Excess humidity in large facilities can quietly ruin products and equipment. Left unchecked, it invites mold, rust, and losses. Industrial dehumidifiers offer a powerful defense against this hidden menace. Industrial dehumidifiers are high-capacity machines that remove excess moisture from the air in big spaces like warehouses and factories. In this guide, we cover what industrial dehumidifiers are, how they work, their different types, key benefits and applications, how to choose the right unit, and tips on installation and upkeep.
Understanding Industrial Dehumidifiers
Industrial dehumidifiers are specialized devices designed for large-scale moisture removal. They are built with high-capacity components – powerful fans, large cooling coils or desiccant beds, and robust compressors or heaters – to process huge volumes of air continuously. For example, an industrial unit can pull hundreds of pints of water out of the air per day, equivalent to dozens of gallons or hundreds of liters. This far exceeds what a small home dehumidifier can manage. By cycling large amounts of air through the system, industrial models steadily reduce the overall humidity of a facility and keep it within a safe range.
Types of Industrial Dehumidifiers
There are two main types of industrial dehumidifiers: refrigerant and desiccant. Each uses a different method to remove moisture and is suited to different conditions. For effective humidity control, it’s important to understand the distinction between them.
- Refrigerant Industrial Dehumidifiers
Refrigerant industrial units work best in warm environments. In conditions above around 15°C (59°F), they efficiently wring moisture out of the air. They are commonly used in standard warehouses, manufacturing plants, and other spaces where the temperature is moderate. However, in very cool conditions, the coils can ice up or the unit may not pull moisture effectively. Refrigerant dehumidifiers also have a limit to how low they can reduce humidity due to the dew point limit of the cooling coils. They generally cannot achieve extremely low humidity levels, but they are quite energy-efficient for normal moisture control needs.
- Desiccant Industrial Dehumidifiers
Desiccant industrial dehumidifiers excel in cool or cold environments where refrigerant types struggle. They can operate in low temperatures without icing up. They are also capable of achieving much lower relative humidity, making them ideal for industries where extremely dry air is required. The trade-off is that desiccant units tend to use more energy because heating is needed to recharge the desiccant material. They also often run hotter, since the drying process adds heat to the air. Despite the higher energy cost, desiccant dehumidifiers are indispensable for conditions where refrigerant dehumidifiers can’t do the job.
Working principle of industrial dehumidifiers
Refrigerant industrial dehumidifiers use a refrigeration cycle similar to an air conditioner. When humid air passes over the dehumidifier’s cold evaporator coils, water condenses out of the air into liquid droplets. The collected water then drains away, and the air is reheated by the condenser coil and vented back into the room, now much drier. Want to know exactly how a dehumidifier works? Click the image for our in-depth article.
Desiccant dehumidifiers use a different approach – they pull moisture from the air using a drying substance. Typically, these units contain a rotor or cartridge filled with a desiccant material. As moist air flows through, the desiccant attracts and holds the water vapor. A second internal process then regenerates the desiccant: usually, a heater warms a portion of the desiccant material to release the absorbed moisture. The extracted moisture is vented out of the unit as a warm, damp airflow or condensed and drained away. The result is a flow of very dry air returning to the space.
Benefits of Industrial Dehumidifiers
High humidity in industrial environments can cause a cascade of problems. Industrial dehumidifiers directly address these issues and offer several key benefits for large facilities. Some of the main advantages include:
Prevents mold and mildew: Keeping humidity low generally below about 50% RH, stops the growth of mold and mildew on walls, equipment, and stored goods.
Protects equipment from corrosion: Dry air prevents metal machinery, electrical panels, and structural steel from rusting or corroding.
Safeguards inventory and materials: Dehumidifiers preserve the quality of stored goods by keeping conditions dry and stable.
Improves safety and comfort: Lower humidity makes the workspace safer and more pleasant.
Ensures quality and compliance: Industrial dehumidifiers ensure quality control and regulatory compliance of products by maintaining strict humidity, preventing product defects.
Common Applications of Industrial Dehumidifiers
Warehouses and Storage: Warehouses use industrial dehumidifiers to protect stored goods electronics, paper, textiles, metals, etc., from moisture damage.
Manufacturing and Factories: In electronics assembly or pharmaceutical production, too much moisture can lead to defects or spoil batches. Dehumidifiers ensure the integrity of sensitive materials by maintaining a low dew point in critical areas.
Food and Pharmaceutical Storage: Facilities that store food, beverages, or medicine must control humidity to prevent spoilage. Industrial dehumidifiers can maintain a dry environment and meet hygiene standards.
Indoor Pools and Spas: Industrial-grade dehumidifiers in indoor pool areas pull moisture out of the air to stop chlorine-laden water vapor from condensing on walls and ceilings.
Greenhouses and Indoor Farming: Agriculture operations such as commercial greenhouses or indoor farms use industrial dehumidifiers to control humidity for plant health.
Construction and Restoration: Industrial dehumidifiers help dry out concrete, paint, and plaster more quickly and evenly.
Choosing the Right Industrial Dehumidifier
Guessing on dehumidifier size and type can backfire—rooms stay damp or energy bills soar. A clear selection strategy prevents these headaches by matching the dehumidifier to your exact needs. Choosing an industrial dehumidifier requires matching the machine to your specific situation. A careful assessment of needs will ensure you get an effective unit. Here are the main factors to consider:
Space Size and Volume
Larger spaces greater cubic footage require dehumidifiers with higher capacity. A small unit may struggle to dry a huge warehouse. Consider the total area and ceiling height of your facility. Very large or multi-room facilities might need multiple units to ensure even humidity control. Based on space size and specific requirements, we can recommend a more appropriate style to maximize space-saving efforts.
