Humidification

Humidification is the process of adding moisture to the air, which is crucial for comfort, health, and industrial
processes where precise humidity control is essential. In HVAC systems, for example, proper humidity levels
enhance comfort and reduce energy costs by allowing higher thermostat settings in summer and lower in winter.
Humidification is essential for maintaining a comfortable indoor environment by increasing moisture in the air. It
is crucial for preventing dry skin, irritated eyes, and respiratory problems caused by low humidity levels. In
industrial settings, precise humidity control is vital for processes such as manufacturing, pharmaceutical
production, and agriculture. Moreover, in HVAC systems, proper humidification can contribute to energy savings
by enabling more efficient temperature regulation year-round.
Psychometrics Basics
Dry bulb temperature, wet bulb temperature, relative humidity, specific humidity.
Dry Bulb Temperature: Temperature of the air measured with a standard thermometer.
Wet Bulb Temperature: Temperature recorded by a thermometer with its bulb wrapped in wet muslin, indicating
the lowest temperature to which the air can be cooled by evaporation.
Relative Humidity: Ratio of the actual amount of water vapour present in the air to the maximum amount the air
could hold at that temperature, expressed as a percentage.
Specific Humidity: Ratio of the mass of water vapour to the total mass of moist air.
Processes of Humidification
Adiabatic Saturation
An adiabatic process is a thermodynamic process in which there is no heat transfer into or out of the system. This
means that the system is perfectly insulated from its surroundings, so all changes in the system's energy are due to
work done on or by the system.
Key Characteristics of an Adiabatic Process
1. No Heat Transfer: The defining feature of an adiabatic process is that there is no exchange of heat (Q = 0)
between the system and its surroundings. Any change in the internal energy of the system is entirely due to work
done on or by the system.
2. Work Done: In an adiabatic process, the work done by the system (W) is equal to the change in its internal energy
(ΔU): ΔU = W
3. Reversible and Irreversible Processes: An adiabatic process can be either reversible or irreversible. A reversible
adiabatic process is called an isentropic process because it also involves no change in entropy (Δ S = 0).
4. Adiabatic Compression and Expansion:
Adiabatic Compression: When a gas is compressed adiabatically, its temperature rises because work is done on
the gas, increasing its internal energy.
Adiabatic Expansion: When a gas expands adiabatically, its temperature drops because the gas does work on the
surroundings, which decreases its internal energy.
Mathematical Description
For an ideal gas undergoing an adiabatic process, the relationship between pressure, volume, and temperature can
be described using the following equations:
1. Adiabatic Condition:
 𝑃𝑉 𝛾 = 𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡
where P is the pressure, V is the volume, and γ is the adiabatic index or ratio of specific heats (Cp/Cv).

2. Temperature-Volume Relation:
𝑇𝑉 𝛾−1 = 𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡
3. Pressure-Temperature Relation:
𝛾−1⁄
𝑇2 𝑉1 𝛾−1 𝑇2 𝑃2 𝛾
= (2) and 𝑇 = (𝑃 )
𝑇1 1 1

Example
An ideal gas initially at a temperature of 300 K and a volume of 1 m³ undergoes an adiabatic expansion to a
volume of 3 m³. Determine the final temperature of the gas if γ= 1.4.
Solution:
Using the temperature-volume relation for an adiabatic process: PV^(γ-1)=Constant
Given:
T1 = 300 K, T2 = ?, V1 = 1 m3, and V2 = 3 m3

𝑇1 𝑉1 𝛾−1 = 𝑇2 𝑉2 𝛾−1
300 𝑥 11.4−1 = 𝑇2 31.4−1
T2 = 155.2 K
Thus, the final temperature of the gas after adiabatic expansion is approximately 155.2 K.
Applications of Adiabatic Processes
1. Adiabatic Cooling and Heating: Adiabatic processes are used in HVAC systems for adiabatic cooling (e.g.,
evaporative coolers) and heating.
2. Atmospheric Processes: Adiabatic processes are important in meteorology, such as in the formation of clouds
when air parcels rise and cool adiabatically.
3. Internal Combustion Engines: In engines, the compression and expansion strokes can be approximated as
adiabatic processes.
