WHAT IS THE CONSENSOR?
The CONSENSOR is a patented unique passive condensation sensor. It reliably and instantly indicates that the condensation process is occurring - on a specific surface or any surface in its vacinity. The indication occurs well before the condensate will interfere with electronic circuit performance ... before it can cause any kind of surface deterioration or other ill effect ... even before the condensate is visually perceptible. The indication occurs early enough to initiate an effective condensation control or other appropriate response ... before any harm is done. The indication lasts as long as any trace of condensate remains on your surface of interest … just right for condensation control applications. When a CONSENSOR is used with its companion Circuit Module, no energy is wasted.
For water cooled Chilled Beam, Chilled Ceiling or Radiant Panel HVAC, or for other chilled water heat exchangers, you can safely get the absolute maximum cooling effectiveness when it's needed most. Coolant flow can safely continue to the brink of condensation. No need for premature coolant interuption due to sensor error or so-called "Margin of Safety" as is necessary with dew point and humidity based so-called condensation sensors (See Chilled Beam / Ceiling / Radiant Panel web site).
There are those applications in which condensation can not be controlled, but it needs to be monitored. Critical electronic / electrical circuits can be shut down to avoid malfunction or damage from condensate short circuits. Farmers can monitor dew occurances and duration.
The CONSENSOR will respond to rain, fog or water spray contacting its internal "Test Surfaces".
WHAT THE CONSENSOR IS NOT
CONSENSORs are not dependent on dew point, humidity, or temperature determinations. These parameters can only indicate that condensation is possible. The instant a CONSENSOR indicates that condensation is occurring - it is ! … whether it is perceptible or not ! ... but never prematurly !!
The CONSENSOR is not a quantitative condensation sensor. The onset of condensation is a binary event. The quantity of condensate is rarely important. Trace amounts of condensate are almost always as detrimental as larger quantities. In condensation control applications, what's important is to take corrective action so early that even trace amounts are prevented or eliminated immediately. In condensation monitoring or dew monitoring applications, you can record the true duration of the condensate's presence on your surfaces of interest.
The CONSENSOR is not a water or moisture sensor. It will not respond to humidity, water vapor or standing water. It does not need to come in contact with the condensate to indicate the event.
THERE ARE TWO SENSING CONFIGURATIONS
All CONSENSOR models easily convert to either configuration initially or subsequent to installation.
SURFACE SENSING: This is for thermally active surfaces … cold water pipes or water cooled heat exchangers, outdoor electrical or electronic enclosures, water cooled components or power supplies, refrigerator walls, exposed HVAC air ducting, shipping containers, ships hulls, etc.
For these applications, the CONSENSOR is to be mounted in close surface to surface thermal contact with your surface of interest.
AREA SENSING: This is for use with thermally passive surfaces where the CONSENSOR can share the thermal / atmospheric environment of those surfaces ... thermally passive articles in a room, passive (or nearly passive) electronic components in an enclosure, passive items in open areas, leaves in a field, etc. The CONSENSOR does not need to be in contact with these surfaces - it only needs to be placed where it can share their atmospheric environment.
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
MOUNTING: The Model C CONSENSOR is mounted via its #8-32 x 3/8" non-metallic stud, nut & washer.
The Model CI uses a # 8 self tapping SS screw into its Top (or Bottom) center hole.
A Pipe Adapter (Model PA-3) is available for mounting any CONSENSOR to a 1/8" to 3" OD pipe.
DIMENSIONS: Model C - Nom. 1.1" square footprint X 0.8" H from the mounting surface.
Model CI - Nom. 1.1" Diam. footprint X 0.5" H from its mounting surface.
CONNECTION: Its 3 foot long cable is terminated in a MONO audio phone plug (1/8" / 3.5 mm for the Model C, and a 3/32" / 2.5 mm for the Model CI). Extensions are available.
OPERATING TEMPERATURE: 5 to 70C. Note: CONSENSORs can safely withstand temperatures below 0C. But its operational charcteristics in Frost (frozen condensates) have not been studied. We can offer CONSENSORs that are usable up to 95C on special order.
HUMIDITY: Not a factor.
CONTAMINENTS: The CONSENSOR is relatively inert to materials other than plastic solvents. If it becomes contaminated with dust or other debris, typically, it is easily cleaned by simply flushing it with alcohol to restore it to service. CONSENSORs require no calibration. Testing is simple.
Note: Several Circuit Modules (below) provide a "SENSOR FAULT" indication - a unique feature.
CIRCUIT Modules / Options
The CONSENSOR is a condensation sensor or a dew sensor. To be useful as a condensation control device, or as a dew monitor, the CONSENSOR's signal must be amplified enough to provide a switching output ... relay contacts, 5 Volt Logic or Open Collector outputs, visual indication, etc. There are several ways to go.
CIRCUIT MODULES: We offer several Circuit Modules (see Button above) suitable for Condensation Control and monitoring applications. CONSENSORs simply plug into their companion Circuit Module. Also available is a CONSENSOR integrated with its companion Circuit Module (See Model CI- ICM). Several Circuit Modules offer the unique feature of an added "SENSOR FAULT" indication/output.
CIRCUIT DIAGRAM: We support qualified OEMs who prefer to build their own circuit interface. We offer a well proven circuit schematic to them. We discourage "doing it from scratch" circuit designs.
Our circuits apply nom. 5 volts to the sensor. The current must be limited to 5 microamps. Never apply more than 25 volts to any CONSENSOR's electrodes. One of the Model C's electrodes is electrically connected to its exposed metallic base. If necessary, approx 5,000 volts of isolation can be provided by the insertion of an optional silicone washer between its base and the surface to which it will be mounted. The Model CI's electrodes are electrically isolated (Approx. 500 volts) from its mounting surface . That additional 5,000 volt isolating silicone washer is available for the Model CI as well. Adding this washer will increase the response time typically by 1 or 2 seconds.
"NORMALLY WET" APPLICATIONS:
CONSENSORS may be used in certain applications where condensate or dew needs to be present, as in certain polymer coatings manufacturing, agriculture, etc.
APPLICATIONS ASSISTANCE:
We are very applications oriented and always eager to discuss yours.
