HUMIDITY CONTROL What is steam humidification?


Steam humidification is one of the most common methods used to achieve accurate indoor climate control. Units can easily integrate with existing HVAC ductwork, building management systems (BMS) and offer humidity control without affecting temperature. It is also a popular choice across a wide variety of industrial and commercial applications. Tom Barker, Humidity Solutions internal sales manager elaborates


S


team humidifiers may also be called isothermal humidifiers. Below we will cover the two main methods of steam humidification and how they work.


Electrode steam humidification


Electrode Steam humidifiers are a popular choice for buildings in areas with easy access to mains water.


Drinking water contains ions, which allows water to conduct electricity more effectively. Electrode humidifiers provide steam humidification by passing a current between two electrodes submerged in water. Due to the ions present in the water, it will conduct


electrons through the liquid, evaporating the water to steam and leaving a chalky residue comprised of those conductive ions. This residue builds up over time, and so these units require regular maintenance to remove and ensure the model is operating at peak efficiency. The produced steam is then distributed into the target environment via a HVAC ductwork, or can be dispersed directly through a Room Distribution Unit.


This style of steam humidification unit requires only mains water and electricity to create the necessary steam for dispersal. By relying on resources widely available in businesses and buildings this style of steam humidification is a popular choice across many industries and applications. The running costs may prove higher than other options due to it’s need for regular maintenance, but the lower cost per unit plus wide availability, reliability and ease of BMS integration prove attractive to customers.


Resistive Steam Humidification


Resistive steam humidifiers work using technology similar to an immersion heater or kettle. This method of steam humidification relies on a heating element being submerged in water. Heat from this element warms the surrounding water, causing steam, which is ready for dispersal. The amount of steam produced depends on the water level, the heat of the element and the temperature of the surrounding area.


This style of model is often used in applications where there is a need for slow and steady steam supply, often over a long period of time. Much like kettles, this form of steam humidifier can suffer from limescale or prolonged usage.


One method of preventing this is by using a Reverse Osmosis Water Treatment unit to treat the water, removing ions and other impurities ahead of entry into the evaporation chamber. The resulting steam can then also be dispersed using the same methods as the steam produced through an electrode unit i.e. through ductwork, or through a room dispersal unit. If you have any questions from reading this article, please contact Humidity Solutions team of experts by emailing info@humiditysolutions. co.uk, or call 01372 571200.


UPGRADE & SAVE WITH THE BRITISH BUILT VAPAC VE ELECTRODE BOILER -+-


We’re celebrating British manufacturing by offering an additional £200 off when you upcycle any existing humidifier and choose the Vapac VE Electrode Boiler. The offer is valid on new quotes delivered by 30 Sept 2025 — quote VAPAC200 when enquiring with our team.


HUMIDITY CONTROL MADE EASY


SUPPORTING BRITISH MANUFACTURING


-+-


WHY CHOOSE US -+-


• Made in the UK - fast lead times, with units and spares in stock • +/- 5% relative humidity control - creating a stable environment • We’re on hand to help - With any design or specification queries • Trusted expertise - Our experts have decades of experience in a variety of industries


• UK wide technical support - We offer UK wide planned maintenance and free technical support over the phone


“Humidity Solutions has very quick lead times, with most of their


products being in stock items and the reliability of their products is fantastic. The staff are always incredibly helpful, knowledgeable and eager to please with a very ‘can do’ attitude. ”


CONTACT OUR EXPERTS E: info@humiditysolutions.co.uk W: humiditysolutions.co.uk Read the latest at: www.bsee.co.uk Humidity Solutions hp BSEE Jun25.indd 1 T: +44 (0)1372 571 200 9/5/25 11:48 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER JUNE 2025 19


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42