Moisture Level and Sources
Evaluate how damp the environment is and where the moisture comes from. A warehouse in a humid climate, or a space with constant water like an indoor pool or a manufacturing process using water, has a high moisture load. Frequent door openings or ventilation bringing in humid outside air also add to the load. The heavier the moisture load, the more capacity you’ll need from a dehumidifier.
Ambient Temperature
The average and lowest temperatures in the space are key. Refrigerant dehumidifiers work well in warm conditions, but if your area is cool for example, a cold storage room or an unheated warehouse in winter, a desiccant dehumidifier may be necessary to function effectively. Choose a type that is suited for your temperature range.
Target Humidity Level
Determine the relative humidity you want to maintain. If you simply need to keep a general area below, say, 50% RH to prevent mold, a standard unit may suffice. But if you require very low humidity for instance, 20-30% RH for a specialized process or storage, you’ll need a more powerful or desiccant-based system designed for that level.
Power Supply and Setup
Industrial dehumidifiers can have significant power requirements. Check what electrical supply is available at your site standard 120V, 240V, or three-phase power. Ensure you select a unit that your facility can power safely. Also consider physical placement – is there space for the unit where air can circulate well? Plan for how you will drain the water the unit collects.
Features and Controls
Modern industrial dehumidifiers come with various features. Some have built-in digital humidistats to automatically maintain the set humidity. Others include options like remote monitoring, multiple fan speeds, or automatic defrost for cold conditions. Consider whether you need a unit with wheels for portability or a fixed installation. If noise matters in occupied work areas, look for models designed to operate more quietly.
Energy Efficiency
Because these machines often run 24/7, efficiency matters for operating costs. Check if the unit has an energy efficiency rating or Energy Star certification. A more efficient model may cost more upfront but will use less electricity over time. Look at the “water removed per kWh” – a higher value means better efficiency.
Installation and Maintenance of Industrial Dehumidifiers
Even the best dehumidifier fails if installed incorrectly or neglected. Poor placement can leave corners damp, and clogged filters strain the system. Proper setup and upkeep ensure peak performance.
- Optimal Placement: Install the dehumidifier where air can circulate freely. For a portable unit, place it near the center of the area or in the most humid spot, and ensure its air inlet and outlet aren’t blocked by walls or clutter. Make sure the unit is on a stable, level surface. Industrial dehumidifiers can be heavy, so secure the unit to prevent tipping or shifting. A level position also helps the condensate drain properly.
- Proper Drainage: Set up a drainage solution before running the dehumidifier. If the unit has an internal water tank, empty it promptly when full. Most industrial units allow continuous drainage via a hose; run this hose to a floor drain or sump. If no floor drain is available at the lower level, use a condensate pump to lift water up to a drain. Ensure hoses are firmly connected and not kinked to avoid leaks or backups.
- Regular Filter Cleaning: Check the air filter about once a month, more often in dusty conditions. A clogged filter makes the unit work harder and less effectively. Clean or replace filters as recommended by the manufacturer to ensure good airflow.
- Inspect Coils and Components: For refrigerant models, periodically inspect the cooling coils. If you see dust buildup, turn off the unit and gently clean the coils to maintain efficiency. Also ensure the coils aren’t icing up; if they are, the room might be too cold or the unit’s defrost function may need attention.
- Service Desiccant Units: In desiccant dehumidifiers, follow the manufacturer’s guidance on servicing the desiccant material. The rotor or desiccant cartridges may need replacement or regeneration after extended use. Ensure that the heater that dries the desiccant is functioning properly. Keeping the desiccant in good condition ensures the unit continues to pull moisture effectively.
- Monitor Performance: Pay attention to how the dehumidifier is running. If it runs continuously but the humidity isn’t dropping, or if you hear unusual noises, it may require maintenance or repair. It can be wise to have a professional perform an annual check-up, inspecting components like the compressor, fan, and electrical parts to catch any issues early.
- Environmental Sealing: To help the dehumidifier work efficiently, close windows and doors in the area while it runs so you’re not trying to dry the outdoors. Seal up large air leaks if possible. The more contained the space, the faster and more effectively the unit can remove humidity.
By installing the dehumidifier correctly and servicing it regularly, you’ll ensure it operates at peak performance and lasts longer. A well-maintained industrial dehumidifier will consistently keep your space dry with minimal downtime.
FAQ
Q: How to size an industrial dehumidifier?
A: Areas with high relative humidity levels require dehumidifiers with higher ACHs. Cubic feet per minute (CFM): The amount of air a dehumidifier moves in one minute. To calculate this figure, multiply the room’s cubic square footage by the ACH value. Then divide the product by 60 (minutes).
Q: Do industrial dehumidifiers use a lot of electricity?
A: They do consume significant power because of their size, but efficiency varies by model. Modern industrial dehumidifiers are designed to remove moisture efficiently for the energy they use.
Q: Can I leave an industrial dehumidifier on all night?
A: Yes, industrial dehumidifiers are designed for continuous operation. Leaving them on overnight is not only safe but also effective, as it ensures consistent moisture control while you sleep.
