Sensors

Dickson offers a range of replaceable sensors designed for easy recalibration and maintenance. These sensors, such as the Ambient Temperature Sensor (RTMP) and the Temperature & Humidity Sensor (RTRH-R), can be swapped out without interrupting monitoring processes, ensuring continuous and accurate data collection. 

Relative humidity (RH) sensors measure the amount of water vapor present in the air relative to the maximum amount the air can hold at a given temperature. This measurement is expressed as a percentage, indicating how close the air is to saturation.

Temperature sensors are utilized across various industries, including:

• Pharmaceuticals: Monitoring storage conditions for drugs and vaccines.
  
• Hospitals and Healthcare: Maintaining appropriate temperatures in medical equipment and patient care areas.
  
• Third-Party Logistics: Ensuring the highest product quality and safety throughout the supply chain.
  
• Food and Beverage: Ensuring proper storage and processing temperatures.
  
• Manufacturing: Controlling processes that are temperature-sensitive.
  
• Aerospace: Monitoring environmental conditions for equipment and materials.

RH sensors usually operate using capacitive or resistive methods. For capacitive sensors, they have a hygroscopic dielectric material between two conductive plates. As humidity changes, the dielectric constant of the material changes, altering the capacitance, which is measured and converted into an RH value. For resistive sensors, they use materials whose electrical resistance varies with humidity. As moisture levels change, the resistance changes, and this variation is measured to determine RH. 

Selecting the appropriate temperature sensor involves considering factors such as:

• Temperature range: Ensure the sensor operates effectively within your required temperature limits.
  
• Accuracy: Determine the level of precision necessary for your application.
  
• Environment: Consider conditions like humidity, pressure, and potential exposure to chemicals.
  
• Response time: Assess how quickly the sensor needs to detect temperature changes.
  
• Calibration requirements: Understand the calibration needs to maintain accuracy over time.

The primary types of humidity sensors include: Capacitive sensors, resistive sensors, and thermal conductivity sensors. Capacitive sensors are known for their accuracy and stability over a wide humidity range; resistive sensors are often used in applications where cost is a concern, though they may be less accurate than capacitive types; and thermal conductivity sensors measure absolute humidity by assessing the thermal conductivity of the air, which changes with moisture content. 

To maintain optimal performance of temperature sensors:

• Regular calibration: Schedule periodic calibrations to ensure accuracy.
  
• Proper handling: Avoid physical shocks and exposure to harmful substances.
  
• Environmental protection: Use appropriate enclosures if the sensor is in harsh conditions.
  
• Routine inspections: Check for signs of wear, corrosion, or damage.

RH sensors are utilized in various applications, including: HVAC systems, industrial processes, storage facilities, laboratories and incubators. 

Calibration frequency depends on factors like sensor type, application criticality, and manufacturer recommendations. Generally, it’s advisable to calibrate temperature sensors annually. However, for applications requiring high precision, more frequent calibrations may be necessary. Consulting with the sensor manufacturer or a calibration specialist can provide guidance tailored to your specific needs.

As you look for a humidity sensor for your use-case, consider the following factors: 

1. Measurement Range and Accuracy: Ensure the sensor covers the humidity range you need and provides the accuracy required for your application.
2. Environmental Conditions: Consider the environment where the sensor will be used, such as temperature extremes, exposure to chemicals, or outdoor conditions, and choose a sensor that can withstand these factors.
3. Calibration Needs: Determine how often the sensor requires calibration to maintain accuracy and if this fits within your maintenance capabilities.
4. Integration: Check how easily the sensor can be integrated into your existing systems, including compatibility with other devices and software.

By evaluating these aspects, you can select a humidity sensor that best fits your specific needs.

Yes, our temperature sensors are compatible with their cloud-based monitoring systems, enabling real-time data access and alerts. Pair the sensors with wireless data loggers and cloud software to monitor environmental conditions remotely. This integration allows for centralized data management, compliance reporting, and proactive issue detection, ideal for critical industries like healthcare and pharmaceuticals.

Many RH sensors can be installed by the user without professional assistance. For instance, our plug and play Smart-Sensors and replaceable sensors store calibration data on-board, allowing for easy swapping and calibration.

Our temperature sensors are designed for straightforward and easy installation and integration with monitoring systems. Simply connect the sensor to your device, configure the settings via our software, and begin tracking data. Detailed instructions and technical support are available to ensure a seamless setup, even for first-time users or complex monitoring environments.

Dickson’s RH sensors offer high accuracy. For example, the Temperature & Humidity Sensor (RTRH-R) provides an accuracy of ±2.0% RH from 5.0 to 95.0% RH.

To ensure you’ve selected the correct temperature sensor, check the specifications and compatibility details in your device’s user manual or on the product page. Look for matching model numbers, measurement ranges, and connector types. If you’re uncertain, contact customer support for guidance, providing your device’s model information to confirm compatibility.

Calibration involves comparing the sensor’s readings to a known standard and adjusting as necessary. Dickson offers A2LA and NIST-traceable calibration services to ensure sensor accuracy. Some sensors, like Dickson’s Smart-Sensors, store calibration data on-board, simplifying the calibration process.

Recalibration frequency depends on usage and environmental conditions. For critical applications, annual calibration is recommended. Dickson provides calibration services to maintain sensor accuracy.

There are several factors that can affect the accuracy of your sensors, including: exposure to contaminants, extreme temperature fluctuations, and mechanical stress. 

Yes, proper storage and handling are crucial. We recommend: Keeping sensors in a clean, dry environment within specified temperature and humidity ranges; avoiding exposure to contaminants and physical shocks; and storing sensors with their calibration data to ensure accuracy upon deployment.

The choice depends on your specific needs:

• DicksonOne Display Logger 

• Battery-Operated Data Logger

• Cobalt X
  
• Cobalt XS

• DicksonOne Touchscreen

Temperature sensors are devices that measure the degree of hotness or coldness in an environment and convert this information into electronic data for monitoring, recording, or signaling temperature changes.

Temperature sensors operate by detecting changes in physical properties—such as resistance, voltage, or current—that vary with temperature. These variations are then converted into readable data, allowing for accurate temperature monitoring.

Common types of temperature sensors include:

• Thermocouples: Made by joining two dissimilar metals, they generate a voltage proportional to temperature differences.
  
• Resistance Temperature Detectors (RTDs): Utilize the principle that a metal’s resistance changes with temperature; platinum is commonly used for its stability.
  
• Thermistors: Composed of ceramic or polymer materials, they exhibit significant resistance changes with temperature variations.
  
• Semiconductor-based sensors: Integrated circuits that measure temperature by monitoring voltage changes across a diode.