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How Does the Dehumidification Process Work?

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How Does the Dehumidification Process Work?

Any commercial or industrial setting involving the general public—or any other situation involving excessive humidity—is a prime candidate for dehumidification. The two common types of dehumidifiers available for these applications are either mechanical or desiccant dehumidification systems. These two types vary considerably and actually do not compete; rather, each has a definite place depending on what dew point is needed. General mechanical dehumidification is effective above 60% dew point applications. Dew point requirements below 60% are best served with desiccant systems.

Dehumidifier Corporation of America (DCA) provides high-quality mechanical dehumidification systems to meet a variety of industrial and commercial humidity control needs. Learn more about how dehumidification works and the common applications for dehumidification systems. 

What Is Dehumidification?

During the dehumidification process, water vapor or moisture is removed from the air as it passes through the dehumidifier. Each pass through the dehumidifier removes a certain amount of moisture and returns to the room either warm or cool dry air depending on the dehumidifier options specified. On a psychrometric chart, this process would be shown by a vertical line between the initial value to the final value of relative humidity.

With mechanical dehumidification systems, the leaving air temperature is warmer than the entering air temperature because through the dehumidification cycle both the latent and sensible heat gain account for this gain. Mechanical systems also can be optioned with remote condensers that allow the system to deliver cool dry air or warm dry air depending on what the controls are calling for. If additional room heating is needed for some reason, an add-on electric or gas duct heater can be specified. Hot water coils can also be added in the unit if additional room heating is needed.

The Dehumidification Process

Mechanical dehumidifiers contain both an evaporator coil (cold coil) and a condenser coil (warm coil). As the moist room air passes over the cold coil, the air temperature is lowered to its dew point, and the water vapor is condensed out of the air and collected in a drain pan. The air leaving the cold coil immediately enters the warm coil, where that air is warmed approximately 10 degrees over the air entering the dehumidifier, depending on the moisture load on the cold coil at that time. When cool dry air is called for, an optional outdoor remote condenser is added to the dehumidifier, and the unwanted warm air is rejected outdoors. 

Another useful feature is optional pool water heating. When the dehumidifier is equipped with an optional pool water heating coil, the otherwise wasted heat generated by the dehumidifier is transferred to adding heat to the pool water. All of these functions are controlled automatically with the dehumidifier control system.

Sectors That Benefit From Industrial Dehumidifiers

DCA industrial/commercial dehumidification systems are built to handle high-volume or high-frequency dehumidification functions. They are frequently used in the following locations: 

  • Indoor swimming pool rooms: Water constantly evaporates from pools, making the air inside indoor pool rooms moisture-laden. For this reason, pool rooms require near-constant dehumidification to mitigate condensation, mold growth, corrosion, and building decay risks. DCA’s pool room dehumidifiers normally discharge warm dry air back to the pool room. When cool or warm dry air is needed, the dehumidifier can be equipped with an optional outdoor remote condenser, allowing the system to furnish either warm or cool dry air depending upon what the room controls are asking for.
  • Industrial warehouses: Storage facilities for consumer and commercial goods—such as perishable goods, construction materials, fabrics, and furniture—rely on dehumidifiers to provide complete climate control. Warehouses in hot and humid climates, especially, need reliable, effective humidity control through dehumidification.
  • Gymnasiums: Climate control and dehumidification play a large role in keeping fitness areas comfortable and clean.
  • Schools: Schools and school gyms also need dehumidifiers to protect and mitigate risks of building damage, especially as the seasons change.
  • Buildings with hardwood floors: Any commercial, industrial, or institutional building with hardwood floors needs climate control to eliminate the risk of warping, swelling, and water damage.

Dehumidifiers From DCA

Choosing a high-performance dehumidifier is crucial for the protection of your facility, equipment, and any materials within the facility. It can also make occupants and visitors more comfortable. At Dehumidifier Corporation of America, we specialize in creating dehumidification solutions for a wide range of spaces. Learn more about our industrial dehumidification options for greenhouses, warehouses, pool rooms, and more. Request a quote to get started on your standard or custom solution.

Gas Furnace vs. Electric Duct Heater

Different heat sources offer different advantages, and choosing the right one for every application can increase efficiency and effectiveness, as well as decrease costs. 

