Sept 2017 – Thinking Water for Next Season Startup: We have recently partnered with Total Water Inc based in Madison WI to develop the 2nd generation “Blending System” which greatly improves the practical functionality and cost associated with the ideal water treatment for all humidity control systems. The water treatment system is called DIBS (Deionized Blending System). This has now become our standard go to recommendation for all humidity control projects and worth your time to investigate its potential for your own use. The strategic advantages: Lower capital cost verses RO; Low yearly maintenance; Non-corrosive / non aggressive water quality and No water wasted to drain.
2017-2018 Winter Mid season Guidelines: Check your pump hours: This has been a hard winter and you may be running more hours than you realize so a good time to for a visual inspection. Review your user manual for frequency of pump hours to make your oil change. Call us if you need resupply of oil. Regarding water treatment, we will be shortly announcing our second generation design of the DI water blending system which greatly simplifies water treatment and is generally 1/3 of the cost of a comparable RO system. Time to check your 5 micron water filter and check for any fouled nozzles or leaks.
April 2018 Post Season guidelines: Maintenance Prep for Shut-Down: The key to maintenance for this time of the season is the preparation procedures for shutting down humidity control equipment (review your equipment user manual) OR maintaining the equipment for periodic operation during off season such as running the equipment to maintain fresh water in the system (about every two weeks for 10-15 minutes). Also, if you equipment requires oil changes or filter replacements, this is the right time of the year to plan for routine maintenance (as may be required).
Sept 2016 Pre-Season Water Treatment check: The proper water treatment for your type of system is the most critical component which affects short and long term maintenance frequencies. Check with us to understand your options. And most importantly, check to make sure your water treatment system is prepared with all routine maintenance requirements for your humidity control system startup. Be aware of lead times for any parts replacement. Generally parts require 1-2 weeks for ordering depending on whether parts are routinely needed as opposed to special order parts which can take longer. Most humidity control systems are designed to maintain from 35-45% Relative Humidity. The most universally accepted sweet spot for humidity control within most applications is 45% RH @ 72˚F. Hygroscopic materials such as wood, paper and textiles naturally take on or give off moisture seeking “equalized moisture content” (EMC) to reach stability between the material and the realative humidity content in the air. Electro-Static Discharge (ESD) is generally controlled at 35% RH and higher where static charges during process operations are generally avoided and potential issues for built in latent defects which cause end user malfunctions can otherwise be avoided during the production processes. Be aware that Relative Humidity conditions above 50% can foster potential long term issues where moisture condensation on metal surfaces particularly in roof and wall areas over time can cause corrosion and degradation issues.
2016-2017 Mid Season: A tip for a simple procedure for cleaning nozzles – the nozzle unscrews and the spring and ball with the valve can be easily removed. Soak all pieces in warm vinegar and water solution OR soak in “Works” toilet bowl cleaner for 60 seconds, rinse and reassemble – you should have a new working nozzle with restored performance. The latest development in high pressure is the use of fans to be able to accelerate moisture evaporation AND to allow the most amount of moisture to be evaporated in the least amount of airspace. Fans are easily cost justified because of the greater control over the rate of evaporation along with flexibility of placement within your manufacturing spaces. Moisture plumes are generally located where unobstructed air space allows for 4’ diameter by 20’ distribution of moisture for full evaporation.
2017 Post Season: The traditional season for adding humidity is generally October 15 through April 15. Looking ahead for preparations of your equipment for following season startup should include the following: Check Pump Oil and change per manual guidelines. Change pump seals and valves as needed. Check pulley belts. Change water prefilters. Flush water lines and replace with fresh water.