1. Page header

1.1 Branding

to top of page

1.4 Languages

1.3 Meta navigation

Contact

to top of page

1.6 Breadcrumb

DRAABE
News & Know-how
Know-how
System Comparison

1.4 Search

to top of page

1.2 Main navigation

1.3 First level

1.4 Further levels

3. System Comparison

Comparison of air humidification systems

To guarantee adequate humidification, various systems and technologies are employed in practice. Generally, humidification systems can be sub-divided into the basic principles of direct and indirect humidification. Steam, ultrasound and nozzle systems are employed for both of these basic principles.

1. Comparison of the basic principles

Direct room humidification	With direct room humidification, autonomous humidification systems are installed and operated in the rooms to be humidified.
Indirect room humidification	When air is humidified in the chambers of an air conditioning (AC) system and routed via ducts and outlets into the working areas, this is referred to as indirect humidification.

There is no blanket response to the question of whether the required humidity ought to be provided indirectly via the AC system or via a direct room humidification system. Depending on the conditions at the location concerned, it may also make sense to have a combination of indirect humidification - to guarantee the basic moisture - and additional direct (spot) humidification.

The benefits of direct room humidification lie mainly in improved maintenance access, reduced cleaning effort and more targeted moisture routing. In many older buildings, indirect humidification is expensive to implement and requires complex structural modification work due to the lack of or inadequately dimensioned air conditioning ducts. This therefore makes direct room humidification the simpler and by far the cheaper solution for retrofitting in most applications.

2. Comparison of the humidification systems

Humidification system analysis

Steam humidification	Drop in performance due to calcium deposits High power consumption, high operating costs Additional room heating
Air washers in air conditioning systems	High maintenance and cleaning effort Hygiene problems caused (open water tanks) No specific routing of the moisture
Ultrasonic atomisers	Risk of algae and fungus (open water tanks) Short lifespan of the ceramic oscillators Water must be fully demineralised
Compressed air humidification	Fine atomisation (droplet free) High compressed air consumption Loud operating noises
High-pressure humidification	Low energy costs Microfine atomisation (droplet free) High humidification performance

A comparison of the various humidification systems must include operating costs, technical equipment and the services offered. In the interests of effective health protection and extensive operational reliability, systems with integrated water treatment system and a sustainable maintenance concept are preferable.

The "Optimised Air Humidification" certificate is an important aid to selecting the correct air humidification system. User of systems with this approval can rest assured that they are operating an easy-maintenance, cost-efficient and perfectly hygienic system.