At Dehumidifier Corporation of America (DCA), we specialize in optional add-on high-quality heating. Read through this guide for an in-depth comparison of gas duct furnaces vs. electric duct heaters. It’s not enough to know the specifications of one system or the other. Instead, we take a close look at the differences between the two systems so you can choose the best fit with confidence. 

Comparing Gas Duct Furnaces to Electric Duct Heaters

As you assess the relative advantages of gas duct furnaces and electric duct heaters, consider key elements like cost, time demands, and potential applications. These core differences can point you toward the right system for your needs.

Electric Duct Heaters

  • Configurations: Electric duct heaters can be had in both horizontal and vertical orientations, as well as a wide range of sizes, making them a more flexible option and are installed either in the ductwork or mounted outside the dehumidifier over the blower or outdoor applications as needed. 
  • Installation: These heaters can be installed in virtually any location, and installers can mount them either directly to the blower (EDH) or in ductwork (EDHS). They are also cheaper to install than gas alternatives.
  • Upfront Cost: The equipment itself is also less expensive than equivalent gas units.
  • Operational Costs: Electric duct heaters are much more expensive to operate than gas heaters and other units. On average, with today’s cost of natural gas compared to electricity and the area you may live in, a general rule of thumb is electric duct heaters cost three to four times more money to operate than natural gas.
  • Voltage: DCA can meet your specific voltage needs whether application is commercial, or residential:
    • 208/230/240 V single-phase 
    • 208/230/460/575 V three-phase 
  • Applications: Electric duct heaters work well in virtually all commercial and industrial locations. Along with providing environmental room heating, these heaters can also temper outdoor incoming make up air to the dehumidifier.  When a very specific temperature is needed electric heating along with a control system designed for that purpose is needed.  However, when large amounts of room heating is needed gas duct furnaces or hot water built in coils with an attending gas or oil boiler can be the better choice.
  • Testing: Safe reliable electric duct heaters must comply with strict UL listed safety standards, which are well-known across the industry.
  • Electric duct heaters can be supplied for both indoor and weather-proof outdoor applications.

Gas Duct Furnaces

While gas duct furnaces can provide similar performance, there are key differences:

  • Fuel Source: Gas duct heaters can operate on either natural or LP gas (propane).
  • Voltage: Most gas heaters use 115 V single-phase current. This is the standard in households. But they can also be ordered with optional control step down transformers for
    • 208/230 V single-phase 
    • 208/230/460/575 V three-phase 
  • Indoor or Outdoor Installation: Like electric units, gas duct furnaces can be installed in both indoor and outdoor environments.
  • Regular Maintenance: Gas furnaces require normal maintenance where electric duct heaters are normally maintenance free to a point.
  • Safety Concerns: Since gas duct furnaces involve combustion, the flue products are vented outdoors with a class B vent.  For hazardous applications both the combustion air and the flue products (two pipe system) terminate outdoors.
  • Operational Costs: Gas duct furnaces are much less expensive to operate than electrical units, at a scale of three to four times more cost-effective. While fuel prices will vary based on region, natural or LP gas (propane) is the less expensive option under most circumstances.
  • Installation:  Gas Duct Heaters are not Approved for Residential Applications.  Gas duct furnaces don’t offer the same flexibility as electric duct furnaces. These optional  units must be mounted in the ductwork outside the dehumidifier and must be vented outdoors.  The initial cost of a gas furnace compared to an electric duct heater is considerably higher but payback can be much shorter when large amounts of room heating is needed.
  • Certification and Testing:  Gas furnaces must comply with UL testing standards or The American Gas Association testing standards.
  • Applications: Gas heaters are commonly used in commercial and industrial contexts. They are NOT listed or approved for residential applications. However, DCA provides a hot water coil application using a gas or oil fired hot water boiler.  Contact Our Experts for Your Duct Heating Needs

Choose DCA for premium add-on duct heater solutions. Our team is here to help match your facility’s needs with the right electrical or gas solution that fits your budget, application, and space demands. 

Since 1995, it’s been our mission to offer high-quality solutions and cutting-edge technology at the right price. We offer an extensive range of add-on duct heaters both gas and electric. Reach out today to learn more about which solution is right for your facility, or request a quote to start your order. 

