EcoEnerSmart ™

Posted on May 5, 2021May 10, 2021 by bsysteamovap

1- Laws of physic are ruthless

Tap water we consume is never 100% pure: it contains other natural elements (or not) such as minerals or metals or other chemical compounds.

Whatever the humidification method, it is necessary to take care of these elements contained in the water.

Water pre-treatment such as water filters, Reverse Osmosis (RO) membranes or Deionization (DI) beds will reduce most or eliminate all of the particulates.

Water pre-treatment is mandatory for adiabatic humidification by water atomization, otherwise all the particulates contained in water will be sprayed in the air , this will result in dust deposit and risk of distributing other contaminant in the air.

When water is evaporated by means of an evaporation media or for isotherm humidification when steam is produced from boiling water, the water pre-treatment is not anymore mandatory, as steam is pure (pure H2O in the form of vapor), in those cases you need to deal with those water dissolved solids (TDS) afterwards, as those one will precipitate in a form of scale that can be as hard as a rock.

Another ruthless law of physic is the amount of energy to increase relative humidity of surrounding air that is the same whatever the method of humidification is: It is the amount energy to change H2O from liquid to vapor. 970Btu are required to evaporate 1lb [0.45kg] of water at sea level.

Adiabatic process will take this energy from surrounding air, so water evaporation will also result in cooling the air. Isothermal process will take this 970Btu per pound of water from other source such as electricity or gas to boil water and produce hot (saturated) steam.

2 – Water evaporation with steam

As mentioned above water pre-treatment is not mandatory for steam humidification. Steam humidification has many advantages:

No contaminant contained in the liquid form of tap water is transferred to vapor phase (steam)

Steam is pure and sterile

Steam is hot, with a temperature of 212F (100°C), it will kill any surrounded contaminant

Steam is naturally and quickly absorbed to the air at any temperature.

Steam production can easily be adjusted to RH% demand by reducing or increasing energy input and boiling rate.

Water is boiled from water tank called steam cylinder, or steam chamber, or evaporation chamber. There will be heating elements or electrodes rods or heat exchanger immersed in the water. This tank will need to be open and cleaned if in stainless steel or to be replaced if in plastic.

3 -Foaming

Another effect of producing steam by boiling tap (untreated) water is the possible foaming of during water boiling.

Anybody that has cooked some pasta for dinner has experienced water boiling and foaming. In the case of cooking pasta the foam is due to the input of starch from the pasta which are added to boiling water.

When foaming is occurring it is sudden, it is strong enough to be able to sometime lift the cover of the pot, and it will result in overflowing water.

In the case of the steam humidifier, the constant production of pure steam which does not contain TDS will cause the concentration of TDS in the water in the cylinder to increase, to a certain extent and depending on the exact nature of these TDS, conditions for the foam to arise are satisfied. The water concentration is too high.

For this reason, any steam humidifier will be equipped with a foam detection sensor. This foam sensor is usually made from one or more conductive probes placed on top of the steam cylinder. Foam is always conductive. As soon as detected boiling should stop and TDS concentration in the water needs to be decreased before to start over the steam production. In other words, you need to flush this dirty water and replace it.

4 – How to avoid foaming?

There are three methods to de-concentrate the TDS from boiling water in steam chamber.

Skimmer

Skimmer is a simple and efficient method, the water reservoir is designed so that every time you re-fill it with new water, some of the water from the top of the tank will overflow and be evacuated to drain. TDS concentration from the top layer of the water is reduced, risk of foaming to occurred is reduced.

There are two important problems with this methods:

1) Overflowing boiling water is very costly energy wise. Humidifier will constantly waste water and steam during steam production.

2) Adjusting the skimmer overflow rate is not easy because it depends on the mechanical and hydraulic construction of the evaporation chamber.

Drain frequency

Drain frequency sometime called flush cycle, does consist in replacing part or full water content from the steam cylinder, water content is drained down at regular and fixed time intervals.

Those time intervals are sometime calculated based on the true evaporation rate of the humidifier but not always, some steam humidifier drain frequency is independent from evaporation rate, full or part of cylinder content is wasted to drain. Water is renew with new and cold water. As soon as cylinder is full again the steam production can resume.

Drain frequency is adjusted depending on water TDS measurement during first start-up or based on technician or building owner experience.