4. Refrigeration and Air Conditioning: Adiabatic processes are used in the design of compressors and expanders
in refrigeration cycles.
An adiabatic process is a fundamental concept in thermodynamics where there is no heat exchange with the
surroundings. It plays a critical role in various natural and engineering systems, including atmospheric
phenomena, engines, and HVAC systems. Understanding adiabatic processes involves the application of key
thermodynamic equations and relationships, providing insights into the behavior of gases under different
conditions.
Direct Contact (Bubble): Mechanism.
Direct contact humidification involves the transfer of moisture directly from a liquid to a gas phase through direct
contact. One effective method of achieving this is through the bubble mechanism, where gas is bubbled through a
liquid. This process is widely used in various industrial and commercial applications due to its simplicity and
efficiency.
Mechanism of Direct Contact (Bubble) Humidification
1. Basic Principle:
In bubble humidification, a gas (typically air) is passed through a liquid (typically water) to increase the moisture
content of the gas. As the gas bubbles rise through the liquid, they absorb moisture from the liquid.
2. Formation of Bubbles:
Gas Injection: The gas is injected into the liquid through a perforated plate, sparger, or nozzle.
Bubble Formation: The gas forms bubbles that rise through the liquid column. The size and number of bubbles
depend on the design of the gas injector and the flow rate.
3. Mass Transfer:
Gas-Liquid Interface: As the bubbles rise, a large surface area is created at the gas-liquid interface, facilitating
mass transfer.
Diffusion: Water molecules diffuse from the liquid into the gas phase due to the difference in vapor pressure
between the liquid and the gas. This process continues until equilibrium is reached or the bubbles exit the liquid.
4. Heat Transfer:
Evaporation: The absorption of moisture by the gas is an endothermic process, meaning it requires heat. This heat
is typically supplied by the liquid or the gas, resulting in a cooling effect on the liquid.
Temperature Equilibrium**: The temperature of the gas and liquid may change during the process, depending on
the initial conditions and the extent of humidification.
Key Factors Influencing Bubble Humidification
1. Bubble Size and Distribution:
- Smaller bubbles provide a larger surface area for mass transfer.
- Uniform bubble distribution ensures efficient humidification.
2. Contact Time:
- Longer contact time between the gas and liquid increases the extent of humidification.
- The height of the liquid column and the velocity of the gas affect contact time.
3. Liquid Temperature:
- Higher liquid temperatures increase the vapour pressure, enhancing the rate of mass transfer.
- The temperature difference between the gas and liquid influences the heat transfer.
4. Gas Flow Rate:
- Higher gas flow rates increase the number of bubbles and the overall humidification rate.
- Optimal flow rates need to be maintained to avoid excessive turbulence and ensure efficient mass transfer.
Applications of Direct Contact (Bubble) Humidification
1. Industrial Humidification:
 - Textile Industry: Maintaining appropriate humidity levels to prevent static electricity and ensure the quality of
fibres.
- Paper Industry: Controlling humidity to prevent paper curls and ensure consistent paper quality.
- Electronics Manufacturing: Maintaining humidity to reduce static electricity and protect sensitive components.
2. Environmental Control:
- Greenhouses: Providing controlled humidity to promote plant growth and prevent diseases.
- Mushroom Farming: Maintaining high humidity levels necessary for the growth of mushrooms.
3. HVAC Systems:
- Comfort Conditioning: Enhancing indoor air quality by maintaining desired humidity levels in residential and
commercial buildings.
- Data Centers: Controlling humidity to protect sensitive electronic equipment from static discharge and
overheating.
4. Process Industries:
- Chemical Industry: Using humidification to control reactions and maintain product quality.
- Food Processing: Controlling humidity to preserve the quality and shelf life of food products.
5. Gas Treatment:
- Flue Gas Desulfurization: Using bubble columns to remove sulfur dioxide from flue gases by humidifying and
reacting with a liquid absorbent.
- Biogas Scrubbing: Humidifying biogas to remove impurities and improve combustion properties.
Advantages of Direct Contact (Bubble) Humidification
1. Efficiency:
- High mass transfer rates due to the large surface area of bubbles.
- Effective humidification even at lower temperatures.