Industrial Uses for Dedicated Dehumidification Systems

If you need constant control over dew point or relative humidity (RH) in your manufacturing, assembly, or production process, you will need some kind of humidity control system. Uncontrolled humidity can lead to a variety of problems that hurt your bottom line. With the help of a dedicated dehumidification system, you’ll be able to control the dew point and ensure the quality and consistency of your operation.
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Understanding Relative Humidity and How to Control it Indoors

Understanding relative humidity (RH) begins with understanding two key aspects: RH and dew point temperature. The dew point temperature is the specific temperature where moisture in the atmosphere condenses in dew form on surfaces with a lower temperature. For most people, the most comfortable level of environmental RH is somewhere between 40% and 60%, but it can be comfortable at a higher percentage in colder temperatures. Specific applications often require other ranges to meet a particular specification or facilitate certain processes. In industrial applications, operations tend to specify dew point instead of percent RH.

 

Learn more about relative humidity, the importance of monitoring it, and how to control humidity in a building or facility.

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Solving Humidity Issues in Manufacturing Processes

In industrial processing facilities, even minor fluctuations in humidity can necessitate costly and time-consuming procedural modifications. Maintaining optimal humidity levels in these environments is essential for maximizing production while ensuring an appealing and high-quality final product. Humidity control is particularly important when processing items that naturally absorb moisture from their surroundings.

Dehumidification system

 

When controlling moisture in a building normally a good first step is the addition of a central HVAC system.  Air conditioning will remove some moisture while providing a pleasant working environment for workers.  When the addition of air  conditioning does not provide the desired result, a dedicated industrial dehumidification system is needed.  

One element often overlooked is the building integrity itself.  A good thing to remember is that air passes freely through building walls and the rise and fall of humidity indoors follows closely outdoor humidity changes.  A tight building with a non-permeable vapor barrier in the walls and ceiling is a must.  Well-sealed windows and doors are also important.  Well-sealed doors and windows minimize air infiltration from the outdoors.  If a building exhaust fan is in place, the replacement outdoor makeup air entering the building adds additional moisture that has to be considered.  Many times the addition of a dedicated outdoor makeup dehumidifier is a solution.

If moist air is constant all year or takes over in summer, manufacturers often struggle to maintain consistent room moisture. Even with air conditioning, relative humidity can rise to unacceptable levels for equipment operation and product integrity. The only solution is to add a dedicated dehumidification system to remove unwanted moisture while maintaining the desired room air temperature.  

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BIM Files for DCA Commercial Dehumidifiers

Dehumidifier Corporation of America (DCA) is a major U.S. manufacturer of quality dehumidification systems. When planning your next dehumidification project, BIM files can be a big help. Using visualization technology, these files reduce errors and prevent conflicts when implementing your dehumidification system. As such, they are often used in ground logistics, piping planning, construction, step sequencing, and more.

What are BIM Files?

BIM Files

Building information modeling, or BIM, involves the process of creating and managing information on a construction project throughout its entire life cycle. This includes detailed 3D models and accompanying structured data such as handover, execution, and product information. The primary purpose of BIM is to provide a digital representation of your actual facility, including all aesthetic elements (windows, roof, walls) and function systems (electrical, HVAC). 

Once BIM files are created, they can be shared between participating disciplines during the design and build of your project. Simply double-click the .bim file on your PC and the file will launch in the appropriate application, so long as your file associations are set up correctly.

BIM vs. CAD

BIM is used in the design and construction of various commercial buildings, whereas CAD is typically used for the industrial design of electrical and mechanical assemblies. Each file type includes crucial characteristics that enable the discovery of construction-related issues and allow for virtual collision detection. When choosing between BIM and CAD, it’s important to understand the benefits and properties they each offer.

BIM

BIM gives the following benefits and features:

  • Conflict prevention. These files enable earthwork teams to determine if clashes may occur. Doing so determines whether the design needs to be altered to avoid problems down the line.
  • Use in construction. The construction industry relies on BIM to determine which structures will work best over certain types of soil.
  • Use in planning piping. BIM can be used to create 3D piping designs to help determine the ideal piping type, length, and diameter for your site.
  • Visualization technology. This allows you to visualize your site and see how a structure will appear from the ground up.
  • Error reduction. BIM makes it easy to catch errors that appear in your proposed design and make any necessary corrections.
  • Use in ground logistics. BIM can be used to outline plumbing logistics at a given site, making it easy to find the ideal stretch of land for your project.
  • Step sequencing. BIM can arrange the construction process in a series of steps, including any necessary logistics.

