Overview
A Desiccant Air Handling Unit (DAHU) is a specialized HVAC system designed for low humidity control in various commercial, industrial, and institutional settings. Unlike traditional air handling units, which primarily focus on temperature control, DAHU systems employ desiccant technology to remove moisture from the air, ensuring precise humidity levels are maintained.
DAHU systems are commonly used in environments where maintaining low humidity levels is critical for preserving product quality, preventing corrosion, controlling microbial growth, and ensuring occupant comfort.
Some Common Applications and Industries Where DAHU Systems Are Used
PHARMACEUTICAL MANUFACTURING FACILITIES
DAHU systems are essential for maintaining controlled environments with low humidity levels to ensure the quality and stability of pharmaceutical products.
FOOD PROCESSING AND STORAGE FACILITIES
DAHU systems help prevent moisture-related issues such as mold, spoilage, and bacterial growth in food products by maintaining low humidity levels in processing and storage areas.
ELECTRONICS MANUFACTURING FACILITIES
DAHU systems are used to control humidity levels to prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD) and moisture-related damage to sensitive electronic components and equipment.
CLEANROOMS AND LABORATORIES
DAHU systems help maintain strict humidity control in cleanrooms and laboratories to meet regulatory requirements and ensure optimal conditions for research, development, and manufacturing processes.
The Benefits of Using DAHU Systems
✓ PRECISE HUMIDITY CONTROL
DAHU systems provide accurate and consistent control over humidity levels, ensuring that specific requirements are met for product quality, process stability, and occupant comfort.
✓ ENERGY EFFICIENCY
DAHU systems are designed to operate efficiently, utilizing desiccant technology to remove moisture from the air without the need for excessive cooling or reheating, resulting in lower energy consumption and operating costs.
✓ IMPROVED INDOOR AIR QUALITY (IAQ)
By removing excess moisture from the air, DAHU systems help reduce the risk of mold, mildew, and bacterial growth, improving IAQ and creating a healthier indoor environment.
✓ ENHANCED EQUIPMENT LONGEVITY
Maintaining low humidity levels with DAHU systems helps prevent corrosion and moisture-related damage to equipment and infrastructure, extending their lifespan and reducing maintenance costs.
✓ VERSATILITY
DAHU systems can be customized to meet the specific needs of different applications and industries, making them suitable for a wide range of environments and requirements.
How DAHU Systems Works
In terms of operation, DAHU systems typically consist of a desiccant wheel or rotor that absorbs moisture from the incoming air stream, a regeneration system that removes moisture from the desiccant material, and a supply air fan that distributes conditioned air to the space. The desiccant material is regenerated using heat, often from a gas or electric heater, allowing the system to continuously remove moisture from the air while maintaining low humidity levels.
DDS Product Line
Desiccant Dehumidification Systems (DDS) products are traditional heat reactivated desiccant units, utilizing high-temperature heat in the form of direct-fired gas, steam, or electric heat to reactivate the wheel for low dewpoint applications.
IceAire “A” Series Standard “A” units range in size from 1,250 to 20,000 scfm with a variety of wheel sizes to address the specific moisture load of every arena. Often, the “A” model is controlled solely by a space humidistat to operate only when dehumidification is required. We offer optional post cooling, heating, various ventilation modes and controls are also available.
IceAire “AM” Series The “AM” series system is also designed to maintain desired space conditions while allowing the introduction of larger volumes of outside air to satisfy fresh air code requirements.