2. Simplicity:
- Simple design and operation with minimal moving parts.
- Easy to install and maintain.
3. Cost-Effective:
- Lower initial and operational costs compared to other humidification methods.
- Energy-efficient due to the direct transfer of moisture.
4. Versatility:
- Suitable for a wide range of applications and industries.
- Can be easily scaled to accommodate different capacities.
Challenges and Considerations
1. Control:
 - Precise control of humidity levels can be challenging.
- Requires careful design and monitoring to achieve desired performance.
2. Temperature Effects:
- The cooling effect due to evaporation needs to be managed, especially in processes sensitive to temperature
changes.
3. Scaling and Fouling:
- Accumulation of impurities in the liquid can affect the efficiency of humidification.
- Regular maintenance and cleaning are necessary to prevent scaling and fouling.
Spray Humidification: Design considerations and efficiency.
Spray humidification is a widely used method for adding moisture to the air in various industrial, commercial, and
residential settings. This technique involves spraying water into the air to increase humidity. The effectiveness of
spray humidification depends on several design considerations and factors that influence its efficiency.
Mechanism of Spray Humidification
1. Basic Principle:
- Water is atomized into fine droplets and sprayed into an airstream.
- The water droplets evaporate, absorbing heat from the air and increasing its humidity.
2. Evaporation Process:
- As the fine droplets mix with the air, they evaporate quickly due to their large surface area.
- The evaporation process cools the air and increases its moisture content.
Design Considerations for Spray Humidification
1. Spray Nozzle Selection:
- Type of Nozzle: Common types include single-fluid and dual-fluid nozzles.
- Single-fluid nozzles use water pressure to atomize the liquid.
- Dual-fluid nozzles use both water and compressed air for finer atomization.
- Droplet Size: Smaller droplets (typically 5-50 micrometers) evaporate more quickly and are more efficient in
humidifying the air.
2. Water Supply:
- Quality of Water: Using clean, filtered water to prevent clogging of nozzles and ensure efficient operation.
- Pressure: Adequate water pressure is necessary for proper atomization and distribution.
3. Airflow and Distribution:
- Air Velocity: The velocity of the airstream should be sufficient to carry and distribute the droplets evenly.
- Air Distribution: Proper distribution of the airstream ensures uniform humidity levels throughout the space.
4. Control Systems:
- Humidity Control: Automated control systems to monitor and adjust humidity levels for optimal performance.
 - Temperature Control: Managing the temperature to balance the cooling effect of evaporation and maintain
comfort.
5. System Layout:
- Placement of Nozzles: Strategically placing nozzles to ensure even distribution and avoid wet spots.
- Coverage Area: Ensuring the spray system covers the entire area requiring humidification.
6. Maintenance:
- Cleaning: Regular cleaning of nozzles and water supply lines to prevent mineral buildup and clogging.
- Inspection: Periodic inspection of the system to identify and address any issues promptly.
Efficiency Factors in Spray Humidification
1. Droplet Size and Distribution:
- Smaller droplets have a larger surface area to volume ratio, leading to faster evaporation and more efficient
humidification.
- Uniform droplet distribution ensures even humidification and prevents localized wet spots.
2. Ambient Conditions:
- Temperature: Higher air temperatures increase the rate of evaporation, enhancing humidification efficiency.
- Relative Humidity: Lower initial relative humidity levels allow for more water vapor to be absorbed by the
air.
3. Air-Water Contact Time:
- Longer contact time between the air and water droplets increases the extent of evaporation.
- Ensuring adequate contact time through proper system design and airflow management.
4. Water Temperature:
- Warmer water increases the vapour pressure, promoting faster evaporation.
- Using preheated water in cold environments to improve efficiency.
5. Spray Pattern:
- Even and consistent spray patterns ensure uniform humidification.
- Avoiding overlap and gaps in the spray coverage for optimal performance.
Applications of Spray Humidification
1. Industrial Applications:
- Textile Industry: Maintaining humidity levels to prevent static electricity and ensure the quality of fibres.
- Paper Industry: Controlling humidity to prevent paper curl and maintain consistent quality.
- Electronics Manufacturing: Reducing static electricity and protecting sensitive components.
