Monitoring & metering
able to assess how reliable measurements are by accessing and monitoring sensor diagnostic data. Vaisala therefore developed a bespoke configuration for their DMP6 dew point, temperature and humidity probe to output these parameters. Typically, a plasterboard factory needs four DMP6 probes – three to continuously monitor the drying ovens and a fourth for calibration and as a spare.
ADVANTAGES OF VAISALA’S DEW POINT SENSORS
The Vaisala DMP6 overcomes many of the problems exhibited by the early trials with humidity sensors from alternative suppliers. This is primarily because of Vaisala’s DRYCAP technology. DRYCAP combines a capacitive thin-film polymer sensor with an auto-calibration function. The sensor’s thin-film polymer adsorbs or releases water vapor as the surrounding humidity increases or decreases. This causes a change in capacitance, which is converted into a humidity reading. The capacitive polymer sensor is bonded together with a temperature sensor, and dew point is calculated from the humidity and temperature readings. The advantages of DRYCAP sensors are condensation resistance, due to the materials in the sensor, and an additional warming function
Instrumentation Monthly April 2026
which speeds up sensor drying in a condensing environment. DRYCAP also provides immunity to contamination from particulates, oil vapor and most chemicals. If the sensor does get wet, it dries rapidly and recovers its rapid response time. In low-humidity conditions, the sensor will auto-calibrate to ensure accurate, reliable, stable measurements.
“Vaisala’s DMP6 proved to be a very effective solution,” Cantonnet explains. “It is able to maintain accuracy across a wide temperature range, with limited drift and a very low maintenance requirement. It measures directly inside the oven, so no sample line is necessary, and the response time is very quick,” he adds.
Energy efficiency is the major driver for a high level of accuracy in the measurement of moisture inside the drying ovens. For example,Cantonnet says: “A small drop in dew point accuracy, say ±2°C, could result in a loss of energy efficiency of up to 10 per cent. This is hugely significant when you consider that our Paris facility has a power consumption of more than 30 MW.” Heating ovens at plasterboard factories are generally powered by natural gas with electric fans. The implementation of accurate monitoring and control means that the ovens do not have to be
run at full capacity, and instead can be managed to optimise energy efficiency. In addition, in line with its decarbonisation goals, Saint-Gobain has already fully electrified two of its plants.
LOOKING FORWARD
The long-term partnership between Vaisala and Saint- Gobain has resulted in a measurement solution to meet the specific needs of plasterboard manufacture. This has been deployed in Saint Gobain by applying good practice in the utilisation of sensors and in the promotion of the energy efficiency objective across the group’s global facilities.
“This is a good example of the ways in which we continuously search for solutions to environmental challenges,” explains Cantonnet.
Vaisala’s Juhani Lehto says: “We are delighted to have established this relationship with Saint- Gobain. Not just because it has enabled us to further develop our products, but also because Saint-Gobain and Vaisala share common sustainability objectives. Our core purpose is defined as ‘Taking every measure for the planet’ so it is great to be able to play a role in helping Saint- Gobain on its path to carbon neutrality.”
Vaisala
www.vaisala.com 39
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