Humidification for pressurized steam applications:
Short absorption and energy savings with pressurized condensate return
As commercial and industrial steam humidification systems grew in complexity and demand since the mid 1900s, unique application requirements inspired 50 years of innovation. But each new breakthrough required new trade-offs:
Non-jacketed steam dispersion tubes were efficient and easy to install; however, their steam absorption distances were too long for some applications, and they were prone to spitting.
Steam jacketed dispersion tubes eliminated spitting and made pressurized condensate return possible. However,
their hot metal jackets constantly on in most systems were inefficient and increased the airflow temperature. Also, their large profiles prevented close tube spacing and increased absorption distances.
Steam dispersion panels were a breakthrough in short absorption, and efficiency was improved by closely spaced dispersion tubes that cooled to duct temperature when not dispersing steam. However, they required P traps with requisite clearance, and drains or pumps for unpressurized condensate.
The biggest breakthroughs in steam humidification systems have happened only recently, and their impact on the humidification industry is only just now dawning. A fusion of two innovations provides for the first time in one steam dispersion panel, and with no trade-offs short absorption, significant energy savings,
and pressurized condensate return:
Insulated (high-efficiency) steam dispersion tubes reduce wasted energy and condensate production up to 85%
in evaporative and pressurized steam applications.
Dispersion panels with integral heat exchangers save additional energy while eliminating water waste and the need for P traps and condensate pumps in pressurized steam applications.
In the not-so-distant past, wasting dispersion-generated condensate to the nearest drain was not an issue, and it saved on installation labor. There was no incentive for saving energy and resources. So why is a steam dispersion panel with insulated tubes and a heat exchanger that manages condensate a breakthrough?
Humidification for people, processes,
and preservation
As hospitals and other buildings are built or retrofitted for improved indoor environments, relative humidity (RH) is a critical design factor. Studies confirm that properly maintained RH is a key factor in building occupants' health and
