Convectant drying

Convectant Drying

Convectant drying has emerged in the last few years as an alternative to conventional drying techniques.

Convectant drying is an “open system” incorporating heat and air movement to provide positive air pressure with high heat and therefore low relative humidity. One hundred percent outside air is heated and repeatedly exchanged with the saturated air from the building. Convectant drying heats outside air and therefore requires cool dry air to reach maximum potential.

Knowing the conditions, limitations, and benefits will help you select the proper drying/dehumidification tool.

Other Methods of Drying

Refrigerant dehumidifiers, conventional Operation range 65F to 90F (18°C to 32°C). Temperatures above or below are out of the effective range. Inexpensive, portable, easy to set up. If used properly and in sufficient quantities can reduce RH to 60%.

Low Grain Refrigerants (LGR’s) Effective in lower temperature conditions than conventional refrigerants. Manufacturers claim 33 degrees Fahrenheit. Humidity levels to 40%RH. More expensive and more labor intensive than conventional dehumidifiers. Can be an effective structural drying tool.

Desiccant dehumidifiers Work on the principle of absorption. Wet air is attracted to moisture absorbent material. Operation range from 10F to 90F. Excellent structural drying tool, can lower RH to 5%. Does not operate on the principles of heat and therefore can be used year round in all environments.