HACH ADCON SEN-R Temperature and Humidity Sensor

Overview

The HACH ADCON SEN-R is a high-reliability, field-deployable temperature and humidity sensor engineered for long-term environmental monitoring in demanding outdoor and industrial applications. Based on the proven TR1 sensing platform, it employs a dual-element measurement architecture: a capacitive humidity sensing element (HC01-coated) and a precision Pt1000 DIN Class A resistance temperature detector (RTD). The sensor operates on the principle of capacitance change proportional to ambient relative humidity and resistive change linearly correlated with temperature—both calibrated traceably to NIST-traceable standards. Designed for unattended operation in remote telemetry networks, the SEN-R integrates seamlessly with ADCON RTU systems via its Binder 7-pin M9 connector and delivers analog voltage outputs (0–2.5 V DC) for both parameters. Its robust mechanical design—including IP65-rated enclosure, UV-stabilized Tecapet housing, and multi-layer radiation shield—ensures metrological integrity under continuous solar exposure, wind-driven particulate loading, and wide thermal cycling (-40 °C to +60 °C).

Key Features

• Capacitive humidity sensing element with HC01 hydrophobic protective coating to minimize drift, salt corrosion, and dust-induced hysteresis
• Pt1000 DIN Class A RTD for high-accuracy temperature measurement (±0.2 °C at 20 °C)
• Integrated 5-layer solar radiation shield constructed from UV-resistant polycarbonate (PC), featuring reflective white exterior and heat-absorbing black interior to stabilize thermal equilibrium
• Metal mesh–reinforced plastic cap with sintered filter to prevent insect ingress, chemical deposition, and coarse particulate contamination
• IP65-rated enclosure made of Tecapet polymer—exhibiting exceptional UV resistance, dimensional stability, and low thermal conductivity
• Pre-assembled mounting kit compatible with 40 mm diameter masts, including aluminum tubing, PC bracket, and W4 stainless steel pipe clamps (32–50 mm range)
• Low-power operation: <1.5 mA typical current draw across 4.5–15 VDC supply, optimized for solar-battery telemetry systems

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SEN-R is suitable for continuous monitoring of ambient air in meteorological stations, agricultural microclimate networks, water utility infrastructure (e.g., pump station environments), and industrial HVAC validation zones. It complies with IEC 60529 (IP65), ISO 9001-aligned manufacturing processes, and meets the environmental stress requirements defined in IEC 60068-2 for operational reliability across climatic classes Db (dry heat), Ca (damp heat, steady state), and Fc (salt mist). While not certified to specific FDA or GLP frameworks per se, its stable calibration performance, documented long-term drift (<1% RH/year), and audit-ready analog output architecture support compliance with data integrity expectations in regulated environmental monitoring per ISO/IEC 17025 and EPA Compendium Method TO-15 supplemental guidance.

Software & Data Management

The SEN-R interfaces directly with ADCON’s family of RTUs (e.g., ADL-2, ADL-4, ADL-6) without signal conditioning. Raw 0–2.5 V outputs are digitized onboard the RTU using 16-bit ADCs and converted to engineering units via user-configurable scaling factors stored in non-volatile memory. All measurements—including timestamp, battery voltage, and diagnostic flags—are logged locally and transmitted via GPRS, LoRaWAN, or satellite protocols using ADCON’s proprietary telemetry firmware. Data ingestion into cloud platforms (e.g., ADCON Cloud, third-party SCADA/MES) supports CSV export, REST API access, and metadata tagging for traceability. Audit trails, configuration change logs, and sensor health diagnostics (e.g., open-circuit detection, out-of-range alerts) satisfy basic ALCOA+ principles for field-deployed instrumentation in quality-critical settings.

Applications

• Real-time microclimate monitoring for precision irrigation scheduling and frost prediction in viticulture and orchard management
• Ambient condition logging at wastewater lift stations and drinking water reservoirs to correlate air temperature/humidity with corrosion rates and odor generation
• Environmental qualification of outdoor electrical enclosures and telecom cabinets where condensation risk must be quantified
• Baseline air quality network expansion where RH and temperature serve as co-variables for VOC and particulate matter modeling
• Long-term validation of building envelope performance in passive house certification projects

FAQ

What is the recommended recalibration interval for the SEN-R sensor?

ADCON recommends verification against traceable reference standards every 24 months under normal field conditions; annual verification is advised in high-salinity or high-dust environments.
Can the SEN-R be used indoors without the radiation shield?

Yes—the radiation shield is optional for indoor deployment; however, removal voids the specified thermal error budget and may affect long-term RH stability due to localized thermal gradients.
Is the Binder 7-pin connector compatible with third-party data loggers?

Yes, provided the logger supports 0–2.5 V analog inputs, excitation-free operation, and pinout alignment per ADCON’s published interface specification (Document No. ADC-INT-SEN-R-01).
Does the HC01 coating require periodic cleaning or replacement?

No—HC01 is a permanent, chemically bonded monolayer; routine cleaning with deionized water and soft brush is sufficient if particulate accumulation is observed.
How does the sensor perform during rapid humidity transients (e.g., fog formation)?

The TR1 platform exhibits a 90% response time of ≤8 seconds at 20 °C and 50% RH, validated per ISO 11469 Annex D methodology for hygrometric step-change testing.