CAD

CAD is a collection of software tools that allow designers to construct 2D and 3D virtual models of buildings, structures, machines, and parts. CAD allows surveyors and earthwork teams to assess a planned construction before beginning work on the ground. The following are some qualities of CAD:

  • Enhanced visualization
  • Use for structural engineering
  • Accurate design specs
  • Improved communication
  • Use in earthworks logistics
  • Input and feedback

The interactivity of the multiple dimensions throughout the editing process is a significant distinction between BIM and CAD. The dimensions that make up an item are linked in BIM. As a result, any changes to a building design may be adjusted in a single edit.

Preview and Link to DCA BIM Files

DCA offers both horizontal and vertical dehumidifiers. The orientation of the ductwork usually determines whether horizontal or vertical dehumidifiers are the best choice. Indoor installations can often employ horizontal or vertical airflow dehumidifiers, depending on the ductwork. 

To aid in your next dehumidification project, we offer BIM files for our dehumidifiers and remote condensers. These can be found under the “Downloads” tab in the links below.

Our horizontal outdoor rooftop dehumidifiers include both water heating assist and non water heating assist configurations:

Vertical Dehumidifiers are usually floor-mounted with top air discharge only:

All dehumidifiers from DCA are manufactured with all electrical devices and valves in place to be connected to remote condensers:

Replacement Dehumidifiers are best served by replacing a failed dehumidifier with a comparable airflow dehumidifier, i.e., horizontal replacing horizontal, etc.

BIM Files from DCA

Using DCA BIM files takes into account the use of visualization technology to simplify several processes, including step sequencing, ground logistics, piping planning, and conflict prevention throughout the construction phase.

Use DCA’s BIM File Program to help you plan your next dehumidification project. Contact us for more information or to request a quote for your dehumidification solution.

Controlling Humidity in Exercise and Endless Pool Rooms

Dehumidifier Corporation of America (DCA) is an industry-leading provider of indoor swimming pool room dehumidifiers, specializing in hydrotherapy rooms, endless pools, and exercise pools. Controlling humidity in these rooms is crucial, as excess moisture can lead to a variety of problems.

Compared to ordinary pools, endless and exercise pools often contain wave motion technology and/or water jets that can lead to extra moisture evaporation. Additionally, these pools are often situated in small-volume pool rooms that could experience issues when exposed to high moisture loads. These factors are important to consider when selecting and sizing the proper dehumidification system. At DCA, our pool room dehumidification systems feature reduced CFM with complete moisture removal capacity to accommodate unique pool room challenges. Endless Indoor Pool

Controlling Humidity

To prevent indoor pool room humidity issues, it is recommended to maintain a relative humidity of 50% to 60%. To properly control humidity in exercise and endless pool rooms, it is recommended to do the following:

  • Maintain proper room temperatures. Indoor pool dehumidifiers should maintain the room air temperature at two degrees higher than the pool water temperature, as this limits the amount of water vapor entering the room’s atmosphere. 
  • Perform the correct amount of air changes. For optimum circulation, you’ll need 4 to 6 air changes per hour in pool rooms with average amounts of window/door surface area and outside facing glass, whereas you may need 8 to 10 air changes in pool rooms with over 50% of wall/ceiling area or outside facing glass.
  • Have proper ducting. While the pool room dehumidifier itself is important, it’s only half the equation. The other half is having a duct system that controls condensation by distributing the dehumidified air over all outside facing glass surfaces. 
  • Include a room vapor barrier. An integral vapor barrier, normally visqueen plastic or equal, must be applied to the warm side of the walls and ceilings directly under the wall treatments, such as wood, green board, or other. All overlapping joints and penetrations, such as electrical wall outlets, light switches, windows, and doors must be taped to provide a non-permeable vapor barrier cell.  
  • Operate under a negative pressure vacuum. If your pool room is open to the public, you should operate under a negative pressure vacuum. This means that when a door is opened, air will move into the room rather than allowing wet air to escape. This can typically be achieved by adding a room exhaust fan. 

