Explanation of Dry Bulb, Wet Bulb and Humidity

Explanation of Dry Bulb, Wet Bulb and Humidity

Dry Bulb-This is just the actual temperature of the air inside the oven.  Whenever we are talking about the temperature of the air inside the oven we are speaking in terms of Dry Bulb.

Wet Bulb-This is the temperature of the air during evaporative cooling.  It is used to calculate the level of relative humidity.  Wet Bulb is measured using the same type of probe used to measure the Dry Bulb.    A “wet sock”, pictured on the right, (usually made of cotton) surrounds the temperature probe.  The “wet sock” is kept damp by a portion of it submerged in a pan or trough of water.  The Wet Bulb reading will never exceed the Dry Bulb reading. Clean “wet socks” and fresh water are necessary for accurate readings

Humidity-This is the amount of water vapor expressed as a percentage of saturation.  Percent relative humidity is determined by the relationship between Dry Bulb and Wet Bulb.  Ovens equipped with microprocessors will internally make this conversion.  Otherwise, the conversion can be determined online using the internet.  When the Dry Bulb equals the Wet Bulb, the Relative Humidity is 100%.  Water or moisture is injected into the cooking chamber using either tap water as a source or steam.  Steam is much more efficient; however, the capital outlay is higher

Write a comment

Comments: 0