Fast H₂O analyser

Released in 2026 is the NDIR water vapour analyser, developed from Cambustion's established NDIR50 Fast CO and CO₂ technology. This compact, fast-response NDIR analyser is designed for both engine and non-engine applications, providing direct measurement of H₂O concentration with a 10 ms T10–90 response time. Building on the proven NDIR50 platform, the analyser offers high-speed water vapour measurement with only a power supply required for operation (zero and span gases required for complete calibration).

Engine measurements

The NDIR water vapour analyser measures H₂O concentration in engine intake and exhaust gases using Non-Dispersive Infra-Red (NDIR) technology. The heated sampling system prevents any condensation and allows raw (wet) exhaust gases to be analysed, with the fast response enabling transient changes in water vapour concentration to be captured during engine operation.

Measurements can provide insight into combustion processes, cold start behaviour and changes in exhaust gas composition during rapid load transients. Intake measurements can also support investigations into exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), humidity effects on combustion and engine performance.

The analyser can be used alongside other Cambustion fast-response gas analysers to provide a more complete picture of transient gas composition.

Inhalation / exhalation measurements

The fast response and good sensitivity of the NDIR water vapour analyser allow changes in H₂O concentration to be resolved within individual breaths. This enables comparison of inhaled and exhaled water vapour concentrations and investigation of moisture exchange during breathing.

Other applications

Fast-response H₂O measurement is also valuable in combustion research, gas mixing studies and industrial processes where water vapour concentration changes rapidly. The 15 ms response time allows transient humidity behaviour to be investigated in applications where conventional humidity sensors may be too slow.