Again the energy wasted by draining hot water is very important. Also there will be a drop in RH% in the humidified space during the water replacement process.

Water dilution

Water dilution sequence have been developed primarily to avoid drop in steam production caused by the drain frequency method.

This method consists in draining small amount and adding same small amount of fresh water at smaller time intervals. When properly set there will be no more drop of RH% in the humidified space.

Water dilution parameters are numerous, amount of water drained, time interval, power input during water filling, amount of water brought in… As for any of the foam prevention method settings are based on water quality (amount of TDS contained in water).

Main problem of this method is the complexity in setting it up properly and efficiently for the steam humidifier.

5 – What is EcoEnerSmart ™ function?

EcoEnerSmart ™ is totally unique in the industry, it is a water dilution system that is set automatically and will automatically adapt to the actual water conditions during the life of the steam humidifier.

EcoEnerSmart ™ function is patented. It is the result of the rich experience of steamOvap design team. It is possible thanks to the use of incomparable calculation power of board computer used in our humidifiers and to the full extent of real time clock operating system.

As soon as the technician is selecting Autodilution the steam humidifier will select the water dilution sequence settings developed for this specific model. As indicated above, water dilution sequence settings does include time intervals, amount of water drained, amount of new water filled, energy power management to ensure constant steam production. In the event that foam would occur, this event is recorded and settings of water dilution sequence are automatically adapted in order to avoid any further foaming episodes.

Steam production is optimized, since drained water is reduced to minimum and water consumption is optimized as well.

Thus, there is no need for technical assistance to change the settings of the water dilution sequence, all you need to do is select ‘’Autodilution’’. There is no more need for an advanced degree in water chemistry or endless trial and errors to make a proper set up.

6. Savings with EcoEnerSmart ™

Hopefully EcoEnerSmart ™ function will help change minds. We have measured the energy and water saving to a standard 35 lb/h electric steam humidifier, comparing EcoEnerSmart ™ function to a drain frequency (full tank flush at fixed intervals) method over a period of 24 hours.

Your will save 18.3kWh and 97 Gallons of water (367 Liters) at the end of the 24h period.

A fair extrapolation for a full year operation period with a 50 % duty cycle will result in 3,300kWh of electricty power and 17,700 Gallons of water (67,002 Liters) !

Conclusion

Steam humidification is often pointed out as an energy-intensive humidification method.

As mentioned above in this article laws of physic are ruthless and watever the humidification method you select : 970Btu will be needed to evaporate one pound of water into the air.

With EcoEnerSmart ™, you can now save energy and water with your steamOvap steam humidifier.

By preventing foam build-up, EcoEnerSmart ™ function makes life easier for its users. EcoEnerSmart ™ is totally unique in the industry, you do not need technical assistance to change the water dilution sequence, just select the “auto-dilution” mode and the work is done.

EcoEnerSmart ™ is a feature available on all our steam humidifiers, namely IER electric steam humidifier and ISE steam exchange humidifier .

Fighting COVID19 with humidification

Posted on March 4, 2021May 7, 2021 by bsysteamovap

Fighting COVID19 with humidification

Building humidification is critical for people’s health !

Maintaining relative humidity in offices, workplaces, schools or any other building reduces the potential risk of transmitting viral diseases.

Many scientific studies have confirmed that an indoor relative humidity between 40%-60% will help fighting against viruses spread on 2 fronts:

Air with 40% to 60% RH will limit the spread and survival of any virus such as novel coronavirus SARS-CoV2.
a humidified air above 40% RH will help protect mucosal barriers of human beings , resulting in an increase resistance against any microbial attack.

Here are three of what we think as the most pertinent scientific studies related to the subject:

“Maintaining a relative humidity between 40%-60% within the building environement may help to limit the spread and survival of SARS-CoV-2 within the built environment, while minimizing the risk of mold growth, and maintaining hydrated and intact mucosal barriers of human occupants.” Read more

Abstract from “2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak: A Review of the Current Literature and Built Environment (BE) Considerations to Reduce Transmission” by Leslie Dietz, Patrick F. Horve, David Coil, Mark Fretz, Kevin Van Den Wymelenberg, (2019)

“There are data to suggest that outdoor absolute humidity levels affect humidity levels inside and that simple humidifiers may be adequate to raise absolute humidity to levels associated with a significant reduction in influenza virus survival.” Read more

