3.

Moist Air Properties and Conditioning Processes

3.1

Calculate values of humidity ratio, enthalpy, and specific volume for saturated air
at one standard atmosphere using perfect gas relations for temperatures of (a) 70 F
(20 C) and (b) 20 F (-6.7 C).

Solution:
(a) In English units, t = 70 F
Humidity Ratio:
Eq. (3-14b)
p
ps
W s = 0.6219 s = 0.6219
pa
P ps
at t = 70 F, ps = 0.363 psia

P = 14.696 psia
Ws = 0.6219

0.363
= 0.01575 lbmv/lbma
14.696 0.363

Enthalpy:
Eq. (3-20a)
i = 0.240t + W (1061.2 + 0.444t ) Btu/lbma
i = 0.240(70) + (0.01575)[1061.2 + (0.444)(70)] = 34.0 Btu/lbma

Specific Volume:
Ra = 53.352 ft-lbf/lbm-R
RT
RT
v= a = a
pa
P ps
(53.352)(70 + 459.67) = 13.69 ft3/lbma
v=
(14.696 0.363)(144)
In SI units, t = 20 C
Humidity Ratio:
Eq. (3-14b)
p
ps
W s = 0.6219 s = 0.6219
pa
P ps
at t = 20 C, ps = 0.00234 MPa = 2.34 kPa
P = 101.325 kPa
Ws = 0.6219

2.34
= 0.01407 kgv/kga
101.325 2.34

Enthalpy: Eq. (3-20b)

3. Moist Air Properties and Conditioning Processes

i = 1.0t + W (2501.3 + 1.86t ) kJ/kga

i = 1.0(70) + (0.01407 )[2501.3 + (1.86)(20 )] = 55.7 kJ/kga
Specific Volume:
Ra = 287 J/kg.K
RT
RT
v= a = a
pa
P ps
(287 )(20 + 273.15) = 0.85 m3/kga
v=
(101.325 2.34)(1000)
(b) In English units, t = 20 F
Humidity Ratio:
Eq. (3-14b)
p
ps
W s = 0.6219 s = 0.6219
pa
P ps
at t = 20 F < 32.02 F,
use ps at 32.02 F which is nearly equal by plotting on curve = 0.089 psia
P = 14.696 psia
Ws = 0.6219

0.089
= 0.0038 lbmv/lbma
14.696 0.089

Enthalpy:
Eq. (3-20a)
i = 0.240t + W (1061.2 + 0.444t ) Btu/lbma
i = 0.240(20) + (0.0038)[1061.2 + (0.444)(20 )] = 8.7 Btu/lbma
Specific Volume:
Ra = 53.352 ft-lbf/lbm-R
RT
RT
v= a = a
pa
P ps
(53.352)(20 + 459.67 ) = 12.17 ft3/lbma
v=
(14.696 0.089)(144)
In SI units, t = -6.7 C
Humidity Ratio:
Eq. (3-14b)
p
ps
W s = 0.6219 s = 0.6219
pa
P ps
at t = -6.7 C < 0.01 C,
use ps at 0.01C which is nearly equal by plotting on curve = 0.00061 Mpa = 0.61 kPa

3. Moist Air Properties and Conditioning Processes

P = 101.325 kPa
Ws = 0.6219

0.61
= 0.0038 kgv/kga
101.325 0.61

Enthalpy:
Eq. (3-20b)
i = 1.0t + W (2501.3 + 1.86t ) kJ/kga
i = 1.0( 6.7 ) + (0.0038)[2501.3 + (1.86)( 6.7 )] = 2.8 kJ/kga
Specific Volume:
Ra = 287 J/kg.K
RT
RT
v= a = a
pa
P ps
(287 )( 6.7 + 273.15) = 0.76 m3/kga
v=
(101.325 0.61)(1000)
3.2

The temperature of a certain room is 22 C, and the relative humidity is 50 percent.

The barometric pressure is 100 kPa. Find (a) the partial pressures of the air and
water vapor, (b) the vapor density, and (c) the humidity ratio of the mixtures.

