Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Designation: D 2029 97
1. Scope
1.1 These test methods describe the determination of the
water vapor content of electrical insulating gases by direct or
indirect measurement of the dew point and the calculation of
the water vapor content.
1.2 The following four test methods are provided:
1.2.1 Method A describes the automatic chilled mirror
method for measurement of dew point as low as 73C
(99F).
1.2.2 Method B describes the manual chilled mirror or dew
cup method for measurement of dew point as low as 73C
(99F).
1.2.3 Method C describes the adiabatic expansion method
for measurement of dew point as low as 62C (80F).
1.2.4 Method D describes the capacitance method for measurement of dew point as low as 110C (166F).
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific
precautions, see 8.1.1, 9.2, 10.1.2 and 10.2.5.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D 1933 Specification for Nitrogen Gas as an Electrical
Insulating Material2
D 2472 Specification for Sulfur Hexafluoride2
D 3283 Specification for Air as an Electrical Insulating
Material2
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
TF 5 TI@PF/P I# @K21/K#
where:
K
=
TF =
TI
=
PF =
=
PI
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D-27 on
Electrical Insulating Liquids and Gasesand are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D27.07on Physical Test.
Current edition approved April 10, 1997. Published November 1997. Originally
published as D 2029 64T. Last previous edition D 2029 92.
2
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 10.03.
Copyright ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
D 2029 97
6.3.3 For Methods A, B, C, and D, that the measuring
system (instrument and tubing) must not entrain moisture. If
any moisture is entrained, several hours may be required for
the gas being measured to come into equilibrium with the
measuring system.
6.3.4 For Methods B and C, the sensitivity of the human eye
in determining exactly when the dew first forms.
7. General Requirements
7.1 Methods A, B, and CAny properly constructed dew
point apparatus may be used that provides a means to satisfy
the following basic requirements:
7.1.1 Control the flow of gas entering and leaving the
apparatus while the apparatus is at a temperature at least 2C
(3.6F) above the dew point of the gas.
7.1.2 Control the cooling rate of a chamber in the apparatus
through which the flowing gas passes to a temperature low
enough to cause water vapor to condense from the gas.
7.1.3 Detect the deposition of dew on the cold portion of the
apparatus and measure the temperature at which dew is
formed.
7.1.4 Ensure that the test gas is at or near atmospheric
pressure and is isolated from contamination from other gases.
7.2 Method DAny properly constructed capacitive type
moisture sensor may be used that provides a means to satisfy
the following basic requirements:
7.2.1 Expose the sensor to a gas that is at a temperature at
least 10C (18F) above the dew point of the gas.
7.2.2 Measure the partial vapor pressure of water in a gas by
means of a capacitive type sensor.
7.3 These test methods provide for several techniques, each
utilizing different types of apparatus for measuring dew point.
The techniques in these test methods are provided for general
information and are not intended as a substitute for manufacturers instructions. When using any instrument, the manufacturers instructions should be followed to ensure proper and
safe operation.
6. Interferences
6.1 Tubing:
6.1.1 Most new metal tubing contains oil deposits on the
interior walls due to the manufacturing process. This residue
should be removed before using these lines for gas sampling.
6.1.2 Tubing should be free of leaks, since even a pinhole
leak will result in a false indication (higher dew point), due to
the partial pressure of water vapor in the atmosphere.
6.1.3 When the gas being tested is extremely dry [dew point
below approximately 40C (40F)], results can be misleading until the moisture adsorbed in the system (tubing, regulators, etc.) has been removed by purging with the test gas. At
this point, all moisture present within the system should be due
to that contained in the test gas.
6.2 When testing gases that contain readily liquefiable
impurities, it must be kept in mind that the dew point that is
measured by condensation type instruments may be due to
these impurities rather than to water. Under these conditions,
the measured dew point is not an indication of the water
content of the gas.
6.3 Measurement of water vapor in very dry gases is
complicated by four considerations, as follows:
6.3.1 For Methods A, B, and C, the relatively large volume
of gas required to deposit sufficient water vapor to create the
dew.
6.3.2 For Methods A, B, and C, that under very dry
condition, the possibility exists to condense the test gas prior to
deposition of moisture on the mirror.