Abstract from “Influenza and humidity: Why a bit more damp may be good for you!” by Jane A. Metz, Adam Finn, (Journal of Infection (2015) 71, S54-S58)

“The relationship between inactivation and RH was not monotonic, and there was greater survival or a greater protective effect at low RH (20%) and high RH (80%) than at moderate RH (50%).” Read more

Abstract from “Effects of Air Temperature and Relative Humidity on Coronavirus Survival on Surfaces” by Lisa M. Casanova, Soyoung Jeon, William A. Rutala, David J. Weber, and Mark D. Sobsey, (2010)

SARS-CoV-2 is transmitted by aerosols

CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and the WHO (World Health Organization) recognize that “pathogens that are primarily transmitted by close contact (i.e. contact and droplets) can sometimes also be transmitted by air in special circumstances”.

‘’The virus can spread from an infected person’s mouth or nose in small liquid particles when they cough, sneeze, speak, sing or breathe heavily. These liquid particles are different sizes, ranging from larger ‘respiratory droplets’ to smaller ‘aerosols’. ‘’

Inadequate ventilation or air treatment allows an accumulation of small respiratory droplets and airborne particles that can remain viable and infectious in aerosols for hours.

The smaller the virus particle is, the longer the spread will be and the humidified air will act directly to stop the spread. This is explained in a study by Makoto Tsubokura, team leader for computational fluid dynamics at Kobe University and the RIKEN Institute. When the droplets come out of your mouth, they mix with the air and disperse. But when the air is dry, the droplets evaporate faster. As they evaporate, what we call aerosolization progresses. So, the droplets that would have fallen on the floor disperse more if the air is dry.

Maintaining air humidity between 40% and 60% indoors would allow a better fight against coronaviruses by reducing aerosol contamination.

How humidified air is helping us?

Above 30% relative humidity, human body’s defenses are stronger. Air that is too dry can be harmful to health due to dehydration.

Humidity is an essential condition for well-being : Humidified air protects the human body and prevents dryness of the skin, eyes and lungs:

The skin is our first body barrier that needs to be hydrated to prevent itching, cracking and bleeding.
Tears protect our eyes from outside contaminants.
A dry nose, dry throat or dry lungs can increase the risk of respiratory infections.

Human body contains at least 65% water, humidified air is essential to maintain hydration, increase our immune defense and prevent health issues.

ASHRAE Epidemic Task Force

Dry air below 40% RH has been shown to:

- Reduce healthy immune system function (respiratory epithelium, skin, etc.)
- Increase transmission of some airborne viruses and droplets (COVID-19 still being studied)
- Increase survival rate of pathogens
- Decrease effectiveness of hand hygiene and surface cleaning because of surface recontamination or too-quick drying of disinfectants

Thanks to recent studies by ASHRAE, an international technical organization in the field of HVAC engineering, we have more information and new directions for HVAC systems to help mitigate SARS-CoV-2 transmission.

More information

Isothermal or adiabatic humidification?

Air humidification is one of the essential Indoor Air Quality element to control in order to fight against SARS-CoV2 causing COVID19. are the humidification methods equal? Is adiabatic humidification equal to isothermal humidification? Humidity is an essential condition for well-being :

Isothermal humidification produces hot steam from boiling water. Energy to evaporate the water is introduced by a water heating source once the water has turned to hot steam it will be naturally a quickly absorbed by surrounding dry air with no more energy exchange.

With isothermal humidification, steam at 212F [100C] injected into the air will kill any pathogenic particles (bacteria or viruses) present.

It is pure, sterile and there is no additional risk of contamination from water; since, if any it would have been killed by heat-up water to the boiling point.

Adiabatic humidification is adding water to the air by using energy from surrounding air, fine droplet of water will evaporate to the air or air will pass through wetted media. Since water evaporation is done by transfert of energy from surrounding air, the air is cooled as well as humidified.

Adiabatic humidification uses a source of cold water, which need to be free from contaminant before evaporation to the air. There are many strategies to reduce pathogenic particles from water itself, like filtration or purification such as Reverse osmosis filtration or deionization process, or with UV disinfection.

Unfortunately, decontaminated or disinfected water evaporated into the air will not be able to eliminate pathogenic particles from the air, it will only pick them up and transport them further.

