Water Treatment Guide
[WT SERIES]
Introduction
Even if water appears clear and pure, and is suitable for drinking, untreated water may still be unsuitable for use with your Condair humidification system. This guide will help support your water treatment for humidification needs.
Condair is passionate about humidification and is constantly looking toward new and innovative technologies to help customers achieve total success. A major part of this success is the emphasis on hygiene and water quality. By positioning Condair as 'water experts', customers gain peace of mind with access to the industry's best technology and technicians, ensuring absolute system hygiene and reliability.
Why Water Treatment?
Your water may be safe for drinking, but without water treatment, it may lead to scaling or bacteria build-up in your humidification systems, as well as dusting within applications.
When paired with humidification systems, water treatment is used for:
Scale Management
Isothermal Systems
- Preventing scaling within the boiling system
- Reducing maintenance frequency and costs
- Improving operation efficiency, reduced energy costs
Adiabatic Systems
- Preventing scaling and corrosion of media, nozzles, and other components
- Preventing application dusting due to carryover of particles and contaminants
- Reducing maintenance frequency and costs
Hygiene
Isothermal Systems
Isothermal systems that boil water provide clean atmospheric steam without the requirement for water treatment.
Adiabatic Systems
Eliminating bacteria content in the water which can be carried over into the air during humidification.
Water Quality
Understanding water quality is crucial for effective humidification. The following table outlines common water components and the difficulties they can cause:
| Component | What is it? | Difficulties Caused |
|---|---|---|
| Hardness | Ca and Mg scales, CaCO3 | Scale |
| pH | Hydrogen ion concentration | Corrosion |
| Chloride | Cl- | Adds to scale, Corrosion |
| Silica | SiO2 | Hard Scale |
| Conductivity | Dissolved solids | Affects performance of electrodes, nozzles |
| Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) | Minerals and Organics | Foaming |
| Silt Density Index (SDI) | Scaling potential of suspended solids in water | Scale |
| Carbon Dioxide | CO2 | Corrosion |
| Oxygen | O2 | Corrosion |
Filtration Spectrum
The filtration spectrum illustrates the progression of water treatment methods to address different contaminants:
- Silt: Addressed by Silt Filters (3µ, 5µ, etc.)
- Chlorine: Addressed by Carbon Filter
- Hardness: Addressed by Softener
- Minerals: Addressed by Reverse Osmosis
- Ions: Addressed by De-ionization
Water Hygiene
Every Condair adiabatic humidification system is equipped with features and functions that ensure absolute system hygiene and sanitation. Systems operate in three steps: pre-treatment, treatment, and hygiene and sanitation, and can be customized to the needs of any application.
Our Three Steps to Success
- Pre-Treatment: During pre-treatment, water goes through a dechlorination and softening process. An activated carbon filter eliminates chlorine in the water, and it is then treated with a duplex softening system.
- Treatment: During the treatment cycles, water is treated through reverse osmosis and deionization filters. Reverse osmosis membranes remove up to 95% of all minerals from the water. If further deionization is required, an additional filter can be added to remove remaining minerals, resulting in ultra-pure water.
- Absolute Hygiene: Condair products include features and functions that focus solely on the sanitation of your system and the hygiene of your water, from automatic dosing of disinfectant, UV lighting, silver ion dosing, to automatic flush cycles.
Condair Hygiene Services
Bactiquant (BQ) Testing: BQ testing, performed by a Condair-trained technician, is a robust testing method to determine the total bacterial load in a water sample. Results are fast, reducing any down-time.
Condair RO Systems
Condair offers a range of Reverse Osmosis (RO) systems designed to provide pure water for humidification applications.
Condair RO-H: Compact and Economic RO System
The Condair RO-H pure water system removes over 95% of all salts and minerals contained in tap water. Models available: RO-HB and RO-HM.
