Humidification & Energy - Husson Inc. – Industrial Humidification



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	Humidification & Energy

Humidification Systems

Comparison of the different types of humidity systems

Organic and some inorganic materials require proper RH levels for consistent use and efficiency in a variety of manufacturing settings. Most indoor air needs the addition of humidity during winter heating season.

Many methods exist to increase RH levels. Current humidification products used in business and industry usually rely on the introduction of very fine droplets of water into surrounding air, where they can be absorbed. Consistent production and distribution of these droplets throughout the manufacturing area are critical. RH levels are measured with remote sensors connected to electronic controls.

Many humidification technologies will introduce moisture into the air with the intent of raising RH and reducing dry air problems. As in most cases, not all are created equal in their effectiveness, versatility or cost. For most end-users, energy and maintenance cost will be key factors in the selection of a humidification system.

Humidification Systems

Steam Systems
Use heat to produce very fine droplets of water that evaporate quickly into the air and are an effective way to add water to the air. But steam systems also add heat, which is usually not welcome. “Electric steam,” the most common steam method, has by far the highest energy costs of any technology, as well as high maintenance costs to prevent build-up of residues on heating elements.

Centrifugal Systems
Use centrifugal force to atomize water. Systems have low installed costs and relatively low maintenance costs. However, centrifugal systems produce larger droplets that aren’t easily absorbed into air, sometimes resulting in condensation and wetness. Air quality and health concerns have been voiced over open water baths used in centrifugal systems, which may promote bacteria growth.

Ultrasonic Humidifiers
Use high-frequency electricity to break away droplets from the surface of a shallow water bath. Ultrasonic systems are more energy-efficient than steam or centrifugal systems, although air quality and health concerns have been raised over bacteria growth in open water baths.

Compressed Air Systems
Use high-pressure air to force water through a nozzle, forming fine water droplets. Since no heat is involved, energy costs are lower, as are maintenance costs. Since compressed air is very expensive, energy costs are high. In some cases, the high-pitched sound from the nozzle can be an irritant to employees, so these systems are best used in applications where they are not placed close to workstations.

High-Pressure Humidification
Uses a high-pressure electric pump to drive conditioned water through a spray nozzle at 900 psi-2,000 psi, creating a cool mist of fine droplets, easily absorbed into the air. Since no heat is required, it is inherently energy-efficient. Installation and maintenance costs are low. Noise is typically not a problem.

For the vast majority of industrial end-users, high-pressure humidification technology is the best humidity control solution. It is easiest to install and operate, its water consumption is low, the noise is very low, and its operating and maintenance costs are by far the lowest.

In many cases a ML humidification system installed by Husson Inc. will pay for itself in less than two years from the reduced energy costs alone.

Comparison of the different types of humidity systems

ML High-pressure Steam Ultrasonic Compres-sed air Pad Systems

Energy costs Low High High Medium/high Low

Water consumption Low Yes, 50% in drain Medium Low High

Cooling effect & Temperature reduction Yes No Yes Yes Partly

Operation of ventilation system is necessary to humidify No No/Yes No/yes No Yes

Possibility of reduction in draining charge Yes No No Yes No

Service costs Medium High High Medium High

Compressor No No No/yes yes No

Noise level Low Low Low High Low

Use of excessive heat Yes No Yes/no Yes No

Open vessels No No Yes No Yes

Risk of bacteria forming Low Low Medium Medium High

HACCP hygiene certified Yes No No No No

Bar graph showing comparison of energy costs.


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