In conclusion, isothermal humidification using steam humidifiers is a better solution to fight against SARS-CoV2 causing COVID19 disease since the hot steam injected in the air is pure and sterile (free for any germ). This steam will kill any virus particles that would be in direct contact with the steam.

Contact us, if you need help

IER service/cleaning video

Posted on March 10, 2020May 26, 2021 by bsysteamovap

IER service/cleaning video and more

We are pleased to present you the steamOvap youtube channel

Featured Videos

If you want to learn more about SteamOvap and how humidification can benefit you, here are some videos on how to save energy with proper load calculation and how humidification can be helpful.

Humidity Control in Marijuana Production

Posted on March 20, 2019September 20, 2020 by eric landry

Booming Business

As more and more states in the USA and countries such as Canada are legalizing the recreational use of marijuana, this business is booming.

There are many ways to grow marijuana. Today, indoor growing rooms facilities are considered, by many, to be the most efficient. However, because of the extensive use of energy by indoor facilities, some are experimenting with greenhouses or hybrid facilities (a combination of a greenhouse and an indoor room). Water temperature, nutrients, humidity, air quality, carbon dioxide levels and lighting are the most important parameters to control, they are now all very documented.

In this article we will focus on the need for proper humidity control and the optimal Relative Humidity (RH%) level in air for the different growing stages.

Why is humidity control important for marijuana growing?

Humidity is probably one of the most important air quality parameters to control but it is the most poorly designed and executed. If it’s too humid, mold growth can destroy the entire crop. If it’s not humid enough, plants can get stressed and die.

Nutrient absorption: humidity levels influence how much water marijuana plants absorb which influences the amount of nutrients it absorbs. A low humidity level causes plants to drink more resulting in “nutrient burn”, which gives the leaves a yellow or burnt colour.

Altered growth: marijuana plants in early stages need a higher humidity level whereas more mature plants prefer lower humidity levels. Moisture is one of the factors that controls the opening and closing of the stomata. Dry air causes the stomata to close to limit the loss of water.

What Humidity level for which growing stages?

Overview:

Drying: While the marijuana is drying, a relative humidity of 50 per cent should be maintained. This stops the plant from drying out too quickly, because the water leaves the cannabis slowly.

Lights On and Off: During the Light-On period, humidity levels should be as per set point (indicated in the above table). As soon as the lights are turned off, the plants will release moisture into the air, the RH% level in the air must be reduced and HVAC systems should respond with de-humidification mode.

Young Sprout: Seedlings and clones like a high humidity levels of 65-80%. Because the root system is not developed, high humidity allows the absorption of water through the leaves.

Vegetative growth: Humidity levels can be reduced by 5% per week (acceptable range: 40-70%). Now the roots absorb more water, and the evaporation by the leaves refreshes the plants, so moisture content in the air can be reduced.

Flowering: Humidity levels should be lowered to between 40 and 50%, as flowers can be affected by high humidity level typically above 55% RH. Each grower will have their own recipe at this stage since moisture content in the air will affect appearance and flavor of the crop.

Greenhouse versus indoor grow room:

Indoor facilities: With the need to control air and water temperature, RH% and CO2 levels as well as the lighting in order to obtain a good quality crop, it is logical to develop indoor growing facilities to be able to minimize any exterior factors or contaminant. However, a typical indoor growing facility uses 10 to 20 times more energy than a typical office building. Some experts highlight the consumption of 2,000kWh power per pound of cannabis.

In the quest to reduce energy use either for profitability or environment concern, some farmers are now experimenting with greenhouses or hybrid facilities combining greenhouse and indoor rooms.

Greenhouse: Greenhouse facilities enable farmers to reduce the use of artificial lighting and power but also to produce a different and more natural product. Light deprivation would be done by blocking natural light with partial or full shading.

However, the optimal use of a greenhouse facility depends on your geographical location and climate. Greenhouse growing operations depend on the season, in order to optimize the use of the best conditions of marijuana growing to the natural seasons.

How steamOvap can assist you?

Whatever the size or the configuration of your project, steamOvap will be able to provide you with humidity control and humidifiers that will allow you to achieve optimal humidity levels for your use.

We offer an isothermal electric humidifier (IER model) that will produce clean and sterile steam with variable and very precise output to +/- 1%RH. Humidity levels can be adapted to the lighting sequence and the growth of your plantation.