Technical Data
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Permeate Output (59°F/15°C) | 158 gpd (26 lph) |
| Humidification capacity (max.) | 40 lb/hr |
| Storage Tank | 2.5, 3.8, 6 gal (8,12,18 l) |
| Power | 120V/1/60 75W |
| Size (Height) | 18.7 in (471 mm) |
| Size (Width) | 15.2 in (386 mm) |
| Size (Depth) | 9.8 in (250 mm) |
| Standard Accessories | Carbon filter, 5µ filter, tank |
| Recommended Pre-treatment | None |
Condair RO-E(+): Compact and Integrated RO System
The Condair RO-E & RO-E+ pure water systems can pair seamlessly with the Condair RS resistive steam and Condair DL hybrid humidifier through the integrated controller or have its own controller for standalone operation.
Technical Data
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Permeate Output (59°F/15°C) | 621-3254 gpd (98-513 lph) |
| Humidification capacity (max.) | 1130 lb/hr |
| Storage Tank | 6.6-119 gal (25-450 l) |
| Power | 120/230/1/60 600W |
| Size (Height) | 31.3 in (795 mm) |
| Size (Width) | 23.1 in (587 mm) |
| Size (Depth) | 19.1 in (487 mm) |
| Standard Accessories | 5µ filter, tank, cover, pump pressure gauge |
| Recommended Pre-treatment | Carbon filter, softener |
Condair MLRO: Industrial RO System
The Condair MLRO standalone pure water system is ideal for large isothermal or any adiabatic applications. This system provides RO water from pre-treated water to achieve optimal water quality.
Technical Data
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Permeate Output (59°F/15°C) | 1744-24726 gpd (275-3900 lph) |
| Humidification capacity (max.) | 8600 lb/hr |
| Storage Tank | 13-264 gal (50-1000 l) |
| Power | 208-480V/3/60 |
| Size (Height) | 63 in (1600 mm) |
| Size (Width) | 28 in (711 mm) |
| Size (Depth) | 34-55 in (864-1397 mm) |
| Standard Accessories | 5µ filter, tank, UV light |
| Recommended Pre-treatment | Carbon filter, softener |
Water and Humidification
Each Condair Humidification system has its own specific requirements for inlet water quality. Below is a summary for common products:
| Technology | Products | Water Compatibility | Why Water Treatment? | Compatible RO Systems? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EL Series | Potable | Cylinder-Lifecycle | N/A* | |
| RS Series | Potable/DI/RO | Maintenance, Operation Efficiency | RO-H, RO-E MLRO, +DI | |
| GS Series | Potable | Maintenance, Operation Efficiency | RO-E, MLRO, +DI | |
| SE Series | Potable/RO/DI | Maintenance, Operation Efficiency | RO-E, RO-E+, MLRO, +DI | |
| ME/MC Series | ML Solo | Potable/RO | Hygiene, Media Life Cycle | RO-E, MLRO, +DI |
| ML/HP Series | Potable/RO | Hygiene, Nozzle Performance | RO-E, RO-E+, MLRO, MLRODL | |
| DL Series | RO-DI | Hygiene, Nozzle Performance, Dusting Reduction | RO-E+, MLRODL | |
| JS Series | Potable/RO/DI | Hygiene, Nozzle Performance, Dusting Reduction | RO-E+, MLRODL | |
| PH1000 PRO | Potable/RO | Hygiene, Media Life Cycle | RO-H, RO-E+ |
*Contact factory if water quality is outside of range.
Water Quality Requirements Quick Guide
Refer to product IOM for full water installation and water quality requirements.
