Measuring the humidity level in an industrial environment is crucial. It not only contributes to energy savings, but also improves the quality of the final product in industrial facilities and processes. When humidity levels are optimal, even indoor air quality benefits.
In fact, experts warn that excessive or insufficient moisture content can negatively affect the physical properties of materials. Therefore, in various industries, measuring the water content in substances is essential to assess quality, adjust manufacturing processes and ensure that products comply with established standards and guidelines.
What is humidity in production environments?
Refers to the amount of water vapor present in the air. This factor is critical, since it significantly influences the quality and efficiency of production processes. Therefore, humidity monitoring and regulation are essential to maintain ideal operating conditions.
The main factors affecting humidity are temperature and atmospheric pressure. With an increase in temperature, the capacity of the air to hold water vapor rises, resulting in a decrease in relative humidity if the amount of vapor remains unchanged. Conversely, variations in atmospheric pressure can alter air humidity, thus impacting production.
Now,what is relative humidity?
Relative humidity is the percentage of vapor pressure present in the air relative to the maximum pressure the air can hold at a specific temperature. This value is expressed as a percentage (%) and is the most common method of measuring humidity levels in the environment.
It is important to note that relative humidity is not related to the liquids used in production processes. Rather, it refers to the proportion of water vapor in the air compared to the total amount that could exist at a given temperature. In other words, it is a measure of how saturated the air is with water vapor, which is crucial for understanding and controlling environmental conditions in various contexts.
Relative humidity ranges are classified as follows:
- High: 70-100%, conditions that may favor the formation of condensation and mold.
- Medium: 40-70%, ideal for most work and storage environments.
- Low: 0-40%, may be necessary for processes requiring a dry environment.
Problems that moisture can cause in production environments
Problems with humidity will depend on the facilities and the equipment in each of them, as well as on the processes and products handled inside. While condensation may be a problem at some sites, at others the electrical machinery is exposed to moisture, which will invariably lead to corrosion and carries a safety risk due to the risk of short circuits in the equipment.
In addition, the products may also be damaged and affected. This can impact plant productivity, as excess moisture can delay the product drying process, which in turn affects operational efficiency.
Does humidity affect the health of workers?
The influence of humidity on the health of workers is undeniable, so optimal environmental humidity management is crucial to prevent the proliferation of microorganisms and ensure a safe and healthy work environment.
For example, low air humidity can cause irritation in the respiratory tract, weakening the body’s resistance to infection and increasing the risk of respiratory diseases.
On the other hand, extremely high humidity levels can make breathing difficult, make daily physical activities more strenuous and affect the general well-being of workers.
In addition, high humidity levels can promote the proliferation of fungi, mites and other pests, which can cause damage to the health and productivity of employees.
Importance of humidity control in production environments
Controlling humidity is crucial for several reasons:
Preservation of product quality
In industries such as food and textile, it ensures the proper texture of products and prevents problems such as dryness or static charge.
Optimization of manufacturing processes
In the manufacture of pharmaceutical products and paper, it facilitates the handling and processing of materials, contributing to the efficiency and quality of the final product.
Energy efficiency
Maintaining adequate humidity levels can reduce the need for refrigeration in high temperature processes, reducing operating costs and carbon footprint.
Technologies for humidity control in production environments
State-of-the-art humidity management technologies are essential in a wide range of industrial sectors and controlled environments. These advanced solutions are vital to ensure ideal humidity levels, which has a direct impact on the quality of the final product, energy efficiency and environmental comfort. Within the spectrum of these technologies, we highlight:
- Air humidifiers: these devices ensure accurate control of the relative humidity of the air. They operate using a variety of energy sources, including industrial steam, electricity or thermal fluids.
- Air dehumidifiers: use desiccant rotors, such as silica gel, to effectively absorb water vapor, thus maintaining a dry and controlled environment.
- Evaporative coolers: use the principle of evaporation to cool the air. This environmentally friendly method allows efficient heat exchange between air and water, ideal for dry climates.
Finally, the hygroscopic cycle is presented as a promising alternative in this field, since this technology controls humidity in environments by means of a specific thermodynamic process.
It operates with a cooling reflux stream containing hygroscopic compounds. These compounds absorb and condense water vapor, thus maintaining a controlled environment.
Conclusion
In production environments, precise humidity control is crucial to ensure product quality, optimize processes and improve energy efficiency. Therefore, investing in advanced technological solutions that monitor and regulate humidity levels, such as the hygroscopic cycle, is becoming essential in modern industry. These measures not only help to address the associated challenges, but also to promote more effective and sustainable operations.
