The webinar, presented by Andre from Munters and hosted by Austin Whitely, provides an in-depth look at desiccant dehumidification technology and its applications across various industries. Munters, founded in 1945, is a leader in climate control technologies and has been continuously innovating in response to global trends such as climate change, population growth, and resource scarcity.
The focus of the presentation is on the use of desiccant dehumidifiers, which are essential for controlling humidity in processes or spaces that require very low humidity levels—typically below a 50-degree dew point. Andre explains that desiccant dehumidification is most effective when cooling alone cannot achieve the desired humidity level. This is especially true when the air needs to be dried below a 40-degree dew point, where cooling-based dehumidification becomes inefficient.
The technology behind desiccant dehumidifiers involves using a material, such as silica gel, that has hygroscopic properties, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air. The dehumidification process takes place as air passes through a desiccant wheel, which is coated with the hygroscopic material. The wheel rotates through two chambers: one that absorbs moisture from the air and another that uses heated air to reactivate the desiccant by removing the moisture it has absorbed.
This technology is particularly useful in industries where low humidity is critical. For example, in the food industry, processes such as candy coating and meat processing benefit from desiccant dehumidification to maintain quality and safety standards. Pharmaceutical manufacturing, which often requires precise humidity control to protect products like powders and capsules, also relies on this technology. Additionally, desiccant dehumidifiers are commonly used in cleanrooms, glass fabrication, lithium-ion battery production, and archival storage, where humidity can damage sensitive materials.
One of the key takeaways from the webinar is the combination of cooling and desiccant dehumidification to achieve optimal efficiency. While cooling systems handle higher humidity levels, desiccant systems provide deeper drying, making them ideal for environments requiring very low moisture content.
Andre also highlights Munters’ proprietary technologies, including custom formulations of silica gel and optimized designs for desiccant wheels, to improve efficiency and tailor solutions to specific applications. Munters offers a wide range of dehumidification products, from small units designed for spaces with airflow rates as low as 50 CFM to large integrated systems capable of handling up to 60,000 CFM.
Munters’ desiccant dehumidification technology offers an efficient solution for managing humidity in a wide variety of industries, particularly where low humidity levels are essential. By combining advanced materials and engineering with customer-focused service and support, Munters ensures that its solutions meet the evolving needs of industries globally.