Isothermal Humidifier Water Quality Requirements
| Product | Water Type | Temperature | Conductivity | pH | Hardness | Silica (SiO2) | Chloride |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EL Series | Potable | 34-104°F (1-40°C) | 150-1200 µS/cm | 7-7.5 | 4-14 mg/l | 0-4 mg/l | 0-50 mg/l |
| RS Series | Potable/DI/RO | 34-77°F (1-25°C) | 1-1500 µS/cm | 6.5-7.5 | 0-12 gpg | 0-12 mg/l | 0-40 mg/l |
| GS Series | Potable | 34-77°F (1-25°C) | 1-1500 µS/cm | 7-7.5 | 0-12 gpg | 0-14 mg/l | 0-40 mg/l |
| SE Series | RO/DI | 34-77°F (1-25°C) | 1-100 µS/cm | 6.5-8.5 | 0-20 gpg | 0-1 mg/l | 0-25 mg/l |
Adiabatic Humidifier Water Quality Requirements
| Water Type | Temperature | Conductivity | pH | Hardness | Silica (SiO2) | Chloride | Ammonium (NH4+) | Calcium (Ca) | Copper (Cu) | Free Chlorine (Cl¯) | Iron (Fe) | Manganese (Mn) | Potassium Permanganate (KMnO4) | Silt Index | Sulphates | Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) | Turbidity | Colony Forming Units (CFU) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Potable/RO | < 68°F (20°C) | < 650 µS/cm | 6.5-9.5 | < 14 gpg | < 5 mg/l | < 300 mg/l | < 0.50 mg/l | < 300 mg/l | < 1 mg/l | < 1 mg/l | < 0.5 mg/l | < 0.1 mg/l | < 10 mg/l | < 5.0 | < 250 mg/l | < 400 mg/l | < 5 NTU | < 1000 CFU/ml |
| RO-DI | < 68°F (20°C) | 0.5 - 15 µS/cm | 6.0-8.0 | < 1 gpg | < 1 mg/l | < 5 mg/l | < 0.50 mg/l | < 7 mg/l | < 1 mg/l | < 1 mg/l | < 0.1 mg/l | < 0.05 mg/l | < 10 mg/l | < 3.0 | < 9 mg/l | < 9 mg/l | < 1 NTU | < 100 CFU/ml |
| RO/DI | 5 - 50 µS/cm | 6.0-8.0 | < 1 gpg | < 5 mg/l | < 20 mg/l | < 0.50 mg/l | < 150 mg/l | < 1 mg/l | < 1 mg/l | < 0.1 mg/l | < 0.05 mg/l | < 10 mg/l | < 5.0 | < 30 mg/l | < 35 mg/l | < 1 NTU | < 200 CFU/ml | |
| Potable | < 59°F (15°C) | 250 - 1000 μS/cm | 6.0-8.0 | < 20 gpg* | < 1 mg/l | < 200 mg/l | < 0.50 mg/l | < 300 mg/l | < 1 mg/l | < 1 mg/l | < 0.1 mg/l | < 0.05 mg/l | < 10 mg/l | < 3.0 | < 200 mg/l | < 625 mg/l | < 1 NTU | < 200 CFU/ml |
| Potable/RO/DI | < 59°F (15°C) | 250 - 1000 μS/cm | 6.0-8.0 | < 12 gpg | < 12 mg/l | < 5 mg/l | < 0.50 mg/l | < 7 mg/l | < 1 mg/l | < 1 mg/l | < 0.1 mg/l | < 0.05 mg/l | < 10 mg/l | < 3.0 | < 9 mg/l | < 9 mg/l | < 2 NTU | < 100 CFU/ml |
| Potable/RO | < 59°F (15°C) | 250 - 1000 μS/cm | 6.0-8.0 | < 14 gpg | < 5 mg/l | < 300 mg/l | < 0.50 mg/l | < 300 mg/l | < 1 mg/l | < 1 mg/l | < 0.1 mg/l | < 0.05 mg/l | < 10 mg/l | < 5.0 | < 9 mg/l | < 400 mg/l | < 1 NTU | < 100 CFU/ml |
* Refer to product IOM for full water installation and water quality requirements.