Consequences

By not controlling moisture build-up in your exercise and endless pool rooms, you’ll eventually encounter issues with corrosion formation, rusting, mold, and mildew. When pool water warms to swimming temperatures, excess moisture laden with bromine and chlorine disinfectants releases into the indoor pool room, attacking everything it comes in contact with. This can lead to problems such as:

  • Deterioration of the surrounding building
  • Health concerns related to mildew, mold, and other air quality issues
  • A burning eye sensation for swimmers, leading to an uncomfortable swimming environment

Factors that contribute to indoor pool room humidity issues include:

  • Inadequate ducting for your dehumidification system that doesn’t properly circulate dehumidified air throughout the pool room
  • Lack of a dedicated dehumidification system for your exercise or endless pool room
  • Improperly functioning or inadequate ventilation system
  • Improper building construction, such as a lack of a room vapor barrier or low-quality glass doors and windows

Swimming Pool Room Dehumidification Systems from DCA

Exercise and endless pool rooms pose various unique dehumidification challenges not seen in ordinary pool room installations. If these challenges are not addressed from the very beginning, it could lead to catastrophic and costly consequences. At DCA, our sales engineers are here to help you solve these problems and deliver the properly sized DCA dehumidification system for your indoor pool room project. 

For more information about our dehumidification systems, or for help finding the best solution for your exercise or endless pool room, contact us today or request a quote.

When to Consider Adding a Commercial Dehumidification System to Your Present HVAC System

When a project calls for a constant, specific room dew point above 50°F in its operation, normally the addition of a commercial A/C system is the first step. Room air conditioning will remove a certain amount of moisture while adding cool air to the space for comfort.

If the desired dew point is not met with the addition of an A/C system the best solution is to add a commercial DCA mechanical dehumidification system to achieve the desired result. Unwanted moisture can come from many sources, such as moisture released through a specific process that has to be addressed. Moisture from outdoor air being introduced into a room along with a dedicated exhaust fan is also a major factor that has to be considered, especially in wet climates. For example, moisture can enter a room through building walls and ceilings without a vapor barrier, leaky windows and doors, or doors being intermintally opened to a space. These are some of the most obvious examples but other less obvious examples may also be a factor.

Commercial indoor swimming pools and hot tubs used in motels, hotels, YMCAs, Boys and Girls Clubs, high schools, nursing homes, therapy pools, and others are always best served by DCA dehumidification systems because of the large moist load present that must be controlled.

Rooms that require a dew point of less than 50°F rely on desiccant dehumidifiers to maintain the desired dewpoint. While DCA does not carry desiccant dehumidifiers, we can supply a mechanical dehumidifier that removes the largest amount of the moisture to reliably work with a desiccant dehumidifier. The mechanical dehumidifier removes the majority of the moisture load from the room so the desiccant dehumidifier can lower the dew point to a precise range below 50°F.

Vegetable plants in rows in an indoor grow room   

Does Your Commercial Space Need Dehumidification?

Dehumidification is a vital consideration for projects that require maintaining a constant specific dew point. It can help remove large moisture loads and lower dew points that ordinary A/C systems cannot. Some typical commercial settings that use DCA dehumidification, other than indoor pools mentioned above, are the printing industry to control registry, the indoor grow industry for clean vegetable and medical marijuana growth, rooms for assembly work, warehousing, the grinding industry using water-based coolant to cool tooling, fresh and waste water treatment plants, the packaging industry for packing material that will naturally take on moisture and negatively compromise the end product.

In general terms, any industry that is negatively compromised by uncontrolled moisture will enjoy the benefits of dehumidification. At DCA, our sales engineers help facility operators determine the ideal dehumidification solution for their projects.

Benefits of Adding a Dehumidifier to Your HVAC System:

Conventional central air conditioning is the first step to reducing the moisture in a room. If a central air conditioning unit does not deliver the dew point required, a commercial dehumidification solution will solve the problem.

Hot and humid air requires more energy to cool. A dehumidifier can reduce the cost of cooling a space by reducing stress on the air conditioner and energy consumption. Reduced humidity can also improve air quality, preventing the prevalence of mold, bacteria, viruses, and dust mites.

