| |
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
For any computer
room operation, maintaining the proper humidification level is critical. With
virtually all environmental control unit manufacturers now building
humidification into their equipment, a common operating problem exists in the
scale and other solid deposits left behind in the humidification pans as the
water continually evaporates.
Humidification pans will often become
encrusted with deposits of calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate minerals
to the degree requiring their removal for chemical cleaning and/or scraping.
They also accumulate airborne particulates and microorganisms captured in the
turbulence of the air flow. While some manufacturers have built automatic
rinsing mechanisms into their units, their effectiveness will vary - leaving
the local water quality as the determining factor in many
cases.
Eventually, the humidification pans
must be replaced, as such deposits also accelerate pan corrosion and pitting.
The problem is directly proportional to the amount of humidification supplied,
and the amount of calcium carbonate hardness of the local water source. Well
water supplies having high hardness levels or low pH are typically the most
troublesome.
Aside from the
regular maintenance which is required to physically remove these deposits, such
nutrient rich conditions produce the ideal environment for bacteria and other
microbiological organisms to grow. Almost any organism type is possible given
the right environmental conditions and food
source.
Loose and flaky contaminants from
the humidification pan are then pulled into the fan system, easily penetrate
the 40% efficient filtration media typically used, and are distributed
throughout the breathing environment - creating a secondary problem of concern
to human health and indoor air quality.
By filtering out
the dirt and hardness impurities carried by the make-up water prior to its
introduction into the humidification pan, it is possible to dramatically reduce
the degree of problems typically encountered in such systems by approximately
75 percent or more.
Essentially, this
process operates in two stages: The first stage involves pre-filtering the
sediment and suspended particulates with 1-5 micron filtration. In the second
stage, the majority of scale forming minerals are adsorbed or absorbed onto one
or more specialty ion exchange resins.
While it is virtually impossible to
prevent the migration of airborne bacteria into the humidification pan,
bacterial growth will be dramatically reduced since their necessary nutrients,
typically supplied by the make-up water, have already have been removed. The
supplemental use of commercially available biocide tablets in the pan will
generally suppress whatever limited bacterial growth may develop.
Such filtration
equipment can be easily installed, setup, and operated by building personnel.
Cartridges are individually housed so that only those elements which have
reached their maximum removal capacity can be changed - thereby reducing the
number and cost of replacement elements. A clear sediment pre-filter housing is
typically supplied for visual observation of dirt loading. An optional light
indicator is available to signal filter changes of the mineral absorbing
cartridge - which lowers maintenance requirements, and extends the life of the
cartridge.
For most applications, one
single filtering system can be installed on a common feed water line to 2 or
more climate control units - further reducing installation and maintenance
costs. Although maintenance can still be expected, its frequency and severity
is far less.
The below schematic flow
diagram illustrates the basic layout of an effective particulate and calcium
carbonate scale removal system as described above.
Scale forming
deposits are a constant source of operating trouble for most A/C equipment
types. While not a total solution, filtering out the offending elements prior
to their entering the humidification system will dramatically reduce this
common maintenance concern.
©
Copyright
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
