@Air Compressor
2025-06-05

What is the water dew point in ppm in air at normal temperature and pressure

In a normal temperature and pressure environment, the water vapor content in the air is closely related to the relative humidity. The dew point temperature is the temperature at which air is cooled to saturation with constant water vapor content and air pressure, while ppm (volume concentration) is used to quantify the proportion of water vapor in the air. The following is an analysis of key points:

1. Analysis of core concepts

  1. dew point temperature
    • Definition: Air cools to the temperature at which water vapor begins to condense into liquid water.
    • Physical meaning: Reflects the actual content of water vapor in the air. The higher the dew point, the more humid the air.
  2. ppm (volumetric concentration)
    • Definition: The volume of water vapor per million volumes of air.

    • Calculation formula:

2. Typical data at room temperature and pressure

Taking 20℃ and 1 atmosphere pressure (101.325kPa) as standard conditions, the water vapor content and corresponding dew point under different relative humidities are as follows:

Relative humidity ( %) Water vapor content (g/m³) Volume concentration (ppm) Dew point temperature (℃)
100 (saturated) 17.3 23,000 20
80 13.8 18,400 17
60 10.4 13,800 12.8
50 8.6 11,500 9.3
30 5.2 6,900 2.5

3. Key conclusions

  1. Relationship between dew point and ppm
    • The higher the dew point temperature, the greater the water vapor content (ppm) in the air. For example:
      • Saturated air (dew point 20℃) corresponds to 23,000 ppm;
      • Air with a relative humidity of 50%(dew point 9.3℃) corresponds to 11,500 ppm.
  2. Industrial Application References
    • normal environment: At a relative humidity of 50%-60%, the water vapor content is about 11,500- 13,800 ppm.
    • Dry air demand: If the dew point is required to be lower than-20℃, the water vapor content needs to be controlled below about 500ppm.

4. Extended explanation

  • Significance of dew point measurement: In compressed air systems, dew point temperature is the core indicator for evaluating air dryness. For example, the pharmaceutical and electronics industries usually require a dew point below-40℃ (corresponding to a water vapor content of <100ppm).
  • environmental impact: High humidity air (high ppm value) may cause pipeline corrosion and equipment failure, and the dew point needs to be reduced through drying equipment (such as freeze dryers, adsorption dryers).

conclusion

The water vapor content (ppm) in the air at normal temperature and pressure is related to the dew point temperature through relative humidity. Saturated air (dew point = ambient temperature) corresponds to approximately 23,000 ppm, while the actual value decreases with decreasing humidity. In industrial applications, appropriate drying technology needs to be selected according to process requirements to ensure the quality of compressed air.

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