We also offer adiabatic humidification solutions such as an evaporative (AEM model) or dry fog atomizer (ACA model) using very low power and a lowering cooling load.

Installation of one of the above humidifiers will bring you the following benefits:

Optimize Marijuana plant growth
Protect Marijuana plants from heat stress
Increase your productivity
Adapt humidity level to the Marijuana plant growth
Improve your Marijuana plant quality

SteamOvap’s technical team has already helped several small to large marijuana growing companies to design and tailor their HVAC system to optimize their cannabis production. We have helped fix many mistakes such as oversized systems, energy traps, and others.

References:

– TANTALUS. About.2018 « WHY SUNGROWN ». https://tantaluslabs.com/pages/the-future-of-cannabis-is-sungrown/ [2019-03-18].

– Khan Academy. 2011. « Biology ». https://www.khanacademy.org/science/biology/photosynthesis-in-plants/photorespiration–c3-c4-cam-plants/v/photorespiration [2019-03-05].

– Gisleröd, H.R., Selmer-Olsen, A.R. & Mortensen, L.M. Plant Soil (1987) 102: 193. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02370702

Humidity vs Flu

Posted on February 12, 2019March 20, 2019 by Bernard Saint-yves

humidity to fight flu & influenza viruses

Abstract from ”Influenza and humidity: Why a bit more damp may be good for you!” by Jane A. Metz, Adam Finn, (Journal of Infection (2015) 71, S54-S58)

Influenza

Influenza viruses are among the most common causes of human respiratory infections and cause high morbidity and mortality. In a typical endemic season, influenza results in approximately 200,000 hospitalizations and 36,000 deaths in the United States alone.

Relative and absolute humidity

flu

When we consider humidity we generally think in terms of relative humidity (RH); this is the amount of water vapour present in air, expressed as a percentage of the amount needed for saturation at the same temperature. RH affects how hot we feel at a given temperature by altering the effectiveness of sweating as a cooling mechanism. In high RH, sweat does not easily evaporate because the air is already nearly completely saturated with water. Heat is therefore not lost, leading to continued but ineffective sweating. At cloud level, RH also determines whether it will rain.

Supporting epidemiological data: changes in outside air absolute humidity predict the onset of seasonal influenza epidemics

Shaman et al. studied the correlation between the onset of influenza epidemics and outside air absolute humidity in the United States. First, they correlated the spatial and temporal variation of epidemic influenza onset from 1972 to 2002 (this equates to 1000 different ’flu epidemics in 48 contiguous states) with the concurrently recorded absolute humidity data for these regions. They demonstrated that negative (i.e. low) anomalous absolute humidity values were typically observed 4 weeks prior to the onset of an influenza epidemic. They found a small (55-60%), but highly statistically significant (p < 0.0005) association between atypically low local daily absolute humidity and the onset of wintertime influenza. They demonstrated that the model could accurately predict spatial and temporal variations in epidemic influenza. These data were cross-validated by performing 31 year (1972-2002) simulations for each of the 48 states.

Feasible ways of altering indoor humidity

There are data to suggest that outdoor absolute humidity levels affect humidity levels inside and that simple humidifiers may be adequate to raise absolute humidity to levels associated with a significant reduction in influenza virus survival. Further research into the effects of increasing absolute humidity on influenza virus transmission in humans appears to be warranted. The prospect of reducing influenza associated morbidity and mortality by increasing the absolute humidity in nurseries, classrooms, hospitals, homes for the elderly and general public spaces is an exciting and novel potential strategy for disarming ’flu.

read full article

AHR 2019 – Welcome to Atlanta

Posted on December 2, 2018February 13, 2019 by Bernard Saint-yves

Do not miss our presentation on Monday, January 14 at 1:45 PM at the Theater A, room C101 more detail

Other products

IER in the spotlight

The IER electric steam humidifier is an electric resistive steam humidifier that produces pure and sterile steam distributed in a ventilation duct or directly in the room. Thanks to our patent pending ‘’Guide & Lock’’ system, the removal and cleaning of the stainless steel permanent cylinder is done in minutes without tools, no electrical connectors to remove, no complicated procedures, no heavy parts to handle or moving parts that can break, and above all: no spare part is required.