8. Apparatus
8.1 General:
8.1.1 TubingAlthough not true of all applications, stainless steel, glass, and nickel alloy tubing are the best possible
nonhygroscopic materials and should be used for low dew
point applications 18 to 73C (0 to 100F). Copper and
aluminum alloys, as well as stabilized polypropylene tubing,
are acceptable above 29C (20F) dew point.
NOTE 1Warning: All materials will adsorb moisture to some extent;
therefore, the internal surface of apparatus, tubing, and fittings should be
minimized to enable the system to dry out more quickly and achieve
equilibrium sooner. However, it should be noted that when one switches
from measurement of a high dew point to a lower dew point [that is, 0
to 60C (32 to 76F)] copper tubing might take 1 h or more to desorb
the moisture from the previous sample, whereas stainless steel will
equilibrate in approximately 10 min.
NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
D 2029 97
TABLE 1 Relationship Between Dew Point and Moisture Content of Gases
NOTE 1With a known dew point which is indicated by the dew point indicator or recorder, the moisture content can be read directly from the table.
The table shows the amount of water in air or other gas at various dew points at a pressure of 1 atm (14.7) psi.
Dew Point
Moisture Content
lb/1000
ft3
50
49
48
47
46
45
44
43
42
41
40
39
38
37
36
35
34
33
32
31
30
29
28
27
26
25
24
23
22
21
20
19
18
17
16
15
14
13
12
11
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
122.0
120.2
118.4
116.6
114.8
113.0
111.2
109.4
107.6
105.8
104.0
102.2
100.4
98.6
96.8
95.0
93.2
91.4
89.6
87.8
86.0
84.2
82.4
80.6
78.8
77.0
75.2
73.4
71.6
69.8
68.0
66.2
64.4
62.6
60.8
59.0
57.2
55.4
53.6
51.8
50.0
48.2
46.4
44.6
42.8
41.0
39.2
37.4
35.6
33.8
32.0
30.2
28.4
26.6
24.8
23.0
21.2
19.4
17.6
15.8
14.0
12.2
10.4
8.6
6.8
5.0
5.16
4.92
4.69
4.48
4.26
4.06
3.88
3.69
3.52
3.34
3.18
3.02
2.87
2.74
2.60
2.46
2.34
2.22
2.11
2.00
1.89
1.84
1.69
1.60
1.52
1.44
1.35
1.28
1.21
1.14
1.08
1.02
0.961
0.899
0.855
0.799
0.749
0.706
0.668
0.620
0.584
0.547
0.516
0.482
0.452
0.424
0.399
0.370
0.346
0.323
0.302
0.280
0.258
0.238
0.220
0.202
0.186
0.171
0.158
0.145
0.134
0.122
0.113
0.103
0.095
0.086
Dew Point
mg/L
volumeA
percent
82.7
78.9
75.1
71.9
68.4
65.0
62.1
59.1
56.4
53.5
50.9
48.4
46.0
43.8
41.6
39.4
37.4
35.6
33.8
32.0
30.3
29.2
27.1
25.7
24.4
23.0
21.7
20.6
19.4
18.3
17.3
16.3
15.4
14.4
13.7
12.8
12.0
11.3
10.7
9.94
9.37
8.76
8.27
7.73
7.25
6.79
6.36
5.94
5.55
5.18
4.84
4.49
4.14
3.81
3.52
3.24
2.98
2.74
2.53
2.32
2.14
1.96
1.81
1.65
1.52
1.38
12.2
11.6
11.0
10.5
9.95
9.45
8.99
8.52
8.10
7.67
7.27
6.89
6.54
6.20
5.87
5.55
5.25
4.96
4.70
4.44
4.19
4.01
3.7
3.52
3.33
3.12
2.94
2.78
2.61
2.46
2.31
2.17
2.04
1.91
1.80
1.68
1.57
1.48
1.39
1.29
1.21
1.13
1.06
0.988
0.924
0.861
0.804
0.748
0.696
0.649
0.602
0.556
0.511
0.470
0.431
0.396
0.364
0.333
0.306
0.280
0.257
0.235
0.215
0.196
0.179
0.163
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
26
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
Moisture Content
F
lb/1000
ft3
mg/L
volumeA
