HUMIDITY CONTROL Going ultrasonic
John Barker of Humidity Solutions discusses the use of ultrasonic humidifi ers for precision and contamination control.
A
n ultrasonic humidifi er is a very simple device, consisting of a water reservoir and a vibrating disc called an oscillator. The
oscillator vibrates at an extremely high frequency which propels microscopic water droplets into the air. These droplets then evaporate in the air, enhancing the room’s humidity without heating the water. There is no heating of the water at any point, so these humidifi ers are sometimes known as “cool mist” humidifi ers. There are many reasons why ultrasonic humidifi cation would be selected over other methods of humidifi cation, and in particular for precision and contamination control. They provide precise control over humidity levels, essential in environments where even slight deviations can be detrimental. Maintaining the optimal humidity range ensures a comfortable environment for personnel, enhancing work effi ciency, production, testing and off er the hygiene levels required for strict food standards.
Ultrasonic humidifi ers have the fl exibility to be installed in room or in a duct. The in room ultrasonic humidifi ers have built-in fans that propel the humidity into the space via an air cushion, so no additional fans or air fl ow are required. Alternatively, these humidifi ers can be seamlessly integrated into existing air handling units (AHUs) using the airfl ow to carry the humidity around the space, ensuring consistent humidity control without major retrofi tting. When a mix of fresh air is brought into these spaces the humidity levels will fl uctuate with the seasons. During the colder months, often low levels of humidity are experienced causing inconsistencies in testing, their results and quality from food processing to technology. This type of humidifi er can be advantageous due to the fact they are very small and compact which is benefi cial when there is a lack of space for large equipment and are often chosen for lower humidifi cation loads compared to other humidifi ers. The oscillator frequency can be reduced or increased off ering output as low as 0.01kg/hr to 9.9kg/hr and upwards. Ultrasonic technology is extremely energy
effi cient compared to isothermal humidifi ers, due to the technology it uses which is piezoelectric. This makes it a cost-eff ective solution, especially for those looking to “decarbonise” and reduce their carbon footprint and reduce energy usage. The ultrasonic process ensures a high level of hygiene, a non-negotiable requirement for applications such as cleanrooms or food production areas. It is essential to incorporate
18 March 2024 •
www.acr-news.com
this technology with a Reverse Osmosis unit which complements our other hygiene features such as ultra-violet light and timed water reservoir fl ushes, as it will not only prolong the life of the humidifi er but also ensures that the mist is as pure as possible. The mist will then be free of minerals & impurities reducing the risk of introducing contaminants into the environment such as food production/cleanrooms where contamination control is paramount.
Typical Applications: Refrigerated Storage
Clean Rooms and Laboratories Plant Germination Rooms & Hydroponics Humidors Wine Cellars Production facilities Bakeries
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