2. Environmental Control:
- Greenhouses: Providing controlled humidity to promote plant growth and prevent diseases.
- Mushroom Farming: Maintaining high humidity levels necessary for mushroom growth.
3. HVAC Systems:
- Comfort Conditioning: Enhancing indoor air quality and comfort by maintaining desired humidity levels in
residential and commercial buildings.
- Data Centers: Controlling humidity to protect sensitive electronic equipment from static discharge and
overheating.
4. Process Industries:
- Chemical Industry: Using humidification to control reactions and maintain product quality.
- Food Processing: Controlling humidity to preserve the quality and shelf life of food products.
Advantages of Spray Humidification
1. Efficiency:
- High rate of evaporation due to the fine droplets and large surface area.
- Effective humidification even at lower temperatures.
2. Flexibility:
- Can be used in a wide range of applications and environments.
- Easy to adjust and control for specific humidity requirements.
3. Cost-Effective:
- Lower initial and operational costs compared to other humidification methods.
- Energy-efficient due to the direct transfer of moisture.
4. Scalability:
- Systems can be easily scaled to accommodate different capacities and requirements.
- Suitable for both small-scale and large-scale applications.
Challenges and Considerations
1. Control:
- Precise control of humidity levels can be challenging.
- Requires careful design and monitoring to achieve desired performance.
2. Water Quality:
- Using poor-quality water can lead to clogging of nozzles and reduced efficiency.
- Regular maintenance and filtration systems are necessary to ensure optimal operation.
3. Temperature Effects:
- The cooling effect due to evaporation needs to be managed, especially in processes sensitive to temperature
changes.
4. Maintenance:
- Regular cleaning and inspection of the system to prevent mineral buildup and ensure efficient operation.
- Ensuring the availability of replacement parts and easy access for maintenance.
Heat Exchangers Role in humidification processes.
Heat exchangers play a crucial role in humidification processes by efficiently transferring heat between different
fluids or gases. In humidification, heat exchangers help in maintaining the desired temperature and humidity levels
by preheating or cooling the air, which enhances the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the humidification
system.
Types of Heat Exchangers in Humidification Processes
1. Air-to-Air Heat Exchangers:
- Plate Heat Exchangers: Consist of a series of thin, corrugated plates that create parallel channels for airflow.
These are used to transfer heat between two air streams.
- Rotary Wheel Heat Exchangers: Use a rotating wheel coated with a material that captures and transfers heat
between the incoming and outgoing air streams.
- Heat Pipes: Utilize a sealed pipe containing a working fluid that evaporates and condenses to transfer heat
between air streams.
2. Air-to-Water Heat Exchangers:
- Coil Heat Exchangers: Consist of coils of pipes through which water or another fluid flows, transferring heat
to or from the air passing over the coils.
- Spray Chambers: Use a spray of water to directly contact the air, transferring heat and moisture
simultaneously.

3. Direct Contact Heat Exchangers: Facilitate the direct interaction between air and water, allowing for
efficient heat and mass transfer.
Mechanisms of Heat Exchangers in Humidification
1. Preheating and Cooling:
- Preheating: Before humidification, the incoming air is often preheated to increase its capacity to hold
moisture. This is particularly important in colder climates where the incoming air temperature is low.
- Cooling: After humidification, the air might need to be cooled to achieve the desired temperature and
humidity levels.
2. Energy Recovery:
- Heat Recovery: In systems where humidified air is exhausted, heat exchangers can recover heat from the
outgoing air to preheat the incoming air, improving energy efficiency.
- Moisture Recovery: In some cases, heat exchangers can also help recover moisture from the exhaust air,
reducing the need for additional water input.
3. Efficiency Enhancement:
- Heat exchangers improve the overall efficiency of humidification systems by optimizing the temperature and
humidity conditions of the air before it enters the humidification chamber.
Applications of Heat Exchangers in Humidification
1. Industrial Humidification:
 - Textile Industry: Maintaining precise humidity levels to prevent static electricity and ensure the quality of
fibers.
- Paper Industry: Controlling humidity to prevent paper curl and maintain consistent paper quality.
