PhyMetrix DPT-500 Handheld Dew Point Meter
| Brand | PhyMetrix |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Model | DPT-500 |
| Product Type | Portable Dew Point Meter |
| Measurement Principle | Capacitive Metal Oxide Thin-Film Sensor (Nanoporous Al₂O₃) |
| Operating Temperature | -20 °C to +60 °C |
| Accuracy | ±2 °C (dew point) |
| Repeatability | ±0.5 °C |
| Dew Point Range | -110 °C to +20 °C |
| Response Time | ≤3 min to 95% of step change (dry-to-wet) |
| Gas Flow Rate | >1 L/min |
| Temperature Sensor Range | -40 °C to +70 °C |
| Pressure Sensor Option | 0–150 PSIA (0–10 bar), ±1% FS |
| Display Units | °C(dp), °F(dp), ppmv, ppmw, µbar, g/m³, lb/1000 ft³ |
| Data Logging Capacity | >4000 records (dew point, temperature, pressure) |
| Power | Rechargeable Li-ion battery (USB or AC adapter charging) |
| Enclosure Rating | IP65 (body), IP67/IP68 (connector with cap) |
| ATEX Certification | Ex II 2 G |
| Housing Material | Impact-resistant polyamide 12 |
| Wetted Materials | 316L stainless steel, PTFE |
| Dimensions | 187 × 106 × 50 mm (L×W×H) |
| Weight | 0.8 kg |
Overview
The PhyMetrix DPT-500 Handheld Dew Point Meter is a field-deployable, high-stability moisture analyzer engineered for precision dew point measurement in compressed air, industrial gases, and process streams. It employs a proprietary capacitive nanomicro-porous aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) thin-film sensor—characterized by exceptional long-term stability, low hysteresis, and immunity to condensation-induced drift. Unlike chilled-mirror or electrolytic technologies, this solid-state sensor operates on the principle of dielectric constant variation induced by water vapor adsorption within a controlled nanopore matrix; capacitance shifts are linearly correlated to partial pressure of water, enabling direct dew point calculation across an ultra-wide range of -110 °C to +20 °C. Designed for compliance-critical environments—including pharmaceutical clean utilities, natural gas transmission, and semiconductor purge lines—the DPT-500 delivers trace-level moisture quantification without calibration drift under varying flow, pressure, or ambient thermal conditions.
Key Features
- True handheld form factor (0.8 kg) with ergonomic grip, integrated magnetic mount, and hanging hook for hands-free operation in confined or elevated locations
- IP65-rated polyamide 12 housing with IP67/IP68 protection at the USB mini-B port (sealed cap included), certified ATEX Ex II 2 G for use in Zone 1 hazardous areas
- Full wetted path constructed from 316L stainless steel and PTFE; minimal-volume stainless measurement chamber ensures rapid thermal equilibration and <3-minute 95% response time
- Simultaneous real-time display of dew point (°C/°F), temperature, pressure (if equipped), and derived units including ppmv, ppmw, g/m³, µbar, and lb/1000 ft³
- User-configurable auto-shutdown, adjustable LCD backlight intensity, and on-screen graphical trend plot with auto-scaling for stability assessment
- Onboard clock/calendar with non-volatile backup power; password-protected configuration lock; comprehensive embedded help system accessible directly from the interface
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The DPT-500 is compatible with non-corrosive, non-particulate gas matrices including compressed air, nitrogen, argon, oxygen, hydrogen, natural gas, SF₆, and medical-grade gases. Its 316L Swagelok® 1/8″ compression fittings and all-PTFE internal flow path prevent catalytic interference or surface adsorption artifacts. The instrument meets EN 60529 (IP65/IP67), ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU (Category II, Group G), and UL 94 HB flammability requirements. While not inherently 21 CFR Part 11 compliant, its audit-ready data logging—timestamped, pressure-corrected, and stored with full metadata—supports GLP/GMP documentation workflows when paired with validated export procedures and controlled access protocols.
Software & Data Management
Data acquisition and configuration are supported via USB-mini B interface using the optional PVA Emulation Software—a Windows-based application that replicates the device’s UI for remote setup, real-time monitoring, and post-acquisition analysis. Logged datasets (>4000 points) include dew point, ambient temperature, absolute pressure (if sensor installed), and timestamps. Export formats include CSV and Excel-compatible .xlsx; no proprietary binary formats are used. Firmware updates are delivered via signed HEX files through the same interface. All configuration changes are logged internally with user ID (if password enabled) and timestamp, satisfying basic electronic record integrity requirements per ALCOA+ principles.
Applications
- Compressed air quality verification per ISO 8573-1 Class 2–4 specifications in manufacturing and food processing
- Moisture monitoring in nitrogen blanketing systems for API synthesis and solvent recovery
- Pre-commissioning validation of dry-air purge lines in power plant turbine enclosures
- In-line verification of desiccant dryer performance in petrochemical refineries
- Field verification of dew point in LNG custody transfer stations and pipeline pigging operations
- Environmental chamber humidity control validation in biomedical device sterilization facilities
FAQ
What sensor technology does the DPT-500 use, and how does it differ from chilled-mirror meters?
It uses a capacitive nanomicro-porous Al₂O₃ thin-film sensor—not optical or thermoelectric. This eliminates moving parts, mirror contamination risks, and cold-start delays, while maintaining accuracy across extreme low-dew-point ranges.
Is pressure correction applied automatically during measurement?
Yes. When the optional pressure sensor is installed, the unit computes and displays both atmospheric-equivalent (normal) dew point and actual pressure dew point in real time.
Can the DPT-500 be used in explosive atmospheres?
Yes. It carries ATEX Ex II 2 G certification for Group II (non-mining) gases, permitting safe operation in Zone 1 classified areas.
What is the recommended calibration interval?
PhyMetrix recommends annual traceable calibration against NIST-traceable standards; field verification using dual-pressure check gas is supported via the PVA software.
Does the instrument support analog output for integration into SCADA systems?
Optional 4–20 mA output is available as a factory-configured module, programmable for dew point, temperature, or pressure signals with user-defined scaling.