Solution:
t = 22 C
= 50 % = 0.50
P = 100 kPa
(a) ps at 22 C = 2.672 kPa
pv
; pv = ps = (0.50)(2.672) = 1.336 kPa
ps
pa = P pv = 100 1.336 = 98.664 kPa

RvT
pv
Rv = 462 J/kg.K
(462)(22 + 273.15) = 102.065 m3/kgv
v=
(1.336)(1000)

(b) v =

pv
P pv
1.336
W = 0.6219
= 0.008421 kgv/kga
100 1.336

(c) W = 0.6219

3. Moist Air Properties and Conditioning Processes

3.3

Compute the local atmospheric pressure at elevation ranging from sea level to
6000 ft (1830 m) in (a) inches of mercury and (b) kilopascals.

Solution:
(a) H = 6000 ft
Eq. (3-4)
P = a + bH
Table 3-2: H > 4000 ft
a = 29.42
b = -0.0009
P = 29.42 + (-0.0009)(6000) = 24.02 in. Hg.
(b) H = 1830 m
Eq. (3-4)
P = a + bH
Table 3-2: H > 1220 m
a = 99.436
b = -0.010
P = 99.436 + (-0.010)(1830) = 81.136 kPa.
3.4

Rework Problem 3.1 for an atmospheric pressure corresponding to an elevation of

(a) 5280 ft and (b) 1600 m.

Solution:
(a) H = 5280 ft
Eq. (3-4)
P = a + bH
Table 3-2: H > 4000 ft
a = 29.42
b = -0.0009
P = 29.42 + (-0.0009)(5280) = 24.668 in. Hg.
(b) H = 1830 m
Eq. (3-4)
P = a + bH
Table 3-2: H > 1220 m
a = 99.436
b = -0.010
P = 99.436 + (-0.010)(1600) = 83.346 kPa.

3. Moist Air Properties and Conditioning Processes

3.5

Compute the enthalpy of moist air at 60 F (16 C) and 80 percent relative humidity
for an elevation of (a) sea level and (b) 5000 ft (1525 m).

Solution:
(a) English units
ps at 60 F = 0.256 psia
= 80 % = 0.80
pv = ps = (0.80)(0.256) = 0.2048 psia
At sea level, H = 0
Eq. (3-4)
P = a + bH
Table 3-2: H < 4000 ft
a = 29.92
P = a = 29.92 in. Hg = 101.325 kPa = 14.696 psia
pv
0.2048
W = 0.6219
= 0.6219
= 0.008789 lbmv/lbma
P pv
14.696 0.2048
Eq. (3-20a)
i = 0.240t + W (1061.2 + 0.444t ) Btu/lbma
i = 0.240(60) + (0.008789)[1061.2 + (0.444)(60)] = 23.96 Btu/lbma
In SI units
ps at 16 C = 1.836 kPa
= 80 % = 0.80
pv = ps = (0.80)(1.836) = 1.469 psia
At sea level, H = 0
Eq. (3-4)
P = a + bH
Table 3-2: H < 4000 ft
a = 101.325
P = a = 101.325 kPa
pv
1.469
W = 0.6219
= 0.6219
= 0.00915 kgv/kga
P pv
101.325 1.469
Eq. (3-20b)
i = 1.0t + W (2501.3 + 1.86t ) kJ/kga
i = 1.0(16 ) + (0.00915)[2501.3 + (1.86)(16)] = 39.16 kJ/kga

