PURE PERFORMANCE

Why use a dehumidifier?

Particularly in the industrial and commercial sectors, swimming pool and warehousing industries, operators are often confronted with a pressing need to control the humidity of the air.

Ensuring product quality

Being able to precisely control air humidity throughout production processes is an essential factor in ensuring product quality remains consistently high. Using air dehumidifiers and dryers helps to ensure that these processes remain safe and stable.

Maintaining operations and preventing downtime

Dehumidifiers can protect pipework, installations, operating materials and technical appliances from moisture damage. This ensures a high level of operational readiness. High costs due to moisture-related remediation work and loss of production are avoided.

Protecting valuables in storage and archives

In the archive and warehouse sector, dehumidifiers help to protect valuable items from moisture damage, which can, in extreme cases, lead to total destruction.

Conservation of out of service machinery

Machines and equipment that are taken out of service periodically can be protected from corrosion damage with air dehumidifiers. This keeps them in peak condition to ensure that they can be put back into service more quickly when the time comes.

Protecting building structures

Air dehumidifiers can be used to prevent/minimize water vapor diffusion through building structures, and so protect them from deterioration over the long term. High follow-up costs for building renovation are thus prevented.

Operational safety and hygiene

Condensate formation on walkways can lead to an increased risk of accidents and encourage bacterial growth. Air dehumidifiers help to maintain safe and hygienic conditions.

Image: Close-up of water droplets on a surface, illustrating condensation.

Image: Close-up of frost on a surface, illustrating icing.

Condair DA series

Condair DA desiccant dryers are designed to be used wherever extremely low humidity is needed, such as in industrial drying processes, or where there are very low temperatures to deal with.

The powerful sorption rotors enable the safe operation of the units down to temperatures of -30°C as well as bringing humidity values down to a minimum.

As well as standard designs with drying capacities of 0.6-182 kg/h, a wide range of specialized versions are also available.

Depending on the size, the dehumidifier can be equipped with pre-cooling and/or post-cooling coils, a heat exchanger, or an air-cooled condensation module at the factory. In particular, post-cooling is often required due to the heat generated during the drying process and should be taken into account early in system planning. In addition to choosing different regeneration methods, it is also possible to combine existing on-site media such as steam or hot water with the electric regeneration heater.

This results in significant energy savings, especially in larger systems, and therefore leads to a substantial reduction in operating costs.

The sorption rotor used in Condair desiccant dryers is silicone-free. The drying agent is neither respirable nor flammable.

Performance characteristics

Diagram: Functional principle of desiccant drying, showing airflow through a rotor.

Graph: Drying capacity of a desiccant dryer compared to a condensation dehumidifier across different temperatures.

Graph: Recommended application range for desiccant dryers and condensation dehumidifiers based on temperature and humidity.

Technical Data - Condair DA series

Condair DA series - Freezer version

With the Freezer version, Condair offers a special design of the unit sizes DA 500 - 4000 specially designed for use in the deep-freeze sector. In addition to the components of a standard desiccant dryer described above, this series of units is equipped with, among other things, a 100 mm thick insulated housing made of stainless steel AISI 304 stainless steel.

This special design allows for installation outside of the actual deep-freeze area, where the installation of the dryer often conflicts with the storage space. By installing the dryer outside of the actual deep-freeze area, valuable storage and functional areas remain free.

In deep-freeze warehouses with interior temperatures well below 0 °C, moisture problems quickly become visible and inevitably lead to significant operational disruptions. Inflowing warm and humid air condenses and freezes on floors, ceilings, and walls, forming ice. Large and heavy ice formations tend to build up especially on the evaporators of the refrigeration system and in the airlock area.

To maintain system efficiency and operational safety, these must then be removed manually at great expense. These problems are prevented by consistently drying the room air in the cold store with a desiccant dryer.

The desiccant dryer continuously extracts return air from the cold storage area, dehumidifies it below the required dry dew point, and reintroduces the dried air back into the cold storage area. Ideally, the reintroduction of the dried air occurs directly at the air coolers or in the infiltration area.

The Condair DA Freezer units are particularly well-suited for deployment in testing facilities, where measurements and simulations take place within a temperature range of -20°C to +35°C. Given the significant temperature range, a challenge arises wherein, without additional preheating of the extremely cold process air from the test chamber, frost can accumulate on the unit's casing, electrical components, and the regeneration section of the adsorption dryer. This leads to impaired dryer functionality and consequently affects the entire testing facility's operation sooner or later.

Thanks to their specifically designed construction tailored to such application scenarios, the desiccant dryers within the Condair DA Freezer series ensure reliable and efficient drying of even extremely cold process air. Importantly, this is accomplished without necessitating an additional, elaborate, and costly preheater.

