WHITE PAPER
USING DRICALC® TO CONFIDENTLY
AND EASILY SPECIFY AND SELECT
HUMIDIFICATION SYSTEMS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Humidification is an integral part of many of today's HVAC systems. The fundamental principles of humidification are well documented, but the intricacies of how humidification systems work within the context of a complex HVAC system, and the vast array of humidification options, can be daunting even for a seasoned HVAC Engineer. DriSteem is a world leader with over 50 years of expertise in designing and manufacturing humidification systems to meet demanding and unique requirements. As a way of supporting our mission to provide customers with exceptional service and superior products, DriSteem has developed DriCalc® Sizing and Selection software to provide an easy way for Engineers to navigate the process of selecting a humidification system to meet their needs.
Engineers face many challenges when designing HVAC systems; demanding customers, tight schedules,
limited budgets, competing requirements, new and changing technologies, and meeting rigorous standards. DriSteem understands these challenges and is committed to partnering with our customers to make the process of selecting the best humidification system as easy as possible, while giving you confidence that the system you select will perform as expected.
There are four main goals of this white paper.
1. Introduction to incorporating humidification into designs
2. Overview of what the DriCalc software offers
3. Benefits that the DriCalc software brings to the design team
4. Accessibility and training options
1
INTRODUCTION TO INCORPORATING HUMIDIFICATION
INTO DESIGNS
Importance of Humidification in Building Design
Proper humidification is extremely important for many applications and must be considered up front during the building design process. Factors to consider include the intent (humidification or cooling), the humidification load, available energy sources, quality of the supplied water, where the moisture will be dispersed, and the level and type of controls needed.
Failure to consider all factors may result in a system that operates inefficiently, doesn't meet the intended requirements, or can cause unintended consequences due to poorly managed moisture. With a good design, properly controlled humidification can promote health and safety, improve productivity, extend the life of materials, and enhance occupant satisfaction.
Here are some common uses of humidification:
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Indoor Air Quality: Studies have shown that the optimum range for relative humidity (RH) is between 40-60%. Bacteria and viruses thrive in dry air where the relative humidity is less than 40%. Keeping the relative humidity under 60%
hinders the development of fungi, mites, chemical interactions and ozone production. Proper humidification can reduce occurrences of allergic rhinitis, respiratory infections, asthma, and can reduce absenteeism.