percent
3.2
1.4
0.4
2.2
4.0
5.8
7.6
9.4
11.2
13.0
14.8
16.6
18.4
20.2
22.0
23.8
25.6
27.4
29.2
31.0
32.8
34.6
36.4
38.2
40.0
41.8
43.6
45.4
47.2
49.0
50.8
52.6
54.4
56.2
58.0
59.8
61.6
63.4
65.2
67.0
68.8
70.6
72.4
74.2
76.0
77.8
79.6
81.4
83.2
85.0
86.8
88.6
90.4
92.2
94.0
95.8
97.6
99.4
101.2
103.0
104.8
106.6
108.4
110.2
112.0
113.8
0.079
0.072
0.066
0.060
0.055
0.050
0.046
0.042
0.038
0.035
0.031
0.028
0.025
0.023
0.021
0.019
0.017
0.015
0.014
0.013
0.012
0.010
0.0093
0.0082
0.0074
0.0068
0.0060
0.0054
0.0047
0.0042
0.0038
0.0034
0.0031
0.0027
0.0024
0.0021
0.0019
0.0017
0.0014
0.0013
0.0011
0.0010
0.00087
0.00075
0.00069
0.00059
0.00052
0.00046
0.00040
0.00035
0.00030
0.00027
0.00022
0.00019
0.00017
0.00015
0.00013
0.00011
0.00009
0.00008
0.00007
0.00006
0.00005
0.00004
0.00004
0.00003
1.27
1.16
1.06
0.965
0.882
0.809
0.733
0.666
0.608
0.556
0.506
0.454
0.411
0.377
0.343
0.307
0.273
0.246
0.229
0.202
0.185
0.167
0.149
0.131
0.119
0.107
0.096
0.086
0.076
0.068
0.061
0.054
0.049
0.043
0.038
0.034
0.030
0.027
0.023
0.021
0.018
0.016
0.014
0.012
0.011
0.0095
0.0083
0.0073
0.0064
0.0056
0.0048
0.0043
0.0036
0.0031
0.0027
0.0024
0.0021
0.0018
0.0015
0.0013
0.0011
0.0010
0.0008
0.0007
0.0006
0.0005
0.149
0.136
0.123
0.112
0.102
0.093
0.084
0.076
0.069
0.063
0.057
0.057
0.046
0.042
0.038
0.034
0.030
0.027
0.025
0.022
0.020
0.018
0.016
0.014
0.0127
0.0113
0.0102
0.0090
0.0080
0.0071
0.0063
0.0056
0.0050
0.0044
0.0039
0.0034
0.0030
0.0027
0.0023
0.0021
0.0018
0.0016
0.0014
0.0012
0.0011
0.00092
0.00080
0.00070
0.00061
0.00053
0.00045
0.00040
0.00034
0.00029
0.00025
0.00022
0.00019
0.00016
0.00014
0.00012
0.00010
0.00009
0.00007
0.00006
0.00005
0.00004
A
Vapor pressures in atmospheres at various dew points can be obtained by dividing the values for volume percent in this table by 100. Calculations for this table were
made by using the International Critical Table values for the vapor pressure of ice and liquid water. The vapor pressure of liquid water was used for values from 50 to 0C.
The vapor pressure of ice was used from 0 to 81C.
NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
D 2029 97
8.4.6 Operating Valve, which closes the line from the inlet
and pressure ratio gage, turns on the fog chamber light source,
and rapidly opens the line from the fog chamber to the
atmosphere.
8.4.7 Purge Valve, to allow flushing the instrument with the
test gas.
8.5 Method DThe apparatus shown in Fig. 4 is suitable
for dew point measurements using the capacitance method.
The apparatus typically consists of the following:
8.5.1 Capacitance Type Sensor, capable of sensing various
levels of moisture content in test gas mixtures.
NOTE 2These test sensors are typically of the aluminum oxide or
silicon oxide type. The water vapor is transported to the oxide layer which
changes sensor capacitance in proportion to the amount of moisture
absorbed.
NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
D 2029 97
10.1.1 Purge the entire gas system of the test unit with dry
nitrogen gas until the hygrometer gives a constant reading.
