When recommending humidity control solutions, it is important to consider the whole system, throughout its entire lifespan, to maximise results and return on investment.
Recommended humidity levels
Humidity control is generally required to maintain a stable condition in which to manufacture, store or preserve products, or work. A typical range for most manufacturing processes and human comfort is between 40% and 60% relative humidity. Other applications may require very close control, such as laboratories and test rooms, or different conditions, such as the ultra dry conditions needed for lithium-ion battery production.
Specialist knowledge and expertise helps though all stages of the process, from considering precise application requirements to how the system integrates with other equipment and processes within the space. Along with ongoing monitoring and maintenance, these skills and knowledge help ensure that the end result, the right level relative humidity, fits the job precisely and results in improved productivity, profitability and ROI.
Types of humidity control
There is an enviable choice of humidification equipment on the market, with manufacturers from all over the world able to ship worldwide. Site survey and consultation with the customer will help develop a clear understanding of the space’s environment and requirements, enabling a carefully considered design and calculation of the system required which will then determine the equipment most suited to the job.
It is vital to ensure that once equipment has been selected and a project confirmed that the installation team recognises and understands that the humidifier (or dehumidifier) forms an integral part of a larger system controlling the environment. Therefore, having a detailed knowledge and understanding of heating, cooling, air handling and control systems is essential to the success of a project.
Regular maintenance and return on investment
Steam humidifiers can become scaled when the minerals within mains water precipitate out as hard deposits. These minerals can form large sheets of rock-hard deposits which, if left without maintenance, can result in a steam humidifiers cylinders becoming full of deposits. This can reduce the output of the humidifier, potentially cause damage to water inlet or outlet valves and add additional cost to maintenance when it is eventually carried out.
With adiabatic humidifiers evaporative matrix or spray nozzles can become blocked – again reducing efficiency and output which reduces the controllability of the space which they are designed to serve.
With dehumidifiers the effects are less dramatic, however filters that are blocked reduce airflow and efficiency.
With all humidity control equipment, a planned maintenance program will save money by reducing consumables, ensuring that the outputs are maintained to guarantee performance and the humidity control in the space, reduce energy consumption due to the equipment efficiency, prevent expensive call outs and by ensuring air movement systems operate without restriction—and so reducing energy usage.
Maintenance contracts
All humidity control equipment requires regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance. A detailed knowledge and understanding of the whole system and how the humidifier integrates with it enables engineers to regularly bring potential improvements in performance and cost savings to the customer’s attention. It also significantly reduces time spent troubleshooting issues regarding humidity control.
Managing the service process is also a critical component to success in delivering and maintaining the desired conditions. A simple process for scheduling planned visits and effective management of spare parts on-site, combined with clear communication saves time, reduces downtime and reduces cost.
Health and safety
There are inherent health and safety risks associated with installation and maintaining humidity control systems which shouldn’t be ignored. These can be managed by using properly trained and competent engineers who undertake regular training from manufacturers, supported by suitable training in identifying and managing the health and safety risk associated with such work. This reduces the risk of accidents, the potential of injury to individuals and damage or loss to equipment and the premises. A service provider that can demonstrate a strong commitment to training and health and safety management for employees leads to a better second half of the customer journey.
Humidity control is far more than just servicing the humidity control unit. There’s added value in a provider who has significant knowledge and experience in the heating, ventilation and air conditioning sector, combined with the ability and resources to apply it to your specific application. Well-trained, knowledgeable, and experienced technicians; simple, effective and robust planning and scheduling processes all combined with the ability and resources to apply it to your specific application.
For more information on our maintenance contracts and how our award winning service team and experts are able to support throughout the whole product lifespan, contact us here, email us at info@humiditysolutions.co.uk or phone on 01372 571 200.