(b) English units

3. Moist Air Properties and Conditioning Processes

ps at 60 F = 0.256 psia
= 80 % = 0.80
pv = ps = (0.80)(0.256) = 0.2048 psia
At H = 5000 ft > 4000 ft
Eq. (3-4)
P = a + bH
Table 3-2: H > 4000 ft
a = 29.42
b = - 0.0009
P = 29.42 + (-0.0009)(5000) = 24.92 in. Hg = 12.24 psia
pv
0.2048
= 0.010583 lbmv/lbma
W = 0.6219
= 0.6219
P pv
12.24 0.2048
Eq. (3-20a)
i = 0.240t + W (1061.2 + 0.444t ) Btu/lbma
i = 0.240(60) + (0.010583)[1061.2 + (0.444)(60)] = 25.91 Btu/lbma
In SI units
ps at 16 C = 1.836 kPa
= 80 % = 0.80
pv = ps = (0.80)(1.836) = 1.469 psia
At H = 1525 m > 1220 ,
Eq. (3-4)
P = a + bH
Table 3-2: H < 4000 ft
a = 99.436
b = - 0.010
P = 99.436 + (-0.010)(1525) = 84.186 kPa
pv
1.469
W = 0.6219
= 0.6219
= 0.011045 kgv/kga
P pv
84.186 1.469
Eq. (3-20b)
i = 1.0t + W (2501.3 + 1.86t ) kJ/kga
i = 1.0(16 ) + (0.011045)[2501.3 + (1.86)(16)] = 43.96 kJ/kga
3.6

The condition within a room is 70 F db, 50 percent relative humidity, and 14.696
psia pressure. The inside surface temperature of the window is 40 F. Will
moisture condense on the window glass?

Solution:
At 70 F db, ps = 0.363 psia
= 0.50

3. Moist Air Properties and Conditioning Processes

pv = 0.50 ( 0.363 psia ) = 0.1815 psia

at 0.1815 psia, t = 50.45 F
Since 40 F < 50.45 F , the moisture will condense on the window glass.
3.7

A duct has moist air flowing at a rate of 5000 ft3/min (2.36 m3/s). What is the
mass flow rate of the dry air, where the dry bulb temperature is 60 F (16 C), the
relative humidity is 80 percent and the pressure inside the duct corresponds to (a)
sea level, and (b) 6000 ft (1830 m).

Solution:
(a) English units
ps at 60 F = 0.2563 psia
pv = ps = (0.80)(0.2563) = 0.20504 psia
At sea level, P = 29.92 in. Hg = 14.696 psia
pa = P pv = 14.696 0.20504 = 14.4910 psia
p
(14.4910 )(144) = 0.0753 lb/ft3
= a =
RaT (53.352 )(60 + 459.67 )
Q& = 5000 ft3/min
m& = Q& = (0.0753)(5000) = 376.5 lb/min
a

SI Units
ps at 16 C = 1.836 kPa
pv = ps = (0.80)(1.836) = 1.4688 psia
At sea level, P = 101.325 kPa
pa = P pv = 101.325 1.4688 = 99.8562
p
(99.8562)(1000) = 1.2033 kg/m3
= a =
RaT (287 )(16 + 273.15)
Q& = 2.36 m3/s
m& = Q& = (1.2033)(2.36) = 2.84 kg/s
a

(b) English units

ps at 60 F = 0.2563 psia
pv = ps = (0.80)(0.2563) = 0.20504 psia
At H = 6000 ft > 4000 ft
P = a + bH
a =29.42
b = - 0.0009
P = 29.42+ (-0.0009)(6000) = 24.02 in. Hg = 11.798 psia

3. Moist Air Properties and Conditioning Processes

pa = P pv = 11.798 0.20504 = 11.593 psia

p
(11.593)(144) = 0.06021 lb/ft3
= a =
RaT (53.352 )(60 + 459.67 )
Q& = 5000 ft3/min
m& = Q& = (0.06021)(5000) = 301.05 lb/min
a

SI Units
ps at 16 C = 1.836 kPa
pv = ps = (0.80)(1.836) = 1.4688 kPa
At H = 1830 m > 1220 m
P = a + bH
a = 99.436
b = - 0.010
P = 99.436 + (-0.010)(1830) = 81.136 kPa
pa = P pv = 81.136 1.4688 = 79.667 kPa
p
(79.667 )(1000) = 0.96 kg/m3
= a =
RaT (287 )(16 + 273.15)
Q& = 2.36 m3/s
m& = Q& = (0.96)(2.36) = 2.2656 kg/s
a

3.8

Compute the dew point for moist air at 80 F (27 C) and 50 percent relative
humidity for pressures corresponding to (a) sea level and (b) 5000 ft (1225 m).

