Keep productivity flowing with targeted dehumidification

Due to the low temperature of water carried through pipework, and the fact that many parts of a water management facility are often underground, indoor temperatures are rarely higher than 18°C. This means that warm humid air that enters the building will condense when it comes into contact with the cold surfaces inside the facility.

While temperature can be difficult and expensive to regulate, the use of targeted dehumidifiers can help remove excess moisture from the air and help prevent condensation in the most vulnerable areas of a water management facility.

4 ways dehumidifiers can help a waterworks run efficiently

#1 Prevent corrosion
Water droplets left on pipework and equipment will soon lead to the deterioration of important components that are vital for the smooth running of a facility. For example, when rust forms on shut-off slide valves and check valves, there are more likely to be delays during general maintenance and, more worryingly, problems during emergency situations.

#2 Protect electrical components
Ensuring that sensitive remote data transfer and electronics components remain free from moisture will not only increase the lifespan of expensive equipment, but also reduce the risk of malfunctions and help avoid false alarms.

#3 Prevent structural damage
In addition to cosmetic damage such as flaking paint and stained walls, moisture can seep into the structural elements of a building, causing efflorescence (the phenomena where soluble salts and other water dispersible materials come to the surface of concrete and mortars) as well as mould growth, which can cause irreparable damage.

#4 Ensure a safe working environment
Mould and mildew can become a danger to people as well as the structure of a building. As it spreads, mould will release toxic spores into the atmosphere, posing a serious health risk to staff working at the facility.

How dehumidifiers work

Portable refrigerant dehumidifiers come in various shapes, sizes and capacities. However, they all use the same core principles to control moisture levels in the atmosphere.

A refrigerant dehumidifier consists of a fan, a cooling unit and, if required, an outdoor air intake. The cooling unit includes an evaporator, a condenser, and a compressor.

As humid air flows over a cold coil inside the cooling unit, the water in the air becomes condensation. A refrigerant in the cooling unit then evaporates at low pressure and low temperature, before being condensed at high pressure and high temperature.

• Damp air is drawn into the dehumidifier and across a refrigerated coil

• The air is cooled below its dew point, condensing the water vapour

• Latent heat energy is recovered and re-used

• Cooled air passes across the condenser and reheated

• The warm dry air is then returned to the room at the required humidity

Water management facilities across Europe have placed their trust in AERIAL products to remove harmful moisture from the atmosphere. To find out how your waterworks facility could benefit, and to learn more about the dehumidification systems available, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team via the form below.