parikka from Walki Oy<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><b>Five installation basics for accurate dew point measurement<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even the best dew point sensor is only as accurate as its installation allows. Here is a five-point checklist:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Use the right materials.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Preferably choose stainless steel with a good surface finish. Avoid hygroscopic plastics and rubber, as they can bind and release moisture. PTFE is an exception down to temperatures of around -40\u00b0C, as it has low moisture absorption.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Ensure that the connections are tight.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Dew point measurement is very sensitive to even small leaks. All connections must be tight and properly sealed \u2013 PTFE tape is recommended for tapered threads such as NPT. For straight threaded connections such as G\u00bd&quot;, use the gasket supplied with the device.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Keep the flow steady.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The sensor requires a small but continuous air flow. Higher flow speeds up response time, but 1\u20132 l\/min is usually sufficient for high-quality sensors. Do not install sensors in a closed vessel without flow, and flush sample lines before measuring.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Avoid condensation in the sample line.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The entire sample line, including valves and fittings, must be kept above the process dew point. If necessary, use heated or heat-cabled lines.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Choose the right measurement solution.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Direct line installation is suitable if flow and temperature are sufficient. The sample chamber protects the sensor from hot gas or water spikes and allows maintenance under pressure.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/smartair.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_5459-2.jpg\" width=\"1050\" height=\"1400\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-101339 alignnone size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smartair.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_5459-2.jpg 1050w, https:\/\/smartair.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_5459-2-980x1307.jpg 980w, https:\/\/smartair.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_5459-2-480x640.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1050px, 100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In very low dew point measurements such as -40\u2026-70 deg.C, the rubber hose shown in the picture increases the measurement inaccuracy because they bind and release moisture.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><b>Spot measurement or continuous monitoring?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Both have their place \u2013 spot tests help with problem solving, continuous monitoring helps with prevention.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Spot checks with a portable dew point meter and recorder are suitable for audits, troubleshooting and calibration checks. Energy savings are often achieved by detecting leaks and optimizing drying. For example, SmartAir And Energy Oy uses the Vaisala Indigo80 to generate energy and cost savings for its compressed air customers.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/smartair.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/LIFT-Customer-case-Walki-SmartAir-2-800x450-1.jpg\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-101343 alignnone size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smartair.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/LIFT-Customer-case-Walki-SmartAir-2-800x450-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/smartair.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/LIFT-Customer-case-Walki-SmartAir-2-800x450-1-480x270.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 800px, 100vw\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pictured are Mikko Nurminen from Walki Oy and SmartAir Sami Uusi-Erkkil\u00e4<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Continuous monitoring provides real-time situational awareness and enables automatic alerts if the dew point deviates or rises suddenly. Such changes can indicate a dryer failure, tower replacement or sudden load change. At Walki\u2019s Valkeakoski plant, sensors triggered an alarm when the dew point rose to \u201325\u00b0C, enabling rapid corrective action before product quality deteriorated. Continuous monitoring also produces trend data for maintenance and investment planning.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Compressed air quality standards<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The key ISO standard for compressed air cleanliness is ISO 8573, which classifies compressed air quality for particles, water and oil. The standard covers nine areas, including impurities, cleanliness classes and test methods for several variables such as oil, gases, water and humidity. Dew point measurement demonstrates compliance with the standard for water.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In hygiene-critical areas where there is a risk of microbial growth, ISO 8573-7 addresses live contaminants. The dryness and purity of compressed air are the primary barriers to microbial growth.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/smartair.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/ISO-8573-1-BEKO.png\" width=\"1400\" height=\"741\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-101338 alignnone size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smartair.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/ISO-8573-1-BEKO.png 1400w, https:\/\/smartair.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/ISO-8573-1-BEKO-1280x677.png 1280w, https:\/\/smartair.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/ISO-8573-1-BEKO-980x519.png 980w, https:\/\/smartair.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/ISO-8573-1-BEKO-480x254.png 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) and (max-width: 1280px) 1280px, (min-width: 1281px) 1400px, 100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><b>Advantages of modern dew point measuring devices<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Modern dew point instruments are significantly different from older chilled mirror hygrometers or slow capacitive sensors. Vaisala DRYCAP\u00ae sensors use a highly sensitive thin film polymer that provides:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Quick response from wet to dry and back again<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Long-term stability and minimal need for recalibration<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High tolerance in condensing conditions<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contamination resistance thanks to automatic chemical cleaning function<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Excellent accuracy with low hysteresis<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fast response time and low drift<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For engineers who need conversions between atmospheric dew point and pressure dew point or other humidity calculations, Vaisala offers a free and easy-to-use humidity calculator.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Want to learn more about compressed air and dew point measurement? Download Vaisala&#039;s Compressed Air eGuide or watch the The essentials with compressed air dew point webinar.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Practical checklist for dew point measurements<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2714<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Choose the right measurement points, for example after the dryer and at the point of use<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2714<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Measure at the correct process pressure or correct the measurement appropriately<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2714<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Use stainless steel sample lines and chambers<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2714<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Ensure the tightness of the connections<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2714<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Maintain a small, steady airflow over the sensor<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2714<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Avoid dead-end installations and flush sample lines before measuring<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2714<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Keep sample lines above dew point \u2013 use heating if necessary<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2714<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Assess when spot testing is sufficient and when continuous monitoring is necessary<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>The author of the article is<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b>Juhani Lehto<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Product Manager, demanding measuring devices<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vaisala<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Juhani Lehto has over ten years of experience in industrial measurements and sensor technology. He holds a Master of Science (Engineering) from Aalto University, Espoo.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/smartair.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/LIFT-Juhani-Lehto-800x450-1.jpg\" width=\"250\" height=\"250\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-101344 alignnone size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smartair.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/LIFT-Juhani-Lehto-800x450-1.jpg 250w, https:\/\/smartair.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/LIFT-Juhani-Lehto-800x450-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/smartair.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/LIFT-Juhani-Lehto-800x450-1-12x12.jpg 12w, https:\/\/smartair.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/LIFT-Juhani-Lehto-800x450-1-100x100.jpg 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vaisala.com\/en\/case\/generating-energy-and-cost-savings-while-using-compressed-air\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.vaisala.com\/en\/case\/generating-energy-and-cost-savings-while-using-compressed-air<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vaisala.com\/en\/case\/how-real-time-compressed-air-dew-point-monitoring-improves-quality-efficiency-and-reliability-walki\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.vaisala.com\/en\/case\/how-real-time-compressed-air-dew-point-monitoring-improves-quality-efficiency-and-reliability-walki<\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Translation of the material from English to Finnish, original article:<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vaisala.com\/en\/expert-article\/beyond-dew-point-value-how-ensure-high-quality-dry-compressed-air-your-process\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.vaisala.com\/en\/expert-article\/beyond-dew-point-value-how-ensure-high-quality-dry-compressed-air-your-process<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":101343,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-101337","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-yleinen"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/smartair.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/101337","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/smartair.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/smartair.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/smartair.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/smartair.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=101337"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/smartair.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/101337\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":101423,"href":"https:\/\/smartair.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/101337\/revisions\/101423"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/smartair.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/101343"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/smartair.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=101337"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/smartair.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=101337"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/smartair.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=101337"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}