Solution:
(a) English units
ps at 80 F = 0.507 psia
pv = ps = (0.50)(0.507) = 0.2535 psia
Dew Point = tdp = 59.68 F
SI units
ps at 27 C = 3.602 kPa
pv = ps = (0.50)(3.602) = 1.801 kPa
Dew Point = tdp = 15.72 C
(b) H = 5000 ft (1225 m)
Since elevation does not affect dew point, the answers are the same as in (a).

3. Moist Air Properties and Conditioning Processes

3.9

A space is to be maintained at 70 F (21 C) dry bulb. It is estimated that the inside

wall surface temperature could be as low as 45 F (7 C). What maximum relative
and specific humidity can be maintained without condensation on the walls?

Solution:
English units
At 45 F, pv = 0.150 psia
At 70 F, ps = 0.363 psia
pv = ps
p
0.150
= v (100% ) =
(100%) = 41.32 %
ps
0.363
pv
0.150
W = 0.6219
= 0.6219
= 0.006413 lbmv/lbma
P pv
14.696 0.150
Maximum relative humidity = 41.32 %
Maximum specific humidity = 0.006413 lbmv/lbma
SI units
At 7 C, pv = 1.014 kPa
At 21 C, ps = 2.506 kPa
pv = ps
p
1.014
= v (100% ) =
(100%) = 40.46 %
ps
2.506
W = 0.6219

pv
1.014
= 0.006287 kgv/kga
= 0.6219
P pv
101.325 1.014

Maximum relative humidity = 40.46 %

Maximum specific humidity = 0.006287 kgv/kga
3.10

Outdoor air with a temperature of 40 F db and 35 F wb and with a barometric

pressure of 29 in. Hg is heated and humidified under steady-flow conditions to a
final temperature of 70 F db and 40 percent relative humidity. (a) Find the mass of
water vapor added to each pound mass of dry air. (b) If the water is supplied at 50
F, how much heat is added per pound mass of dry air?

Solution:
Solving for for W1 and i1 at Point 1
Using eq. (3-21d) and (3-14b) with its symbols.
At 35 F, pv 2 = ps 2 = 0.1013 psia

3. Moist Air Properties and Conditioning Processes

i fg 2 = 1973.3 Btu/lbm

iw = 3.0 Btu/lbm
t 2 = 35 F
at 40 F , iv1 = 1078.5 Btu/lbm
P = 29 in Hg = 14.244 psia
0.1013
Ws2 = 0.6219
= 0.004454 lbmv/lbma
14.244 0.1013
Then
c (t t ) + W i
W1 = pa 2 1 s 2 fg 2
iv1 iw
0.24(35 40 ) + (0.004454 )(1073.3)
W1 =
= 0.003283 lbmv/lbma
1078.5 3
i = 0.24t + W (1061.2 + 0.444t ) Btu/lbma
i1 = 0.24(40) + (0.003283)[1061.2 + 0.444(40 )] = 13.14 Btu/lbma
Solving for W2 and i2 at point 2
At 70 F, ps = 0.363 psia
pv = ps = (0.40)(0.363 psia) = 0.1452 psia
P = 14.244 psia
pv
0.1452
W2 = 0.6219
= 0.6219
= 0.006408 lbmv/lbma
P pv
14.244 0.1452
i2 = 0.240t 2 + W2 (1061.2 + 0.444t 2 ) Btu/lbma
i2 = 0.240(70) + (0.006408)[1061.2 + 0.444(70)] = 23.8 Btu/lbma
(a) Mass of water vapor added:
m& w
= W2 W1 = 0.006408 0.003283 = 0.003125 lbmv/lbma
m& a

(b) At 50 F, iw = 18.1 Btu/lb

q&
m&
= (i2 i1 ) w iw = (23.8 13.14) (0.003125)(18.1) = 10.3434 Btu/lbma
m& a
m& a
3.11

Air with a dry bulb temperature of 70 F and wet bulb temperature of 65 F is at a

barometric pressure of 29.92 in. Hg. Without making use of psychrometric chart,
find (a) the relative humidity of the air, (b) the vapor density, (c) the dew point,
(d) the humidity ratio, and (e) the volume occupied by the mixture associated with
a pound mass of dry air.

