Relative Humidity more than 100%

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the phenomenon of relative humidity exceeding 100%, which indicates the presence of liquid water alongside saturated vapor. Participants highlight that while simulations can yield such results, real-world conditions rarely exceed 100% relative humidity due to the presence of condensation nuclei. Calculations involving membrane humidifiers reveal that partial pressure of water vapor can surpass saturation pressure, particularly in moving air. Measurement errors and environmental factors play significant roles in these calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of relative humidity and its calculations
  • Knowledge of saturation vapor pressure and its implications
  • Familiarity with membrane humidifiers and their operation
  • Basic principles of vapor diffusion and condensation
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the calculation methods for liquid water content in humid air
  • Explore the effects of air movement on saturation vapor pressure
  • Learn about measurement techniques for relative humidity and potential errors
  • Investigate the role of condensation nuclei in humidity calculations
USEFUL FOR

Atmospheric scientists, engineers working with humidification systems, and anyone involved in environmental monitoring or HVAC system design will benefit from this discussion.

nishith17
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In a calculation I am getting relative humidity more than 100%. What does it suggests?
I know this means liquid water is also present in addition to saturated vapour. How should I calculate liquid water content then? Do I have to calculate activity first? Also what happens when I am considering diffusion of water vapour to a dry side (through a membrane)? Does liquid water present will evaporate to compensate drop in partial pressure of water vapour (considering total pressure remains constant)?
 
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nigarbageh17 said:
In a calculation I am getting relative humidity more than 100%. What does it suggests?
I know this means liquid water is also present in addition to saturated vapour. How should I calculate liquid water content then? Do I have to calculate activity first? Also what happens when I am considering diffusion of water vapour to a dry side (through a membrane)? Does liquid water present will evaporate to compensate drop in partial pressure of water vapour (considering total pressure remains constant)?

You haven’t said what your calculations were based on. If they were based on a simulation, it is entirely possible for the relative humidity to exceed 100%. If they were based on actual real world air conditions, then it is still possible, but very unlikely. Water droplets condense on foreign particles, such as dust, that are suspended in the air. Without such particles, condensation becomes difficult, and relative humidity’s as high as 800 % have been recorded in extremely clean air under laboratory conditions. In real life conditions, with all the combustion products and pollution that is present in the air, it is very unlikely that relative humidity will ever exceed 100%.
 
I did calculations for a membrane humidifier. I am having dry air on one side and on other inlet I have humid air. The problem is that I am getting >100% RH in humid air. Partial pressure of water vapour is more than saturation pressure at that temperature
 
nigarbageh17 said:
I did calculations for a membrane humidifier. I am having dry air on one side and on other inlet I have humid air. The problem is that I am getting >100% RH in humid air. Partial pressure of water vapour is more than saturation pressure at that temperature

Saturation vapor pressures are compiled for still air. If your air is in movement, it is entirely possible that your partial pressures should exceed the saturation pressure by a small amount. What is the magnitude of your excess vapor pressure? Is the RH being calculated or is it being measured? Keep in mind that all measurements are subject to measurement errors.
 

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