Fuel Cell Testing Products and Services

How does the accuracy of your humidification system affect the results of your tests?

Your test system's ability to control Relative Humidity (RH) will have a significant impact on the results of your tests.

To illustrate the effects of RH on membrane performance, consider the following:

The conductivity of Nafion at 80% RH is a factor of two less than its conductivity at 100% RH. If your measured RH is 80% when actual system RH is 100%, your results would be off by a factor of two.

For a given set point, many humidifiers produce dew points which are a function of flow rate and/or time on test. When flow rates change, as current is increasing, you may see features in the data that appear to be a function of current density. These changes may actually be caused by changes in dew points that are occurring at the varying flow rates. Changing dew points may also be occurring in samples tested over periods of time, as many humidifiers are unable to achieve stable dew point control.

The BekkTech Saturator provides accurate dew point control at various flow rates and pressures.

To quantify the relationship between dew point and relative humidity, go to RH Calculations

Related Products

BT-202/203 Dew Point Control Systems

BT-104 Saturator

The accuracy of your test results is significantly effected by the accuracy and reliability of your humidification system. The BekkTech Saturator is designed to control the dew point of your gas flow to ensure accurate control of the dew point of the gas as it reaches your sample on test. The BekkTech Saturator also reacts promptly to temperature changes, resulting in shorter test cycles.

Operating Parameters:

• Dew Points: 40C to 120C
• Parameters for Dew Point Control:
  • At 70C and atmospheric pressure - 100 sccm to 5000 sccm
  • At 90C and atmospheric pressure - 100 sccm to 1500 sccm
  • At 120C and 230 kPa - To 500 sccm
• Dimensions: 25cm long x 5.5 cm tall x 8.5 cm wide

Features of the BekkTech Saturator

• True dew point control
• Prompt reaction to temperature changes (resulting in higher test productivity)
• Accurate control of dew points with different gases, varying flow rates, and varying pressures
• Interchangeable with most saturators/humidifiers
• Manufactured from Teflon and Stainless Steel
• Free of the potential for internal corrosion because there are no internal welds
• Designed without Nafion
• Designed for the desktop or for mounting inside your gas delivery system
• Designed for auto-fill using an fiber-optic level sensor