The Condair DA Freezer units have been developed and continuously optimized over many years with the aforementioned applications in mind. By completely eliminating critical thermal bridges on the casing and precisely coordinating highly sensitive components such as fans, the rotor, and heating elements, maximum efficiency and operational safety of the system are ensured.

Therefore, considering cost-effectiveness both in terms of procurement and operation, the Condair DA Freezer adsorption dryers represent the optimal solution for use in cold storage, testing facilities, and applications with a similar set of requirements.

Image: Diagram illustrating the 100 mm full insulation enabling outdoor installation.

Technical Data - Condair DA 500-4000 Freezer

Condair DC series

Condair industrial dehumidifiers have many different applications across the industrial, commercial and warehousing sectors. They are based around a refrigerant circuit system, and are generally used in areas which require a relative humidity as low as 45% rH.

Condair industrial dehumidifiers can be configured in a variety of ways and to suit our customers' individual needs. So we always have the optimum dehumidifier for any application.

The standard units in the Condair DC series cover a broad range of applications. They have dehumidification capacities from 75 l/24 h up to 930 l/24 h.

Due to their enormous air capacities up to 8,500 m³/h, even the humidity in very large buildings can be regulated with only one, or just a few, units. They can be free-standing or configured for mobile use, and can even be connected to the air duct network to ensure optimum distribution of the dehumidified air.

For temperature-sensitive areas, we offer special temperature-neutral versions. The condensation heat of the dehumidifiers is discharged through an external condenser, so that strong fluctuations in room temperature can be avoided due to the operation of the dehumidifier.

Condair DC industrial dehumidifiers are equipped with hot gas defrosting as standard, which ensures safe and economical operation even at low room temperatures.

Diagram: Functional principle of condensation dehumidification, showing airflow through evaporator, compressor, and condenser.

Technical Data - Condair DC series

Condair DC-W (Wall Mounting)

Condair DC-R (Rear Wall Mounting)

Condair DC-C (Ceiling Mounting)

Condair DC-N (With External Heat Dissipation)

Condair DC-LT (For low temperatures)

Storage

Excessive humidity is a pervasive problem in the storage industry that can significantly impact product quality and safety. One of the primary culprits is incoming outside air, which can introduce moisture into the storage environment. However, moisture released by stored products can also contribute to elevated humidity levels, creating an environment ripe for moisture damage, caking, mould growth, and corrosion.

These can lead to significant losses for storage management, as compromised products must be discarded or sold at a reduced price, lowering overall profits. Additionally, the formation of condensation on walkways, technical equipment, louvre curtains, and other components can lead to a hazardous and unsanitary working environment, posing a risk to workers' health and safety.

The use of suitable dehumidification systems guarantees efficient and safe operation of warehouses and cold stores. In addition to ensuring optimum product quality at all times, a safe and hygienic working environment is guaranteed.

Storage of wood

Humidity: 40-60% RH

Temperature: 12-20 °C

Storage of paper

Humidity: 40-50% RH

Temperature: 18-20°C

Production halls

Humidity: 45-55% RH

Temperature: 22-25°C

Storage of electrical components

Humidity: ≤5% RH

Temperature: 20-25 °C

Storage of sugar

Humidity: 20-25% RH

Temperature: 25 °C

Cold storage

In the storage of food items such as meat and sausage products, dairy products, baked goods, and frozen foods, maintaining an optimal balance between appropriate room temperature and humidity is of utmost importance for ensuring consistently high product quality over time. Frequently, deviations from the ideal conditions for only a short period can lead to significant damages.

A particular challenge in this regard is the regulation of humidity. It is unavoidable that warm and humid air, for example during the introduction or removal of goods, flows into the storage area or that newly deposited products release moisture into the air. The permanent and secure removal of this moisture poses an ongoing problem for many operators, especially when dealing with storage temperatures often well below 0°C. When water condenses out of the air, it manifests as liquid or, in the case of frozen storage, as ice on floors, walls, and goods. This leads to damage to the products and compromises operational safety, as individuals can slip, get injured, or forklifts can skid on slippery ice.

Recirculating air coolers that draw air from the warehouse, cool it in a heat exchanger, and then blow it back into the storage area only provide limited dehumidification of the air.

Temperatures below freezing point rapidly lead to icing of the cooler with this method of dehumidification, necessitating a subsequent defrosting phase during which neither cooling nor dehumidification are available. Additionally, the cooler must be set to very low operating temperatures (approximately 5 to 7 K below room temperature) to enable dehumidification at such cold room temperatures at all. This approach is highly energy and cost-intensive.

Freezer warehouse

Humidity: 40-60% RH

Temperature: -25 to -10°C

Pharmaceutical industry

Many pharmaceutical products are made from hygroscopic raw materials in powdered or granulated form. High and uncontrolled humidity during the tableting and packaging process can cause a variety of problems that are often difficult to solve.

