Proper operation of steam humidifiers includes proper handling of the condensate that is created while heating the metal surfaces. This week, we’ll provide some tips for handling humidifier condensate when...

Last week, we reviewed different types of steam humidifier distribution methods, which are inexpensive but have longer absorption distances. Many HVAC installations require very short or non-wetting absorption distances. Humidifier distribution panels provide solutions to this requirement. This week we'll review the options for...
 

A few weeks ago we reviewed the types of steam humidifiers normally supplied in building HVAC systems. But creating the steam is simply the first step; we also have provide equipment to disperse the steam into the air. This post reviews some of the dispersion methods used in buildings with...

The best way to make sure you have designed your humidification system to have sufficient absorption distance is to use sizing and selection software. By entering in a few values, including the entering and leaving air conditions, you not only get equipment options, but also...

What is absorption distance and why is it critical in humidification applications?

Absorption distance is the length of duct that is required to change visible water vapor into an invisible gas in a given application.  As designers, we want to make sure that the steam dispersion assembly is located within the duct at a point where

Now that we know there are two processes (adiabatic or isothermal) by which we can achieve humidification, let’s talk about the various types of humidifying equipment within these process categories.

Starting with isothermal, there are several types of humidifiers and configurations to choose from. The common denominator is....

Water quality is an important concern when it comes to humidification. Regardless of what type of humidification you are using (isothermal or adiabatic), chances are you will need to add some degree of ...

In the previous blog we discussed isothermal humidification.  Today, we’re going to talk about the other method for humidification, which is called “adiabatic.”

Adiabatic humidification puts water (not steam) directly into the air using a spray mechanism or wetted medium, and the heat from the surrounding air causes the water to evaporate. So instead of...

In many ways, Psychrometrics is like a Rubik's Cube. Change one thing, and you automatically change something else.  But instead of shifting colored cubes around, we’re shifting measures of air, moisture, and temperature.  And, like the Rubik’s cube, there is more than one way....

The past couple of blogs used the psychrometric chart and formula to calculate the loads in humidification buildings and processes.  This week we look at a valuable shortcut for determining these load: Dristeem DriCalc selection program...

Now that we’ve learned how to calculate a basic humidification load, we need to understand how to do the same when an economizer cycle is part of our design. 

Why is that so important? Because nearly every commercial building in the continental US is required (per DOE) to incorporate either an air- or water-side economizer. If your state hasn’t already incorporated the ruling into its commercial building code, it’s just a matter of time ...

How do we determine how much moisture should be added to the air for a given application? In other words, how do we calculate the humidification load for a given building?

The basis of this calculation is the same, whether you intend on using natural, mechanical, or economizer cycle ventilation. Natural and mechanical ventilation methods are virtually the same, which is why....

What is psychrometrics?

It’s a big and intimidating word to be sure and the common definition, the study of the physical and thermodynamic properties of gas-vapor mixtures, doesn’t make it much less so. But we’re going to break it down for you in a way that is both simple and practical with regard to HVAC and ...

Humidification is one of those areas where the terminology can often be a roadblock to understanding the topic.  After all, we’re not all meteorologists! Since the terminology can be confusing we’ve compiled the list below to help you through this series...

Ever hear the phrase, “It's not the heat, it's the humidity”?

In the commercial HVAC industry, we’d like to reshape that idiom to, “It’s not just the heating and the cooling, but also the amount of moisture in the air that impacts comfort, health, building materials, building content, medical procedures, and production processes and quality.” 

But admittedly, that’s a mouthful. 

Suffice to say that properly controlled humidification is an essential part of HVAC design, which is why we’ve decided to dedicate an entire series to the subject, starting with why we need to humidify spaces in the first place....