Understanding the Industrial Dehumidification Process: How Chemical Dehumidifiers Work

The adsorption dehumidifier technology utilizes naturally occurring desiccant materials, like silica gel, which have a high chemical and physical affinity for water vapor. This technology outperforms condensation-based methods, making it ideal for environments with stringent humidity control requirements, such as cleanrooms.

Industrial Dehumidification Process: Principle of Operation

The TFT AirDry adsorption dehumidifier operates by utilizing two streams of air: the primary airflow, known as "process air", and a secondary airflow, called the “regeneration air” used for regenerating the dehumidification rotor. A fan inside the unit creates these two airflows, which pass through the rotor in opposite directions. The process airflows through a desiccant rotor impregnated with silica gel, a highly hygroscopic material that absorbs water vapor from the air. As the process air passes through the rotor, it releases its moisture, which is then absorbed by the silica gel.

The dehumidified air is directed into the production room or process to maintain optimal humidity levels. The dehumidification process is effective within a temperature range of -30°C (-22°F) to +40°C (104°F). The rotor, which rotates very slowly during the process, is equipped with a transmission system and a reduction gearbox driven by a belt. This ensures smooth and efficient operation of the dehumidifier.

The secondary airflow is heated by a battery inside the dehumidifier to approximately +100°C (212°F). This heated air passes through the rotor in the opposite direction of the process air, causing the rotor to release the moisture it absorbed. This process restores the rotor’s ability to absorb moisture, and the regeneration air, now warm and moist, is expelled outside the treated environment.

Advantages of chemical dehumidifiers over condensation systems

Compared to traditional condensation-based systems, chemical dehumidification offers significant advantages, especially when it comes to maintaining performance in demanding industrial environments. The dehumidification process based on adsorption technology does not rely on cooling the air to condense moisture, which makes it far more effective in low-temperature or low-humidity conditions where condensation systems tend to lose efficiency. Thanks to the use of hygroscopic materials like silica gel, chemical dehumidifiers can operate efficiently even at temperatures as low as -30°C, making them ideal for sectors such as cold storage, pharmaceuticals, and food processing.

Another key benefit of this dehumidification process is its energy efficiency: in specific operating conditions, adsorption units have been shown to consume significantly less energy while offering faster drying times and greater reliability. Unlike condensation systems, which may suffer from freezing issues or inconsistent performance, chemical dehumidification systems maintain steady operation, ensuring optimal humidity control even in variable environments.