Why is humidity important for clean rooms and laboratories?
Many experiment or tests are required to be conducted according to very specific environment conditions with very specific and very tight humidity levels.
Humidity levels above 45%RH will prevent not only electrostatic discharge but also will avoid any flying dust in clean room.
Humidity levels above 45%RH is required for biology laboratories.
Recommended humidity level for your clean room and laboratory
The recommended humidity level for clean room is 45 +/-3% RH.
(Reference: ASHRAE Handbooks)
Some specific and more stringent humidity level might be required depending on the type of experiment conducted in the laboratory.
How can you bring humidity to your clean room and laboratory?
Clean rooms and laboratories spaces do require humidifier capable of producing very accurate humidity level with tolerances of +/-1%RH.
Selection of the proper humidification solution should be based on the following:
- What is the required maximum humidification capacity (load) required?
- What sources of energies are available on site?
- Which humidification technology will be able to meet the required humidity level accuracy?
- How is the ventilation system installed and how is the air distributed?
- Which humidification system will require the least amount of energy – calculated for the overall HVAC system?
It is common for this application to require 24/7 humidification, with no drop of humidity during a test or experiment period that can last from 1hr to 6 months, as well as a quick response time. Those specific requirements will narrow the selection of humidification systems to an isothermal humidifiers supplied with pure water to eliminate regular and automatic drain of the steam generator.
Depending on how critical the humidity level is to be maintained, a redundant humidification system should be considered.
IER electric steam humidifier is an easy and efficient solution to control precise to very precise humidity level (up to +/-1%RH) to clean room and laboratory.
ISE steam exchange or ILS Live steam humidifier are another solutions to be considered,
If raw steam from boiler is not contaminated and suitable for direct injection in the air stream, ILS humidifier is the easiest way to bring humidity to the building with a relatively low cost of ownership since minimal maintenance is required,
If raw steam from boiler is not suitable for direct injection, or if you need very safe, sterile and pure source of atmospheric steam then ISE humidifier is the best choice.
Gas fired humidifier or other technologies able to deliver large humidity capacity can be considered.
Contact us to locate our local steamOvap representative.