Solution:

3. Moist Air Properties and Conditioning Processes

t1 = 70 F
t 2 = 65 F
Solving for Ws2 , Eq. (3-14b)
pv 2 = ps 2 at 65 F = 0.3095 psia
P2 = P1 = 29.92 in Hg = 14.696 psia
pv 2
0.3095
Ws2 = 0.6219
= 0.6219
= 0.013379 lbmv/lbma
P2 pv 2
14.696 0.3095
Solving for W1 , Eq. (3-21c)
c (t t ) + W i
W1 = pa 2 1 s 2 fg 2
iv1 iw
i fg 2 = i fg at 65 F = 1056.5 Btu/lbm
iw = i f at 65 F = 33 Btu/lbm
iv1 = i g at 70 F = 1091.7 Btu/lbm
W1 =

0.24(65 70 ) + (0.013379 )(1056.5)

= 0.012218 lbmv/lbma
1091.7 33

Solving for pv1 , Eq. (3-14b)

p v1
W1 = 0.6219
P1 pv1
p v1
0.012218 = 0.6219
14.696 pv1
pv1 = 0.2832 psia
at 70 F, ps1 = 0.363 psia
(a) Relative Humidity
p
0.2832
= v1 =
= 0.78 or 78 %
p s1
0.363
(b) Vapor Density
p
(0.2832)(144 ) = 0.000898 lbmv/ft3
= v =
RvT (85.78)(70 + 459.67 )
(c) Dew Point
At p v1 = 0.2832 psia
t dp = 62.54 F
(d) Humidity Ratio

3. Moist Air Properties and Conditioning Processes

W=

m& v
= W1 = 0.012218 lbmv/lbma
m& a

(e) Volume occupied by mixture per pound of mass of dry air.

R T (53.352 )(70 + 459.67 )
v= a =
= 13.62 ft3/lbma
pa
(14.696 0.2832)(144)
3.12

Air is cooled from 75 F db and 70 F wb until it is saturated at 55 F. Find (a) the

moisture removed per pound of dry air, (b) the heat removed to condense the
moisture, (c) the sensible heat removed, and (d) the total amount of heat removed.

Solution:
Use Figure 3-7

Determine state condition 1, 75 F db, 70 F wb

t1 = 75 F
t wb = t 2 = 70 F
pv 2 = ps 2 at 70 F = 0.363 psia
P2 = 14.696 psia
pv 2
0.363
Ws2 = 0.6219
= 0.6219
= 0.01575 lbmv/lbma
P2 pv 2
14.696 0.363
c (t t ) + W i
W1 = pa 2 1 s 2 fg 2
iv1 iw

i fg 2 = i fg at 70 F = 1053.7 Btu/lbm
iw = i f at 70 F = 38Btu/lbm
iv1 = i g at 75F = 1093.85 Btu/lbm

3. Moist Air Properties and Conditioning Processes

0.24(70 75) + (0.01575)(1053.7 )
= 0.014581 Btu/lbma
1093.85 38
i1 = 0.240t1 + W1 (1061.2 + 0.444t1 ) Btu/lbma
i1 = 0.240(75) + (0.014581)[1061.2 + 0.444(75)] = 33.96 Btu/lbma