If powders or granulates come into contact with the water vapor in the air, this can have a serious effect on both the production process and product quality.

In this way, powdery raw materials can clump together and block pneumatic conveying systems, resulting in time-consuming cleaning processes and production interruptions. Moisture-related uneven dosing can lead to uncontrolled and limited effectiveness of the active ingredients.

Deviations in volume, weight, color, and product characteristics, as well as potentially reduced product shelf life, have negative impacts on the perception of the company's brand.

Excessive humidity and condensation also favor potential bacterial or mold growth, which can result in prolonged production interruptions with corresponding devastating financial consequences.

Laboratories, as well, must accurately control humidity to ensure the generation of precise and dependable outcomes. Dehumidification systems can maintain humidity levels at the optimal range throughout the production and packaging stages, thus guaranteeing peak production security and efficiency.

Condair offers a wide variety of technologies and accessories to help you discover the ideal solution for your specific requirements.

Penicillin production

Humidity: 60% RH

Temperature: 25°C

Tablet presses

Humidity: 35% RH

Temperature: 24°C

Test lab

Humidity: 45% RH

Temperature: 22°C

Gelatin production

Humidity: 24% RH

Temperature: 20°C

Water suppliers

Condensation is one of the biggest challenges faced by companies operating and maintaining equipment at water supply facilities, particularly during the warmer months of the year.

The infiltration of warm, humid air into cooler buildings can lead to condensation forming on the pipes and fittings that carry the water, and other colder components.

This can cause considerable damage to technical systems and the building itself:

• Destruction of anti-corrosion coatings
• Corrosion of electrical contacts and damage to sensitive electronics
• Droplet and mold formation
• Mold build-up and microbe growth
• Clumping of chemicals and additives
• Wet surfaces representing a safety risk for staff

Powerful dehumidification systems can effectively and efficiently protect technical equipment in water supply facilities from all kinds of moisture-related damage.

They can also help to significantly reduce the amount of downtime required for maintenance by keeping equipment in peak condition. Plus, they keep the working environment safe and hygienic for staff.

Waterworks

Humidity: 50% RH

Temperature: 18°C

Food

When it comes to food production, processing, and storage, maintaining the highest levels of hygiene standards is paramount for companies. Alongside the infiltration of moisture from warm and humid external air, as well as from people and the products themselves, etc., the frequent and thorough cleaning procedures required in this industry can result in a significant additional accumulation of moisture within production facilities.

Dehumidifiers stand as the most effective and efficient solution to ensure the maintenance of optimal conditions for uninterrupted, hygienic, and safe operations.

Large quantities of water vapor can be swiftly extracted, thereby preventing condensation and droplet formation. Downtimes caused by cleaning processes are minimized. Transport systems become operational promptly after cleaning.

Potential risks to personnel, such as wet floors or mist formation, are averted, and the growth of germs is prevented altogether.

Cookies

Humidity: 40-55% RH

Temperature: 15-20°C

Chocolate

Humidity: 40-55% RH

Temperature: 15-20°C

Cheese

Humidity: 75-85% RH

Temperature: 2-15°C

Bread

Humidity: 65% RH

Temperature: 30-40°C

Efficiency

One traditional method of dehumidification that is still commonplace today is a simple ventilation and circulation system, whereby the damp air is sucked in via a ventilator and dryer air streams in from outside. This external air must then be reheated, which takes a huge amount of energy. This method is therefore incredibly wasteful.

It is far more efficient to run dehumidifiers based on a closed cooling circuit system. All Condair industrial dehumidifiers work according to the heat pump principle, whereby all of the warmth given up in the heat pump circuit is used to heat the room. This considerably decreases operating costs. Compared to a simple ventilation system with supply and exhaust air streams, a dehumidifier can be up to 60% more efficient.

Desiccant dryers can also be operated very economically when existing media such as steam or hot water are used or are combined with the electric regeneration heater.

The use of such hybrid reactivation leads, especially in larger applications, to a significant energy cost savings and thus to a strong reduction in operating costs.

Planning and service

The possibilities for air dehumidification are extensive and diverse. To select the appropriate system, it is recommended to consult a specialist during the project planning phase who can provide objective and knowledgeable advice to consultants, installers and operators.

You can always receive assistance from the experts at Condair for planning, sizing, and selecting the air dehumidification system that best suits your requirements.

And if you ever experience an issue, help is available fast for both industrial and commercial customers. Condair offers a nationwide customer service program which you can also use to source maintenance and commissioning services for your dehumidifier as needed.

Condair offers the following product-applicable services:

• Planning support
• On-site consultation and sales with our specialists
• Software-assisted sizing and calculation
• Nationwide after-sales service
• Spare parts