Specifications

Page 44 • DRI-STEEM XT Electrode Steam Humidifier Installation, Operation, and Maintenance Manual
Installation
Supply water considerations
Electrode humidifiers function very differently from other
humidifier technologies. Some of the factors to consider are steam
output consistency, efficiency, cylinder life, and start-up time.
Understanding these factors and the variables that impact them will
result in proper application of this technology.
Output consistency and efficiency
DRI-STEEM’s controller algorithm optimizes steam output
consistency, water efficiency, and energy efficiency by managing
the frequency and duration of drain and fill events for the supply
water being used. The frequency and duration of drain and fill
events is proportional to the conductivity of the supply water. Less
conductive supply water requires less frequent drain and fill events,
resulting in more consistent steam output and more efficient use of
energy and water.
Cylinder life
Hard water scale coats the electrodes and eventually requires a
cylinder replacement. The harder the water, the more frequent the
need for a new cylinder.
Softened water is an option in some facilities. Because softened
water ions stay in solution to much higher concentrations than
hard water ions, softened water does not coat the electrodes nearly
as much as hard water, potentially extending cylinder life.
There are benefits and tradeoffs to consider when the application
allows a choice between hard and softened water:
• The benefit of softened water is longer cylinder life (depending
on water chemistry), but the trade-off is more frequent drain and
fill events.
• The benefit of hard water is less frequent drain and fill events but
may result in more frequent cylinder replacement.
Start-up time
Start-up time is how long it takes the humidifier to reach output
from a given demand when first installed and after cylinder
changes. The more conductive the water, the shorter the start-up
time.