The IER humidifier is the best choice for consulting engineers, since its cylinder is equipped with thermal insulation (saving energy) and comes standard with many features that others offer as an option, such as drain cooler, full modulation, operation and alarm contacts, feedback signal, Modbus RTU, and many more…

It is also the best choice for mechanical contractors, since it is the most compact electric steam humidifier in the market while offering the easiest access to all components and parts. Installation, set-up and service has never been so easy, you will save time and trouble, your customer will save money and will love you more.

Steam capacity ranges from 6 to 185lb/h, IER is available in voltage ranging from 120Vac/1ph to 480Vac/3ph.

Come meet the fastest growing humidifier manufacturer in North America at boot B4293.

Electrode and resistive type humidifiers compared

Posted on April 29, 2018October 1, 2020 by Bernard Saint-yves

Electrode boiler and resistive type electric steam humidifiers compared

Introduction

In this article I will explain the difference between electrode boiler and resistive type humidifiers. They are both producing steam and use electricity as source of energy but they are based on two completely different principles of operation. Knowing their differences and their limitations will help you to select the best technology for your application.

How electrode boiler humidifiers generate steam?

Electrode boiler humidifier uses electricity flowing through streams of water to create steam. The conductive properties of water are used to carry electric current. The current drawn and therefore steam production relies on water conductivity (typically between 125 and 1250 µS/cm) and also on the water level covering the electrodes surface.

How resistive type humidifier is making steam?

A resistive type (or resistance type) humidifier uses immersed electric heater to heat up the water to the boiling point to produce steam. Current drawn by the humidifier is the result of Ohm’s law; it is constant and only relying on the resistance value of the heater.

Steam output and accuracy

Steam output of electrode boiler humidifier is a direct function of water conductivity and water level. The cleaner and purer the water is, the lower is its conductivity. Water conductivity contained in electrode boiler humidifier cylinder will increase as the humidifier is producing steam. Steam is free of minerals, salts or other substances, so all of those substances stay in the remaining water until a blow down is performed to renew water contents.

Another factor affecting steam output is the amount of scale or lime stone accumulated on the electrodes. Scale is the result of the precipitation of the minerals and salts contained in water. This process is absolutely inevitable for any electrode boiler humidifier as the use of tap water (city water) is required by its principle of operation.

Humidity output accuracy cannot be better than +/-5% RH for electrode boilers, furthermore the steam output will slowly decrease over the operation of the humidifier until the steam output cannot supply the demand. Then the cylinder has to be replaced.

For a resistive type humidifier, steam output is independent from water conductivity (or other conditions), also the possible scale build-up on the heating element will not affect the steam output of the humidifier. Humidity output accuracy for resistive type can be as low as +/-1% RH. This accuracy is maintained over the life of the humidifier.

Water quality

As already mentioned, an electrode boiler needs water conductivity (impurity) to be able to operate, so this type of humidifier cannot accept treated water such as RO or DI water.

Reverse osmosis (RO) is a water purification technology that uses a semi permeable membrane to remove ions, molecules and larger particles from drinking water. Deionized water (DI), often synonymous with demineralized water, is water that has almost all of its mineral ions removed. Deionization is a chemical process that uses specially manufactured ion-exchange resins.

Resistive type humidifiers can accept very pure water such as RO or DI water. However most manufacturers offering this type of humidifier will use poor materials and/or have limitations due to their water level sensing devices, so they will impose an added cost option for their humidifier able to operate with RO or DI water.

IER humidifier by steamOvap can accept any type of water from tap (city water) to RO water without additional option.

Service

Electrode boiler service consists in removing the ”consumable” plastic cylinder that is not able to produce enough steam anymore by a brand new one.

No recycling program is yet offered by manufacturers for this plastic and electrical spare part that will end in the waste.

In the contrary steam cylinder of a resistive type humidifier is a pemanent part usually made of stainless steel. When tap water is used, this one needs to be serviced. The service consists in opening the cylinder and removing the accumulated scale inside.

This operation can be labour and time consuming and complicated thus requiring special skills and tools for most of the resistive type humidifiers on the market.

This is not the case with IER humidifier by steamOvap, thanks to its patent pending ‘‘guide & lock’’ system that allows you to open and clean the steam cylinder in a few minutes without needs of tools or special skills.

Cost of ownership

Initial cost to purchase an electrode boiler humidifier is lower than resistive type humidifier.