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When to Consider Adding a Commercial Dehumidification System to Your Present HVAC System

Selecting the Appropriate Dehumidifier Options That Best Suit Your Needs

When selecting a dehumidification option that is suitable for an application, the following considerations are to be considered:

  • A vertical or horizontal configuration
  • A standard end discharge or an optional bottom or top configuration
  • Rooftop, indoor, or outdoor installation
  • Single or three-phase power
  • Electric or gas heating
  • BMS control with BACnet
  • Custom controls for integration into existing BMS
  • Provisions for outdoor air introduction to the space through the dehumidifier
  • Water cooling or remote condenser
  • Class 1 Division 2 rating to meet explosion-proof requirements
  • Increased or decreased airflow deviation from our standard catalog of dehumidifiers
  • Various other custom options to suit any specifications

Why DCA?

At DCA, our sales engineers convey their extensive knowledge and experience in dehumidification by providing solutions to our clients. We specialize in dehumidification and offer solutions for custom dehumidification projects. In the few cases where a project exceeds our knowledge, we will refer you to the people that can fulfill your needs.

Contact Us Today for Custom Dehumidification Solutions

Various projects require maintaining a consistent dew point for performance and function. A dehumidifier is an ideal solution when a process or environmental factor is creating high humidity that a commercial air conditioner alone cannot eliminate. We can add a dehumidifier to an HVAC system to reduce stress on the air conditioner and help you maintain the desired dewpoint in a space that would be too humid without it.

When selecting an HVAC dehumidifier for your space, there are various considerations, including the position and configuration of the dehumidifier, BMS integration, airflow, and custom options to enhance performance. At DCA, we specialize in mechanical dehumidifiers for commercial HVAC applications. Our specialists have the knowledge and experience to help you find a solution that suits your needs.

Contact us to learn more about our custom dehumidification solutions, or request a quote today.

Industrial Moisture & Humidity Control – A Dehumidifier Guide

Out-of-control humidity and moisture can be quite destructive and reduce the effectiveness of manufacturing equipment. Many industries rely on industrial humidity control to keep inventory and other assets safe from airborne moisture.

A commercial dehumidifier can be categorized as either desiccant or mechanical in their construction. This article will focus on mechanical dehumidifiers, in which DCA specializes. Mechanical dehumidifiers work best in environments with air room temperatures below 95°F and dew points above 50°F. When a lower dew point is present, a desiccant system is needed which often works in tandem with a mechanical system.

Using Dehumidifiers for Humidity Control

Most work facilities already have functioning air conditioning as part of their central HVAC system. Air conditioning will naturally contribute to moisture reduction while also adding cool air into the space. However, air conditioning may not be enough to meet all dehumidification needs. This is especially true as the room gets colder.

A commercial dehumidification system will be more efficient in managing humidity levels than air conditioning alone. As the primary function of air conditioning is only temperature control, it would be quite expensive to use it as a dehumidifier. Not to mention that workers may be uncomfortably cold if an A/C is used as a dehumidifier. A commercial dehumidifier will be much more cost-efficient, while also keeping temperatures at a comfortable level. Additionally, a commercial dehumidifier can provide cold dry air or warm dry air which helps in reducing temperature control costs.

No two businesses are the same, and many require their own unique humidity control systems. A successful dehumidification system needs to be tailored to the specific operation. That’s why working with DCA is especially helpful. Our team has over 100 years of collective experience and can take a consultative approach with every client regardless of industry.

Vertical Dehumidifier

Vegetable plants in rows in an indoor grow room

Humidity and Moisture Control in Industrial Applications

The need for commercial dehumidifiers can be found in countless industries. Here are some of the major examples:

  • Hospitality and recreational swimming pools– Whether a spa or a hotel, indoor pools will almost certainly need some type of commercial humidity control. Not only does a dehumidifier prevent microbial growth, but it will also keep guests comfortable. A muggy pool room can be difficult to enjoy, negatively affecting the reputation of your business.
  • Greenhouses and vertical grow farms– No matter the crop, plants will behave differently at certain humidity levels. While high humidity levels can reduce the need for irrigation, it also increases the risk of plant disease. Most indoor grow operations require some level of dehumidification to keep crops productive.
  • Warehouse and Storage– Too much moisture can wreak havoc on a warehouse. This can include damaged kit materials, damaged inventory, accelerated corrosion on machinery, and even damage to the warehouse structure itself. Regardless of the items being stored, humidity can create problems for any warehouse. A properly installed industrial humidity control system can minimize these risks.
  • Manufacturing– Specific manufacturing facilities may have strict limits for humidity tolerances. This is especially true for the food industry, the pharmaceutical industry, and electronics. While humidity increases the risk of microbial infections and corrosion, it also presents a risk of static electricity damage. Most manufacturers try to keep humidity levels between 40% and 60%, but this can vary based on what is being produced.
  • Printing– As the printing business often relies on rapid drying ink, humidity can play a role in the quality of print jobs. Low humidity rates can increase static charge and defect rates. While each type of printing has its own unique needs, we can provide solutions for common types of industrial printing. This includes Gravure printing, screen printing, sheet-fed offset printing, and web offset rotary printing.
  • Fresh and Waste Water Treatment Plants– Well-maintained humidity is critical for the maintenance of fresh and wastewater treatment facilities. These plants have a large number of metal surfaces across their entire operation. As these machines are treating water, this tends to lower the room’s temperature below the dew point. As such, moisture and dew will accumulate on the machinery, creating risks for corrosion and rust. An industrial humidity control system can help regulate dew points and humidity to minimize the risk of dew accumulation.
  • Grinding Industry– It is common for the grinding industry to use water-based lubricants. In these scenarios, water is sprayed directly onto the tools to act as both a lubricant and cooling agent. This causes humidity levels to increase. Humidity problems tend to escalate in colder months when doors and windows are left closed. To help stop rust from forming on surface metals, an industrial dehumidifier is needed.
  • Medical Industry– The medical industry is as sensitive to humidity as the food industry. In some applications, even more so. Many pharmaceutical drugs are reactive to water. As such, improper levels of humidity can make these drugs unusable. Controlling humidity levels can also help maintain sterile conditions.
    Plastic Bottle Manufacturing– Plastic is particularly vulnerable to static during the production phase. Proper humidity control can help minimize the risks posed by static electricity.
  • Fitness Centers and Gyms– In any room that has many sweating participants, the moisture in the room will increase. This can create a muggy feeling that is uninviting to guests. Additionally, the increased humidity can cause gym equipment to deteriorate faster than in a dry environment.
    Packaging and Blending Rooms– Many packaging materials act as a desiccant, meaning they will absorb the moisture in the air. If they absorb too much, they can slow down and even clog automated packaging machines.

Choosing the Best Dehumidifier for Your Application From DCA

When it comes to dehumidification, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Even in similar industries, different dehumidification systems are often needed. Here are some things to consider when designing a dehumidification system:

  • Where is the moisture coming from? Is it being released at certain times?
  • Is outdoor air being introduced into the space? Are there any exhaust fans or gravity ducts in operation?
  • Are leaky doors or windows contributing to humidity or dew point levels? Are doors to the outside being opened periodically?
  • What humidity and dew point levels are required for your application?
  • What air room temperature is required for your project?
  • Is the area air-conditioned or heated?
  • What is the geographical location of the facility? Humid climates tend to be more challenging.
  • What type of material was used in the building construction?
  • How many people typically work in the space?

These questions, and several others, are considered by the engineers at DCA when designing your system. Our goal is to provide you with the best dehumidification system that is specifically tailored to your needs and operation. We rely on industry-leading equipment to provide our clients with the best dehumidification solutions.

We have worked with countless industries and clients to solve their humidity needs, including indoor pools, large industrial dehumidifier solutions, outdoor dehumidification systems, grow house dehumidification systems, and custom dehumidification systems. We are the trusted experts when it comes to humidity control.

Contact Our Experts for Custom Dehumidification Solutions

To learn more about our selection of industrial humidity control solutions, don’t hesitate to contact us today. If you already have a project in mind, feel free to request a quote.

Selecting the Best Commercial Dehumidifier for Your Needs

High humidity poses a serious problem for many facilities. Not only does excess moisture make occupants uncomfortable, but it can render a room less safe, encouraging mold growth and interfering with electrical devices. Similarly, in a warehouse or factory setting, uncontrolled humidity can damage products or even interrupt processing.

Maintaining a relatively dry atmosphere is essential to preventing these outcomes. However, residential dehumidifiers are not powerful enough for large spaces or high-volume requirements. Instead, facilities can turn to commercial dehumidifiers, which can remove anywhere from a few pounds to several hundred pounds of water each day. These systems make it simple to regulate air quality specifications, no matter the size of the space.

