Humidification & dehumidification
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Steam humidification: resistive vs electrode boiler humidifiers
One of the first decisions you’ll likely have to make when choosing a steam humidifier for a commercial or industrial application is whether to select a resistive or electrode humidifier. Both units differ from one another in several key areas. Humidity Solutions explains …
¡ The method of Heating water to produce steam. ¡ The level of close control required. ¡ Maintenance requirements ¡ Water quality of the site’s location ¡ Importance of capital or consumable costs
What is an electrode humidifier?
Electrode steam humidifiers heat water by transmitting an alternating current between electrodes within a plastic cylinder, using the ions dissolved (minerals) in the water for conduction. Mains water (which contains minerals) will conduct electricity between the electrodes with significant resistance, heating the water to boiling point and producing steam. The capacity of the unit is determined by the size of the cylinder, the surface area of the electrodes in contact with the water, and the
10 July 2023
humidifier’s rated power (kW). It’s method of regulating the steam output involves changing the level of water inside the cylinder. The more of the electrode surface that is submerged the more current will flow between them which increases the amount of power used and increases the overall steam generation. Lowering the water level will result in a decrease in steam production.
As the mains water turns into steam within the boiling chamber, all of the water supply ions left behind within the tank will eventually form as scale. Periodic cylinder cleaning will reduce the build-up, but over time the scale will build up to a point where the electrodes get worn and coated and are unable to provide maximum capacity. At this point, the cylinder needs to be exchanged, which is quick and easy to do but is a consumable item.
What is a resistive humidifier? Resistive humidifiers differ by generating its steam production within a stainless-steel evaporation chamber and use self-cleaning heating elements to heat water to boiling point using electricity. Regardless of the water’s ion concentration, this radiant heating will elevate the temperature of the water inside the evaporation chamber to boiling point, enabling equal performance. Unlike the electrode boiler, not having reliance on the minerals in the water to generate heat means that the resistive humidifier can operate off a purified reverse osmosis water supply which can reduce maintenance. The accumulation of scale inside an evaporation chamber is reduced in resistive humidifier installations as they can perform regular flush cycles to help expel the minerals left behind. Without water treatment the humidifier will require
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