GE

Sensing

Applications Features

This Panametrics aluminum oxide moisture sensor probe • Intrinsically safe when used in conjunction with
measures moisture concentration in gases and certified electronics or zener barriers
non-aqueous liquids from trace to ambient levels. It is
designed to be used in conjunction with all Panametrics • Superior sensitivity, response speed and calibration
moisture analyzers for industries including: stability

• Petrochemical • Optional temperature sensor

• Natural gas • Calibrations traceable to National Institute of

Standards and Technology (NIST) or National
• Industrial gas Physical Lab U.K. (NPL)

• Semiconductor • Designed for in situ applications or in conjunction with

sample conditioning systems
• Furnace gas/heat treating
• True absolute humidity sensor
• Power generation
• Wide dynamic range
• Air dryer

• Pharmaceutical

• Aerospace

M Series
Panametrics Aluminum
Oxide Moisture Probe
M Series probe is a Panametrics
product. Panametrics has joined
other GE high-technology sensing
businesses under a new name_
GE Industrial, Sensing.

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Sensing

Panametrics Hygrometer Systems Theory of Operation in Gases and

and Moisture Probes Liquids
Panametrics aluminum oxide moisture probes have set The direct measurement of water vapor pressure is
the standard of performance and value in industrial accomplished easily and effectively in both gases and
moisture measurement for more than 40 years. liquids by the M Series aluminum oxide moisture sensor.
The sensor consists of an aluminum strip that is
In use, M Series moisture probes are coupled to anodized by a special process to provide a porous oxide
Panametrics hygrometer consoles by an interconnecting layer over which a very thin coating of gold is
cable. Ease of use, wide measurement range and evaporated. The aluminum base and the gold layer form
rigorous calibration standards make these systems the the two electrodes of what is essentially an aluminum
preferred choice for industrial moisture measurement oxide capacitor.
worldwide.
Water vapor is rapidly transported through the gold
layer and equilibrates on the pore walls of the oxide
Superior Performance layer. The number of water molecules absorbed on the
oxide structure determines the conductivity of the pore
Film thickness of the oxide layer is critical to the walls. Each value of pore wall resistance provides a
performance of this type of sensor. GE manufactures distinct value of electrical impedance, which in turn is
sensors with an oxide film thickness that causes them to functionally related to the water vapor pressure. This
exhibit true absolute humidity, rather than relative functional relationship holds for measurements made in
humidity response. This critical film thickness also gives either gas phase or liquid phase.
the M Series probe quick response and exceptional
calibration stability.
Installation Flexibility
Rigorous Calibration Standards
M Series probes are designed to be located at the
Traceable to NIST/NPL process, exactly where the measurement is needed.
Cable length between the probe and hygrometer may be
2000 ft (610 m) or more. Operating temperature range is
Each Panametrics aluminum oxide sensor is individually
–166°F to 158°F (–110°C to 70°C), pressure range is from
calibrated in one of the world’s most advanced moisture
vacuum up to 5000 psig (345 bar), and no minimum flow
calibration facilities. Developed over several decades, rate is required. Sample cells make
this facility uses flow, temperature and pressure M Series probes easy to install, and the cells are
measuring devices, traceable to NIST/NPL, to generate available in general purpose, Type 4 weatherproof, and
precisely known moisture concentrations to which each Type 7 explosion-proof housings.
probe is exposed during the calibration process.
Remote installation of the probe and wide operating
All data is gathered and stored by a dedicated computer parameters allow for in situ placement of the probe.
system. Calibrations are repeated over a period of Because a sample need not be brought to the analyzer,
months to determine the stability of each individual both the time lag and the potential for sample
moisture probe. Only those probes that meet GE’s contamination associated with sample delivery systems
demanding specifications for accuracy and stability are are eliminated. This feature is extremely important in the
shipped to customers. measurement of very low moisture content or where
rapid changes occur.

When the integrity of the measurement is threatened by

conductive or erosive particles, or adverse process
conditions, sample conditioning will be required. GE
manufactures turnkey sample-conditioning systems that
maintain the integrity of the sample’s moisture content
while removing the contaminants. These designs have
been field-tested and have proven to be reliable, while
requiring little or no maintenance.
GE
Sensing

M Series Temperature
• Operating: -166°F to 158°F (–110°C to 70°C)
• Storage: Maximum 158°F (70°C)

Specifications Operating Pressure (Dependent on Mount)

• Flange process connection (M1):
5 :Hg to 75 psig (6 bar)
• Threaded process connection (M2):
Moisture Probe 5 :Hg to 5000 psig (345 bar)

Intrinsic Safety Flow Range

Intrinsically safe when connected • Gases: Static to 10,000 cm/s linear velocity at 1 atm
to a Panametrics Moisture Series analyzer, PM880 • Liquids: Static to 10 cm/s linear velocity at density of
portable hygrometer or intrinsically safe barriers in 1 g/cc
accordance with the user’s manual.
M Series moisture probe: Response Time
BAS01ATEX1096X Less than five seconds for 63% step change in moisture
II 1 G EEx ia IIC T4 (-20°C to +80°C), and content in either wet-up or dry-down cycle
CSA C US Class I, Division 1, Groups A,B,C&D T4,
LR44204-23 Consult factory for specifications of other moisture probes
available for special applications.
European Compliance
Complies with EMC Directive 89/336/EEC and Input Voltage
PED 97/23/EC for DN<25 1 VAC, 77 Hz

Type Impedance Range

Aluminum oxide moisture sensor 50 kS to 2 MS depending on water vapor

Calibration Limited Warranty

Each probe is individually computer calibrated against • Calibration: Six months from delivery
known moisture concentrations, traceable to NIST or • Materials and workmanship: One year from delivery
NPL.

Dew/Frost Point Calibration Ranges Optional Temperature Sensor

• Overall capability: 140°F to -166°F (60°C to –110°C)
by request Type
• Standard calibration range: 68°F to -112°F Nonlinear negative temperature
(20°C to –80°C) with data to -166°F (-110°C) coefficient (NTC) thermistor (resultant temperature
• Ultralow calibration range: -58°F to -148°F linearized by microprocessor)
(-50°C to –100°C) with data to -166°F (-110°C)
Operating Range
Accuracy –22°F to 158°F (–30°C to 70°C)
• ±3.6°F (±2°C) in range of 140°F to -85°F (60°C to –65°C)
• ±5.4°F (±3°C) in range of -86°F to -166°F Accuracy
(-66°C to 110°C) ±0.9°F (±0.5°C) overall
Repeatability Response Time (Maximum)
• ±0.9°F (±0.5°C) in range of 140°F to -85°F 1 second in well-stirred oil or 10 seconds in still air for a
(60°C to –65°C) 63% step change in increasing or decreasing
• ±1.8°F (±1.0°C) in range of -86°F to -166°F temperature
(–66°C to –110°C)
GE
Sensing

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920-046C

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