Commercial dehumidifiers can be split into two groups based on their mechanism of action. Desiccant units use materials like silica gel to extract moisture, while mechanical ones rely on refrigeration to condense water and remove it from the air. At DCA, we specialize in powerful mechanical dehumidifiers that perform well in diverse environments. These systems ensure consistent ventilation and optimal moisture management to keep interiors healthy and comfortable.

Where To Use a Commercial Dehumidifier?

Mechanical dehumidifiers are best suited for environments with dew points over 50° F and temperatures between 60° and 90° F. This range makes them effective for many types of buildings, ranging from fitness centers to factories. They work well for even high-volume needs and can help facilities comply with strict health and safety regulations.

Some of the many applications of commercial dehumidifiers include, but are not limited to:

  • Indoor swimming pool rooms of any size
  • Therapeutic pools, whirlpools, spas, and hydrotherapy centers
  • Hotels, motels, fitness centers, gyms, and retirement homes
  • Retirement homes, residential care homes, hospitals, schools and universities
  • Processing and blending facilities where hygroscopic material are being used
  • Wastewater and freshwater management facilities
  • Climate and humidity controlled warehousing
  • Grow rooms, aquaculture, and vertical farming
  • Machining and grinding operations where water-based coolant is used to cool tooling
  • Custom applications where a desired specific dew point is critical
  • High moisture load applications housed in small volume spaces
  • 100% outdoor air applications

Many other applications are possible, and custom units are available to accommodate unique demands.

DCA Commercial Dehumidifiers

DCA offers a full range of commercial dehumidifiers designed for permanent installation. Before choosing a unit, it is important to define environmental variables and operating parameters. These include, but are not limited to:

  • Desired room temperature served by the dehumidifier
  • Desired dew point and humidity set point for the application
  • Room size, building air infiltration, doors and windows, occupants
  • Area climate data for the project
  • Moisture load and source to be removed in lbs/hr
  • Outdoor make-up air requirements
  • Any unusual requirements such as a particularly dirty or dusty conditions

Typically, the system should provide six to eight air turns per hour. DCA can help you identify the ideal model to meet this requirement.

Whatever the specific model, all DCA dehumidifiers conform to high quality standards, offering high moisture removal rates with low energy consumption. Most are designed with attached ducting for permanent installation, all supported by durable construction. Outfitted with heavy-duty steel cabinets, these professional industrial dehumidifier units can endure harsh environments for prolonged periods of time. They also support continuous operation and a variety of return air filtration options.

DCA’s high-performance dehumidifiers offer the following capabilities:

  • Remove large volumes of moisture present
  • Operate on 208/230 volt (1- & 3-phase) or 460 or 575 volt (3-phase)
  • Interface with building management systems
  • Heat or cool the room in tandem with dehumidification
  • Work with add-ons for particle control, odor removal, water heating, and more

Together, these benefits make DCA’s offerings exceptionally versatile. Whatever your dehumidification needs, the DCA team will work to match your requirements with the ideal commercial unit.

Why Work With DCA?

Dehumidifier Corporation of America is approaching 30 years of building expertise in dehumidification. The result is a comprehensive catalog that features the best commercial dehumidifiers in the industry. DCA’s portfolio includes dehumidifiers for hot tubs and pools, industrial facilities, indoor grow rooms, and public buildings with 100% outdoor make-up air systems.

DCA is proud to offer systems featuring state-of-the-art technology at competitive price points. Standard options include:

  • Horizontal or vertical configurations
  • Single or three-phase power options
  • External gas or electric heat power sources
  • BMS control by BACnet
  • Indoor or outdoor/rooftop installation
  • Water source cooling
  • Dedicated control systems that interface with present building management systems

Custom solutions are also available for clients with specialized needs. A skilled engineering team is available to assist all clients with evaluating models against their facility’s individualized needs and constraints. We can help design a customized dehumidifier plan for you.

Commercial dehumidification is complicated, and DCA can help you find the best option to protect your products, staff, and facilities. To learn more about available models, review the latest dehumidifier catalog. For more personal guidance, contact the team or request your free project analysis today.

Want to learn more troubleshooting tips ?

We’ve only looked at three common problems here, but there are a host of other issues that can cause dehumidifier malfunctioning.

To read more about what can go wrong with dehumidifiers and learn how to fix problems quickly and efficiently, download our free dehumidifier troubleshooting guide today.

Download our Free Troubleshooting Guide
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