Most of the humidifier manufacturers are offering both technologies. They price electrode boiler humidifier much lower than their resistive type ones. Their pricing is done the same way printers manufacturers do with ink jet printers versus laser printers. Just like ink jet printers, electrode type humidifiers are cheaper to purchase, but as they will be used and operated the consumables will represent considerable costs:ink cartridges for printers or spare plastic cylinder for electrode boiler humidifiers.

Its low initial costs makes electrode boiler humidifier the contractors choice. Most of the time required future spares are not included in the initial budget. This is a very lucrative business for humidifier manufacturers and one of the reasons electrode boiler humidifier is their entry level product.

IER humidifier price is very competitive; furthermore no spare is required for the service of the humidifier. It is the only humidifier on the market offered with a 3 year warranty.

In any case, total cost of ownership is in favor of resistive type humidifier, after only 18 months in average.

Conclusion

When selecting electric steam humidifier, electrode boiler can be very attractive as promoted by other humidifier manufacturers. Reason is simple: they want your business of spares plastic cylinders for the years to come.

Unless you are not concerned by inaccurate and unstable steam output, plus the cost of spare cylinder replacement over the life of the humidifier and the resulting waste of plastic in the field, then electrode boiler humidifier should be your option.

If you prefer to ensure a good humidity control, save energy by using pure water, as well as lower your environmental impact while optimizing the total costs of ownership for the building owner; then resistive type is the best choice for electric steam humidifier.

AHR 2018

Posted on January 7, 2018April 29, 2018 by Bernard Saint-yves

3 Reasons to visit us at 2018 AHR Expo

The 2018 AHR Expo will be held Jan. 22-24, 2018 at McCormick Place in Chicago

As a professional in the HVACR industry, there’s no doubt you’ve heard of the AHR Expo, the world’s largest industry event.

There are plenty of reasons why you should attend the Show in January, but we’ve narrowed it down to the three biggest 😉

Come visit steamOvap at booth 8079

see us at AHR expo

It will be the second participation to the AHR show for steamOvap. If you have missed us last year, you have one more chance to discover our unique and innovative range of humidifiers and controls.

We are dedicated to develop the most sustainable humidification solutions.

Reason #1: IER electric humidifier is the most advanced and sustainable humidifier of its category

IER humidifier by steamOvap is an electric steam generator that uses water immersed resistive heating elements to produce pure and sterile steam that is then distributed in air handling unit or ventilation duct, or directly into space by using our steam distribution box, SB model. IER humidifier can be supplied with tap or treated water such as softened or reverse osmosis water. When tap water is used, the scale will comes off the heating elements by the natural contraction and ex-pansion of the tube heaters . scale pieces then ac-cumulate at the bottom of the cylinder without the risk of clogging the drain outlet. Regular maintenance and cylinder cleaning is very easy thanks to our unique ‘’guide & lock’’ system. It is a safe and proven solution that requires no tool to remove the cylinder and no consumable to be replaced regularly. Its evaporation cylinder made of stainless steel is covered with thermal insulation in order to reduce energy losses.

Reason #2: Discover our new AEM evaporative humidifier

AEM is an evaporative humidifier and cooler using media is designed to be installed in Air Handling Unit (AHU) or ventilation duct.

Water is circulated in the evaporative media , as hot air is passing through the wet media, water is evaporated by using the latent energy of the air. As a result the air gets cooled off up to 21F (12C) and humidified at the same time. Evaporation efficiency is a function of the media design and its thickness, higher the surface contact between the air and wetted media is, better the evaporation efficiency is but also higher the pressure drop will be. Even if it is one of the simplest way to cool and humidify the air this very old technology is being considered as one of the most sustainable ones.

AEM evaporative humidifier and cooler is ideal for installation in AHU with heat recovery heat exchanger:

Direct evaporative cooling and humidifying when installed in the supply.
Indirect evaporative cooling when installed in the return lowering the air return temperature will result in increased efficiency for the heat exchanger.

Reason #3: Do not miss the world’s first presentation of our new and unique high efficiency steam distribution ramps.

We are proud to present you our solution to dramatically reduce condensate losses in steam distribution ramps.

The high efficiency steam ramps that we have developed use a two layers thermal insulation. this insulation is certified ASTM E84 (equivalent to UL723) and is able to stand very high temperature and fire.

All this at a very affordable cost.

We will be very happy to show you our demo on our booth.

So come and see us at booth 8079