Relative
Humidity Control Applications
Industrial
and Commercial Applications Which Can Benefit From Relative Humidity
Control
Semiconductors: Most of the
electronic components used in the semiconductor industry are
sensitive to high humidity. The finished product can with stand up
to 90% non-condensing humidity but prolonged exposure to high RH
will reduce their service life span. Component storage requires a
mild level
of humidity like 50-55% RH to maintain a healthy and
prolonged shelf life. The raw form of many electronic
components is extremely sensitive to moisture. Clean rooms for
electronic component production facilities should have RH levels
between 30% to 45% RH.
Electrical:
A
typical high tension switch room requires low to mid-range humidity
during and after installation. A high voltage short-circuit
situation may occur when the electrical insulation becomes moist. Switch gears should also be stored in a low humidity area.
Pharmaceuticals:
The production and storage of tablets and powder
medicines are extremely sensitive to moisture. A common problem
called “caking” will occur if the relative humidity is too high.
This results in lumping of the powder, which is undesirable and can
ruin the product. Other problems caused by high relative humidity in
the pharmaceutical industry can include fungal and bacterial
contamination.
Archives/Libraries:
Films and papers may stick together if stored in a
moisture environment. Papers can discolor, grow mold, and even
disintegrate.
Computer
Equipment:
Computers and related equipment will last much longer
in lower humidity environments. High humidity can lead to loss of
data and hardware problems.
Metals:
Corrosion
of metals can occur in high humidity areas. Rust formation can be
prevented by maintaining a low RH.
Food:
Drying can be a necessary constituent of food
processing. Food exposed to moisture is subject to sogginess,
lumping, fungal/bacterial contamination, etc.
Swimming
Pools:
Indoor
swimming pools can create large amounts of humidity.
Marine:
Cargo holes
are to be dried after washing and spray painting needs a dry
environment for the paint to stay on with strong bond to the
surface.
Plastic:
Plastic raw materials need to be dried before molding.
Military:
Military
gear should be stored at low RH to prevent rust from forming. Gun
power and explosives are especially sensitive to moisture.
Wood
processing:
Wood should be dried before
processing to maintain integrity.
Batteries:
Extremely low RH is required for
the production of batteries.
Photography
equipment:
Lenses are particularly prone to fungal growth. Most
films are moisture sensitive.
Leather
Products:
Mold can grow readily on leather
products. And too much moisture spoils most leather products.
Warehousing & Storage:
Most warehouses have very high
sources of humidity which aids in moisture accumulation.
Water pump
rooms:
Usually
water pipes and pumps have certain level of leak, and especially
where chilled water is used, condensation occurs where portion of
the pipes are not too well insulated.