- Electronics Manufacturing: Protecting sensitive components by maintaining appropriate humidity levels to
reduce static electricity.
2. HVAC Systems:
- Residential and Commercial Buildings: Ensuring indoor air quality by maintaining desired humidity levels.
- Data Centers: Controlling humidity to protect sensitive electronic equipment from static discharge and
overheating.
3. Agricultural Applications:
- Greenhouses: Providing controlled humidity to promote plant growth and prevent diseases.
- Mushroom Farming: Maintaining high humidity levels necessary for the growth of mushrooms.
4. Process Industries:
- Chemical Industry: Using humidification to control reactions and maintain product quality.
- Food Processing: Preserving the quality and shelf life of food products by controlling humidity.C
Example: An HVAC system uses an air-to-air heat exchanger to preheat incoming air from 10°C to 25°C using
exhaust air at 35°C. Determine the heat transfer rate if the mass flow rate of the air is 500 kg/h and the specific heat
capacity of air is 1.005 kJ/kg·K.
Solution:
𝑄 = 𝑚̇ × 𝐶𝑝 × ∆𝑇

Given:
M = 500 kg/h, Cp = 1.005, ΔT = 25 – 10 = 15º
Q = 500 x 1.005 x 288
7537.5 KJ/h
Thus, the heat transfer rate is 7537.5 kJ/h.
2. An industrial humidification system uses a rotary wheel heat exchanger with an effectiveness of 70% to recover
energy from the exhaust air. The exhaust air is at 30°C, and the incoming air is at 5°C. Determine the temperature
of the incoming air after heat exchange if the mass flow rates are equal.
𝑇𝑖𝑛,𝑜𝑢𝑡 = 𝑇𝑖𝑛 + ∈ × (𝑇𝑒𝑥 − 𝑇𝑖𝑛 )
Solution:
Given:
∈= 0.70, Tin = 5°C, Tex = 30°C
Tin,out = 5 + 0.70 x (30 - 5) = 5 + 0.70 x 25 = 5 + 17.5 = 22.5°C
Thus, the temperature of the incoming air after heat exchange is 22.5°C.
Advantages of Heat Exchangers in Humidification
1. Energy Efficiency:
- Significant energy savings through heat recovery and preheating.
- Reduced operational costs by minimizing the need for additional heating or cooling.
2. Improved Performance:
- Enhanced control over temperature and humidity levels.
- Increased effectiveness of the humidification process.
3. Sustainability:
- Lower environmental impact due to reduced energy consumption.
- Enhanced sustainability of HVAC and industrial systems.
4. Versatility:
- Applicable in a wide range of industries and environments.
- Suitable for both large-scale industrial applications and small-scale residential systems.
Challenges and Considerations
1. Design Complexity:
- Requires careful design to optimize heat transfer and minimize pressure drops.
- Selection of appropriate materials to withstand the operating conditions.
2. Maintenance:
- Regular maintenance is necessary to ensure efficient operation.
- Potential for fouling and scaling, particularly in air-to-water heat exchangers.
3. Initial Costs:
- Higher initial investment compared to simpler humidification methods.
- Long-term savings often justify the initial expenditure.
4. Energy Considerations
- Energy Consumption: Impact of humidification processes.
se requirements and depth of study.
Assignment
1. An HVAC system uses an air-to-air heat exchanger to preheat incoming air from 10°C to 25°C using
exhaust air at 35°C. Determine the heat transfer rate and the efficiency of the heat exchanger if the mass flow rate
of the air is 550 kg/h and the specific heat capacity of air is 1.005 kJ/kg·K and density of water to be 1000kg/m³
2. In an industrial process, an air-to-air heat exchanger is used to preheat incoming air using exhaust air. The
exhaust air leaves the process at 35°C and 80% RH, while the incoming air is at 5°C and 50% RH. The heat
exchanger effectiveness is 60%. Calculate the energy recovered per hour if the mass flow rate of air is 1000 kg/h.
3. Calculate the energy consumption per hour for a steam humidifier that adds moisture to 2000 m³/h of air from
20°C and 40% RH to achieve 60% RH. Assume the steam flow rate is 50 kg/h and the heat of vaporization of
steam is 2257 kJ/kg.