[Amir]

Using hygrometers, data loggers and humidity sensors, often in conjunction with temperature monitoring.

[Md.Rejuan Hossain]

Thanks Zeesan for asking a good question. To effectively monitor humidity levels in storage and processing areas, you can use a combination of tools like hygrometers and data loggers. Hygrometers, both analog and digital, provide real-time humidity readings, while data loggers record humidity and temperature data over time for trend analysis. Additionally, environmental mapping can help identify areas prone to humidity fluctuations.

[Asia]

MONITORING HUMIDITY LEVELS IN STORAGE AND PROCESSING AREAS

The following should be considered as general information only, however, you should always seek professional advice, specific to your individual circumstances.

To effectively monitor relative humidity (RH) in buildings within feed mills, consider these approaches:

Wet And Dry Bulb Thermometer – to measure relative humidity in a feed mill is a cheap and simple method, but it has notable limitations including:

• The accuracy range is typically about ±2-5% RH, which may be insufficient in feed mills where more precise humidity control is critical to prevent spoilage and mold growth.

• Dust, dirt, and high particulate matter common in feed mills can contaminate the wet bulb wick, reducing accuracy and requiring frequent cleaning and maintenance.

• It must be maintained, such as keeping the wet bulb wick properly wetted and clean. Improper wetting or an old wick can cause inaccurate wet bulb temperature readings.

• RH is not read directly but must be calculated or referenced from charts using wet and dry bulb temperatures, introducing potential for user error.

The RH can be determined using a psychrometric chart, by the intersection of the wet and dry bulb temperature lines. You may need to interpolate between lines to get an accurate reading.

Dedicated Humidity Sensors – accurate sensors placed strategically throughout the mill transmit real-time RH, temperature, and dew point data wirelessly for continuous monitoring and remote access.

They can be monitored remotely, and analyzed via secure cloud platforms, providing alerts when RH moves outside set thresholds. This helps prevent moisture-related spoilage, mold growth, and product quality deterioration without the need for constant on-site inspection.

RH sensors can be incorporated into automated environmental control systems that adjust ventilation, or dehumidifier settings to maintain optimal conditions for feed quality preservation.

Variable airflow creates pockets or microclimates within the feed mill where humidity levels differ significantly from one spot to another. Sensors placed in different locations may record inconsistent humidity readings that do not represent the overall environment accurately

Air flow variability in a feed mill environment significantly affects the accuracy and reliability of RH readings because it influences how moisture is distributed and measured within the space. Areas with stagnant or reduced airflow allow moisture to accumulate, increasing local relative humidity and the risk of mold, spoilage, and feed degradation. This can cause spotty or misleading humidity readings if sensors are not placed appropriately across the facility.

Sensors need to be periodically calibrated and cleaned to maintain accuracy, considering dust and temperature variations common in feed mill environments.

[Bello Bashir]

evels in storage and processing areas to maintain product quality, safety, and prevent spoilage, especially in industries like food and pharmaceuticals. Monitoring humidity helps prevent issues like microbial growth, product deterioration, and ensures optimal storage conditions