Psychrometric Tables for Obtaining the Vapor Pressure, Relative Humidity, and Temperature of the Dew-Point : From Readings of the Wet and Dry Bulb Thermometers (Classic Reprint)

Excerpt from Psychrometric Tables for Obtaining the Vapor Pressure, Relative Humidity, and Temperature of the Dew-Point

Sling psychrometer. — This instrument consists of a pair of thermometers, provided with a handle as shown in fig. 1, which permits the thermometers to be whirled rapidly, the bulbs being thereby strongly affected by the temperature of and moisture in the air. The bulb of the lower of the two thermometers is covered with thin muslin, which is wet at the time an observation is made. The wet-bulb. — It is important that the muslin covering for the wet-bulb be kept in good condition. The evaporation of the water from the muslin always leaves in its meshes a small quantity of solid material, which sooner or later somewhat stiffens the mus lin so that it does not readily take up water. This will be the case if the muslin does not readily become wet after being dipped in water. On this account it is desirable to use as pure water as possible, and also to renew the muslin from time to time. New muslin should always be washed to remove sizing, etc., before being used. A small rectangular piece wide enough to go about one and one-third times around the bulb, and long enough to cover the bulb and that part of the stem below the metal back, is cut out. Thoroughly wetted in clean water, and neatly fitted around the thermometer. It is tied first around the bulb at the top, using a moderately strong thread. A loop of thread to form a knot is next placed around the bottom of the bulb, just where it begins to round off. As this knot is drawn tighter and tighter the thread slips off the rounded end of the bulb and neatly stretches the mus lin covering with it, at the same time securing the latter at the bottom.