1. n. [Drilling Fluids]

A device for measuring the moisture in a gaseous atmosphere, such as the air, usually as percent relative humidity. Mechanical hygrometers detect moisture by elongation and shrinkage of a fiber or sheet or by a device attached to a needle on a dial. Electrohygrometers measure changes in an electrical property of a moisture-sensitive sensing probe and are more reliable. Determination of the aqueous-phase activity of oil muds by the Chenevert Method requires an electrohygrometer and a series of salt solutions for calibration.

Synonyms: hygrometer

See related terms: activity of aqueous solutions,  balanced-activity oil mud,  Chenevert method,  oil mud,  osmosis,  relative humidity,  zinc chloride