HUMIDITY CONTROL


relative humidity as high as 100%. For this reason, we need to include external air conditions as they can drastically aff ect indoor humidity levels. After identifying the problem areas and calculating the


relative humidity, the fi nal step is to choose the equipment and areas which the industrial humidifi cation system should cover. We now have full control over the humidity levels of the printing facility. As seen from the example, customised humidity systems


are a more eff ective method of humidity control, with many industries already using this type of solution in their businesses. Here are some examples: ■ Food processing facilities often contain areas for drying food and other zones for preservation. Controlling humid- ity in this type of environment is vital to avoid attracting mould and food spoilage


■ Printing facilities with low humidity levels can experience equipment malfunction caused by paper becoming wavy and jamming machine feeds. Another common issue is static electricity caused by dry conditions, which can adversely aff ect print quality. By increasing humidity levels managers can reduce both static and paper curling problems. In contrast, storage and packaging areas need slightly diff erent conditions to protect items from getting damaged by excess moisture.


■ Electronic production facilities need a dust-free environ- ment. Dry environments can cause static, attracting dust and foreign particles to build up, eventually damaging electric circuits. Higher humidity levels can help reduce the static in these production areas. But on the contrary storage areas risk corrosion and can benefi t from lower humidity levels.


■ Manufacturing plants that produce, package, and store items under one roof can suff er from unstable air condi- tions. By actively monitoring the air quality, facilities can prevent excess moisture from damaging equipment and raw materials.


■ Indoor Farms within the agriculture sector require precise climate conditions for the diff erent stages of the plant life cycle. From germination to growth, humidity control is vital for maximum yield in a short space of time.


Cold water humidifi er installed within a printing facility. What does a custom industrial humidifi cation system Look


Like? High-pressure water systems are used for customising industrial humidity zones. They are currently the only type of humidifying system used for accurate humidity zone control in an open space when using one control panel. Let’s cover some of the main components:


■ The controller is the hub that controls all unit operations for each zone


■ Humidity sensors are used for monitoring the relative humidity in targeted zones. Placing them in the space provides continuous feedback to the main hub (this would either be the system controller or the building manage- ment system). Room humidity sensors also allow direct access to the system controller.


■ Cold water humidifi ers can disperse moisture both in the duct and in the room. This will depend on a facility’s infra- structure. Each zone will have its unit specifi cally tailored to the environment.


■ BACnet MS/TP Communication is an optional extra that allows for seamless integration with existing standard Building Management Systems (BMS).


Upgrading to a custom humidifi cation system means that businesses can benefi t from reduced power and water usage. This, in turn, leads to lower utility bills while also increasing the lifecycle of units and components because of less wear and tear. Humidity levels are also more accurate, which is ideal for


Cold water humidifi er installed within an indoor farm. Download the ACR News app today


environments that are sensitive to humidity levels. Food manufacturers are a good example of this, where active monitoring of humidity levels can help prevent products from spoiling, which reduces wastage while increasing production levels. Additionally, industrial zone humidifi cation systems can be independent or incorporated with existing AHU systems, making this a cost-eff ective method of humidifying an industrial space. The modular design also allows businesses to scale easily, further future-proofi ng facility infrastructure.


Printing


facilities with low humidity levels can experience equipment malfunction caused by paper becoming wavy and jamming machine feeds. Another common


issue is static electricity caused by dry conditions, which can adversely aff ect print quality.


www.acr-news.com • March 2025 25


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