One of the processes we always look into and take into consideration when we are designing the installation of a cooling or refrigeration plant is dehumidification. This process is one of the vital elements for Health and Safety and is always discussed on each project with our customers. One of the main benefits of a good dehumidification system is that it can save the company money – read on for the full story.
What is dehumidification?
To provide a proper scientific explanation is a whole long blog in itself, so we will use the basic explanation of the process! It is mostly thought of as removing humidity from the area, but there is a bit more to it.
In itself, dehumidification is all about the balance of moisture, water vapour or humidity and the air. When any of these three parts are removed from the air and the air’s temperature is kept constant, this is known as the dehumidification process.
Reducing slip hazards.
The dehumidification process can really help reduce Health and Safety issues such as slip hazards, especially in cold stores. As Health and Safety are so important and affects every aspect of life, at EJM we make sure there is effective dehumidification in cold stores – and we explain the importance to our customers during the discussion.
How does dehumidification help in cold stores?
Put simply, dehumidification helps reducing ice build-ups in cold stores – and because there is less ice, it means fewer slip hazards for company staff.
Every company wants to have Health and Safety compliance, and this is one way to reduce risks. EJM has full expertise in the correct installation of these units and has been involved in the implementation of them on many occasions.
How does it work?
This is the clever bit! The moisture in the cold storage unit is removed by using a desiccant wheel dehumidifier.
The principle of these is that air passes through flutes in the wheel, that is made up of corrugated material. On passing through the flutes it comes into contact with the desiccant (such as silica), which collects the moisture. The air leaves the wheel dry, while the wheel itself then distributes the desiccant and moisture into a second unit which processes it removing the moisture. The moisture is carried away and the dried desiccant can then continue to remove the moisture in the process again.
It’s a constant process and works very efficiently in removing moisture from cold stores.
How common is desiccant dehumidification?
This process has become a very popular year on year, due to the development of newer and more efficient equipment – resulting in lower costs for the units. As we are independent, we have the luxury of choosing the very best equipment for the customers budget, and not being tied to specific equipment, as a corporate company might. These will result in lower running costs overall.
Cold store defrosting…
It is a fact of life that cold store coolers will need defrosting, to remove frost and ice formations which collect on the finned coil surfaces. The problem with defrosting cold store coolers is although a necessary task, it does use energy and as part of the process introduces heat load into the cold store.
How does dehumidification help with this problem?
The key is reducing the frost and ice from forming in the first place is the key to the design. If the frost and ice are reduced the costs would also be less. This is where dehumidification comes in! It helps by playing a vital role in reducing the moisture which causes the frost and ice to form at the beginning of the process.
So how does it save money?
Reducing the moisture in the cold store, of course, means less defrosting, this is passed onto energy cost savings. Compressors running costs and defrosting will naturally be less, so over time the unit will save money, and additionally help with Health and Safety – a win/win situation!
Do you service these systems?
Absolutely! Our engineers have a vast experience of not only installing the plants but keeping them fully operational afterwards. We have maintenance plans to suit budgets and to help keep your installations to run efficiently with minimal downtime.
In all dehumidification is a major process that can really help in saving costs and keeping your Health and Safety. At EJM, the team is happy to discuss your project requirements and how a dehumidification system could be implemented into the project design. Simply give us a call for a chat or a quote and we’ll be happy to help.
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