Quick Reference Sizing Charts
Isothermal Humidifier RO-E Sizing Chart
| Technology | Unit Size | Supply Water at 5°C (41°F) | Supply Water at 15°C (59°F) |
|---|---|---|---|
| GS | 50 | RO-E 40 & up | RO-E 40 & up |
| GS | 100 | RO-E 100 & up | RO-E 40 & up |
| GS | 150 | RO-E 200 & up | RO-E 100 & up |
| GS | 200 | RO-E 200 & up | RO-E 200 & up |
| GS | 300 | RO-E 300 & up | RO-E 200 & up |
| GS | 450 | MLRO 500 & up | RO-E 300 & up |
| GS | 600 | MLRO 500 & up | RO-E 300 & up |
| SETC | 50 | RO-E 40 & up | RO-E 40 & up |
| SETC | 100 | RO-E 100 & up | RO-E 40 & up |
| SETC | 175 | RO-E 200 & up | RO-E 100 & up |
| SETC | 250 | RO-E 300 & up | RO-E 200 & up |
| SETC | 375 | MLRO 500 & up | RO-E 200 & up |
| SETC | 525 | MLRO 500 & up | RO-E 300 & up |
| SETC | 750 | MLRO 800 & up | MLRO 800 & up |
| SETC | 1050 | MLRO 1000 & up | MLRO 800 & up |
| Technology | Unit Size | Supply Water at 5°C (41°F) | Supply Water at 15°C (59°F) |
|---|---|---|---|
| RS | 10 | RO-H & up | RO-H & up |
| RS | 15 | RO-H & up | RO-H & up |
| RS | 20 | RO-H & up | RO-H & up |
| RS | 30 | RO-E 40 & up | RO-E 40 & up |
| RS | 45 | RO-E 40 & up | RO-E 40 & up |
| RS | 65 | RO-E 40 & up | RO-E 40 & up |
| RS 208, 220-240V | 90 | RO-E 100 & up | RO-E 40 & up |
| RS | 130 | RO-E 100 & up | RO-E 40 & up |
| RS | 180 | RO-E 200 & up | RO-E 100 & up |
Adiabatic Humidifier RO-E+ Sizing Chart
| Technology | Unit Size | Supply Water at 5°C (41°F) | Supply Water at 15°C (59°F) |
|---|---|---|---|
| DL | 0 - 60 lbs/hr | RO-E+ 40 | RO-E+ 40 |
| DL | 60 - 115 lbs/hr | RO-E+ 100 | RO-E+ 40 |
| DL | 115-210 lbs/hr | RO-E+ 200 | RO-E+ 100 |
| DL | 210-290 lbs/hr | RO-E+ 300 | RO-E+ 200 |
| DL | 290-370 lbs/hr | MLRODL | RO-E+ 200 |
| DL | 370-529 lbs/hr | MLRODL | RO-E+ 300 |
| DL | 290 - 2200 lbs/hr | MLRODL | MLRODL |
| HP/MLP | 100-800 | HPRO/MLPRO | HPRO/MLPRO |
| HP/MLP | 1000-3000 | MLRO 1000 & up | MLRO 1000 & up |
| JetSpray | Any Size | RO-E+ 40 | RO-E+ 40 |
| ME | Any Size | Sizing Available, Contact Condair Application Engineering for Support | Sizing Available, Contact Condair Application Engineering for Support |
| PH1000 | Manual / Auto Fill | RO-H | RO-H |
Resources
Hygiene plays an important role in humidification. Current rules and regulations such as VDI 6022 give useful information about design, planning, manufacturing, and system operation. On the one hand, humidification is indispensable for indoor air quality in buildings, and on the other, fundamental microbiological relationships come into play. These resources should illuminate the requirements for hygienic humidification equipment and illustrate important planning criteria.
White Papers and Standards
- WHITE PAPER - ASHRAE 188-2021 Legionellosis: Risk Management for Building Water Systems
The ASHRAE standard, ASHRAE 188-2021, was created with the intention to prevent the risk for Legionellosis from water systems in any building, new or existing. - Hygiene Criteria | Planning Guidelines for Humidification
Proper planning guidelines for humidification is a five-hygiene-criteria method to promote a flawless hygienic humidification system. This guide is the quintessential hygiene mitigation guide for new and old humidifier projects. - WHITE PAPER - Water Hygiene for Adiabatic Humidifiers
When dealing with Adiabatic, or Evaporative, humidifiers, extra precaution must be used to mitigate biological growth in the water and limit the spread of bacteria in the air. This document outlines proper guidance, instructions, considerations, commissioning, and preventative maintenance do's and don'ts for cold water systems.
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