Ask Rick: What is adiabatic humidification?

Q.  What is adiabatic humidification?

A.  There are two basic ways to introduce moisture into air:

Carel Ultimate Steam GridIsothermal Humidification –  the water vapor is dispersed in the air after having been created by boiling water.  Isothermal humidification requires an external source of energy to change the state of the water.  In the commercial HVAC world Isothermal Humidification has been used for years in nearly all applications.
Types:
–  Direct Steam Injection
–  Steam-To-Steam
–  Gas-To-Steam
–  Electric Steam
–  Infra-Red

High Pressure Adiabatic HumidificationAdiabatic Humidification –  finely atomized water is introduced into the air.  The adiabatic process does not involve the contribution of thermal energy from an external source.  There is no heat added.
Typical Types:
–  High Pressure Atomizing
–  Air/Water Atomizing
–  Ultrasonic
–  Wetted Media Evaporative

The biggest advantages of Adiabatic Humidifiers are:

  • Significant Energy Savings.
  • Helpful when Steam or Gas are not available
  • Precise Humidity Control.
  • Easy to Install and Retrofit.
  • Proven and Simple Technology.
  • Simple to Operate and Maintain.

Disadvantages seen in Adiabatic Humidifiers are:

  • Longer Absorption Distances (more length need in an air handling unit)
  • Requires Preheat of Supply air
  • Typically Require RO Water
  • Compressed Air required on Air/Water Systems

See manufacture information from Carel for more information on Humidifier types.

Ask Rick with further questions about Adiabatic Humidification.

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