Why you should consider updating your legacy Optidew to the new Optidew 401 or 501

Optidew 401/Optidew 501 are much faster

With regards to performance, the Optidew 401/501 has faster response than the legacy Optidew due to an improved sensor design and completely new electronics. This is especially evident at low-dew points. To give you an idea, at -20 °Cdp the Optidew 401/501 typically responds within about 10 minutes, whereas the legacy Optidew takes around 30 minutes after coming out of a DCC (including FAST time).

It also has great performance in climatic chamber applications, which is highlighted by this graph - it's as fast as a polymer sensor.

Resistant to corrosive gases

The new sensor design features a thin mirror with a platinum surface. Without giving too much away about our technology, all sensor components are protected from corrosion. For high temperatures and/or aggressive gas streams we offer a version of the sensor with a PEEK housing.

Rugged construction, flexible cables, logging, connectivity

There have been numerous mechanical and usability improvements over the previous Optidews - more solid construction, more rugged and smaller cables and connectors, ability to connect a pressure sensor, excellent touch screen HMI, many different digital communications options like Modbus RTU over RS485 or Modbus TCP over Ethernet, SD card logging, improved FAST algorithm, more calculated parameters.

The main thing to be aware of if replacing an old Optidew installation where sensor is installed in a block: you must use the new sensor block with gas inlet and outlets installed in the side ports. The top ports are either blanked or used to install a pressure transmitter.

Using the old sensor block will usually result in poor performance at lower dew points, as it does not allow enough flow across the mirror.

Whether you have an old Optidew or a chilled mirror hygrometer from another supplier you are thinking of replacing, we'll be happy to answer your questions and give advice on the best options for your application.

For a detailed guide to setting up the Optidew 401 in a climatic chamber, watch our video Using the Optidew 401 for Climatic Chamber Verification