W1 =

Determine state condition2

t 2 = 55 F
ps 2 = 0.217 psia
ps 2
W2 = 0.6219
P2 ps 2
0.217
W2 = 0.6219
= 0.009321 lbmv/lbma
14.696 0.217
i2 = 0.240t 2 + W2 (1061.2 + 0.444t 2 ) Btu/lbma
i2 = 0.240(55) + (0.009321)[1061.2 + 0.444(55)] = 23.32 Btu/lbma
Determine state condition 3
t3 = t1 = 75 F
W3 = W2 = 0.009321 lbmv/lbma
i3 = 0.240t3 + W3 (1061.2 + 0.444t3 ) Btu/lbma
i3 = 0.240(75) + (0.009321)[1061.2 + 0.444(75)] = 28.20 Btu/lbma
(a) Moisture removed, Eq. (3-29)
m& w
= W1 W2 = 0.014581 0.009321 = 0.00526 Btu/lbma
m& a
(b) Heat removed to condense the moisture, Eq. (3-33)
q&l
= i1 i3 = 33.96 28.20 = 5.76 Btu/lbma
m& a

(c) Sensible heat removed

q& s
= i3 i2 = 28.20 23.32 = 4.88 Btu/lbma
m& a

(d) Total amount of heat removed

q&
q&
q&
= s + l = 4.88 + 5.76 = 10.64 Btu/lbma
m& a m& a m& a
3.13

The dry bulb and thermodynamic wet bulb temperature are measured to be 75 F
and 62 F, respectively, in a room. Compute the humidity ratio relative humidity
for the air at (a) sea level and (b) 5000 ft (1225 m).

3. Moist Air Properties and Conditioning Processes

Solution:
Use only English units as temperature are given in English units.
(a) At sea level, P = 29.92 in Hg = 14.696 psia
Eq. (3-14b)
t 2 = 62 F
pv 2
P2 pv 2
pv 2 = ps 2 at 62 F = 0.2774 psia
0.2774
Ws2 = 0.6219
= 0.0119865 lbmv/lbma
14.696 0.2774
Eq. (3-21d)
c pa (t 2 t1 ) + Ws2t fg 2
W1 =
iv1 iw
i fg 2 = i fg at 62 F = 1058.18 Btu/lbm
Ws2 = 0.6219

iw = i f at 62 F = 30 Btu/lbm
iv1 = i g at 75F = 1093.85 Btu/lbm
W1 =

0.24(62 75) + (0.011965)(1058.18)

= 0.008969 lbmv/lbma ans.
1093.85 30

Solving for pv1 :

W1 = 0.6219

pv 1
14.696 pv1

0.008969 = 0.6219

pv1
14.696 pv1

pv1 = 0.20893 psia

ps1 = pv at 75 F = 0.435 psia
p
0.20893
1 = v1 =
= 0.48 or 48 % - ans.
p s1
0.435
(b) H = 5000 ft = 1225 m
P = a + bH
Table 3-2. H > 4000 ft
a = 29.42
b = - 0.0009
P = 29.42 + (-0.0009)(4000) = 25.82 in Hg = 12.682 psia

3. Moist Air Properties and Conditioning Processes

0.2774
pv 2
= 0.6219
= 0.013907 lbmv/lbma
12.682 0.2774
P2 pv 2
c pa (t 2 t1 ) + Ws2t fg 2

Ws2 = 0.6219

W1 =

iv1 iw
0.24(62 75) + (0.013907 )(1058.18)
W1 =
= 0.010900 lbmv/lbma ans.
1093.85 30
Solving for pv1 :
pv 1
W1 = 0.6219
14.696 pv1
pv1
0.010900 = 0.6219
12.682 pv1
pv1 = 0.218448 psia
ps1 = pv at 75 F = 0.435 psia
p
0.218448
1 = v1 =
= 0.5022 or 50.22 % - ans.
p s1
0.435
3.14

To what temperature must atmospheric air at standard sea level pressure be cooled
to be saturated with a humidity ratio of 0.001 lbv/lba ? What is the temperature if
the pressure is 5 atmospheres?

Solution:
At standard sea level pressure
W = 0.001 lbmv/lbma
ps
W = 0.6219
14.696 ps
ps
0.001 = 0.6219
14.696 ps
ps = 0.0236 psia
Use Table A-1a, t 32.02 F ans.
At P = 5 atm = 73.48 psia
Solving for pv1 :
W = 0.001 = 0.6219

ps
73.48 ps

ps = 0.118 psia
Use Table A-1a, interpolation, t = 39 F ans.