This is necessary to remove any residual moisture in the test
system.
10.1.2 Connect the test gas to the inlet of the test unit using
appropriate metal tubing.
NOTE 4Caution: If the test gas is at high pressure, make the
connection to the test chamber through a pressure regulator.
Item
1
2
3
4, 7
5
6, 8
9
10.1.3 Purge the entire gas system (see 10.1.1), which now
includes the high pressure regulator.
10.1.4 With the system now purged, adjust the flow of the
test gas (using a suitable flowmeter) to the rate recommended
by the instrument manufacturer.
Description
Hygrometer with sensor
Isolating valve
Union
Pressure regulator
In-line filter
Fine metering valve
Venting coil
NOTE 6The condensation hygrometer typically can cool to approximately 66C (120F) below the ambient temperature. Ancillary cooling
can increase this range, and this capability in the instrument should be
considered if dew points below approximately 43C (45F) are to be
measured.
NOTE 7Where a liquid phase is present in the gas to be tested,
determination of results is dependent upon the temperature at which the
sample is taken. This should be recognized when interpreting the results.
9. Sampling
9.1 The sampling procedure is not defined since the test
methods include four types of test systems which can be used
for a wide variety of laboratory and industrial use.
9.2 When sampling is performed on electrical apparatus, all
local safety rules should be followed to ensure personnel safety
and equipment protection.
10. Procedure
10.1 Method AAutomated Chilled Mirror Method:
NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
D 2029 97
10.5 Various dew point instruments require calibration periodically and before use. The user of this method should
review the calibration section of the manufacturers operating
manual prior to instrument use.
11. Conversion
11.1 The relationship between dew point and moisture
content of gases is given in Table 1. In this table, the water
vapor in air or other gas at various dew points and at a pressure
of 1 atm (14.7 psi) is given in pounds per 1000 cubic feet,
milligrams per litre, and volume percent. These values were
obtained by calculations based on the International Critical
Tables for vapor pressure over water (Vol III).
12. Report
12.1 Report the following information:
12.1.1 The test method used,
12.1.2 Test gas type along with its pressure and temperature,
12.1.3 A description of the apparatus under test,
12.1.4 Identification of the sampling point(s).
12.1.5 Weather or other appropriate ambient conditions
observed during the test (indoors, outdoors, etc.) where applicable, and
12.1.6 A description of the instrument including its serial or
other identification number.
13. Precision and Bias
13.1 No standard materials are presently available for round
robin testing; therefore no precision and bias statements have
been developed for these test methods. For information on
various instrument accuracies, refer to the manufacturers
operating manuals.
NOTE 11If the test unit is left with a small purge of dry gas when not
in use, it will equilibrate more quickly when the test gas is introduced.
10.4.3 Take the dew point reading directly when the readout
indicator is steady.
10.4.3.1 Stability can be confirmed by sharply reducing the
flow rate through the instrument. If the sampling system is in
equilibrium with the sample gas, changing the flow rate will
have no effect on the reading. If the dew point temperature
rises when the flow rate is decreased, allow more time for
sample line purging.
14. Keywords
14.1 adiabatic expansion; aluminum oxide; chilled mirror;
condensation; dew point; electrical insulating gas; fog; hygrometer; moisture content; SF6; silicon oxide; water vapor
content
ASTM International takes no position respecting the validity of any patent rights asserted in connection with any item mentioned
in this standard. Users of this standard are expressly advised that determination of the validity of any such patent rights, and the risk
of infringement of such rights, are entirely their own responsibility.
This standard is subject to revision at any time by the responsible technical committee and must be reviewed every five years and
if not revised, either reapproved or withdrawn. Your comments are invited either for revision of this standard or for additional standards
and should be addressed to ASTM International Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting of the
responsible technical committee, which you may attend. If you feel that your comments have not received a fair hearing you should
make your views known to the ASTM Committee on Standards, at the address shown below.
This standard is copyrighted by ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959,
United States. Individual reprints (single or multiple copies) of this standard may be obtained by contacting ASTM at the above
address or at 610-832-9585 (phone), 610-832-9555 (fax), or service@astm.org (e-mail); or through the ASTM website
(www.astm.org).