As humidifier specialists, we often see humidifiers that have been supplied as per the specification, installed perfectly and correctly commissioned but still cause their end-users problems, writes Tim Scott, sales and marketing director at JS Humidifiers.
This is often because of the specification not fully meeting the end-user's requirements and can be avoided by asking a few questions at the outset to reaffirm the spec.

Suppliers need to ask: What level of humidity is required? What tolerance of humidity control is acceptable? What energy source is available and is there enough? Is energy cost or carbon footprint an important consideration? What maintenance costs are acceptable?

Increase project value

By exploring which features are important to the user, there is often the opportunity to increase the project's value. For instance, by considering energy savings or carbon footprint, the installation of an initially more expensive system may pay for itself in one year when the running costs are taken into account.

A common problem that occurs with steam humidifier installations is incorrect condensate handling. When dealing with steam, attention has to be paid to where the condensation will flow. If condensation is allowed to build-up in kinks or long pipe runs, it will encourage more condensation. This will affect the amount of steam the unit produces and lower the efficiency, resulting in a correctly specified unit not doing the job.

Another issue is the positioning. Humidifiers need to be serviced and access to the unit must be considered. Too high and it may need two engineers to service it instead of one, doubling the cost. Too close to walls or the floor and it may be impossible to open panels or install correct drains.

Hygiene must also be considered when installing a humidifier. Good pipe design is needed to avoid dead-legs and water traps that could potentially harbour stagnant water. Also it is the contractor's responsibility to inform the client of necessary maintenance in connection with the system. If there is a problem later because of a lack of maintenance, the contractor may be considered to have breached duty of care.

Effective communication is vital to achieve a good controls strategy. For instance, if an energy efficient cold water system is to be used then the air may need to be preheated to achieve the correct temperature after humidification. Issues such as this need to be discussed at an early stage with the ahu supplier, controls company and humidifier supplier, otherwise there maybe surprises waiting at the time of commissioning.

Commissioning

It is recommended the humidifier manufacturer or supplier carry out the commissioning. A quality supplier should be able to offer this service. Scheduling-in the controls company to be on site at the same time as the commissioning engineer will help swift, accurate set-up.

All humidifiers need to be maintained and this offers another opportunity for the contractor to provide a better service to the end-user. JS Humidifiers offers planned maintenance agreements, whereby a schedule of service visits is arranged. By introducing this type of service contract to the end-user at the installation stage of the project, the contractor can make money on every humidifier project he handles years after the initial installation. This type of support can be offered by JS Humidifiers.

Contractors have the opportunity to discuss the question of servicing early with the end-user, as it's important to find out whether or not the system can be taken offline for essential maintenance. Some process industries require consistent humidification all day, every day to maintain effective production. If the humidifier cannot be shut down then the initial project ought to involve a back-up unit, which presents another opportunity to up-sell the project.

The most important thing to remember when setting out on a humidification project is to get advice from a competent supplier.