Gas-Fired Desiccant Technology

Gas-fired desiccant technology operates by utilizing natural gas or propane as a fuel source to power the desiccant dehumidification process. It offers an efficient and effective solution for humidity control in various applications, including commercial buildings, industrial facilities, and institutional settings. By utilizing natural gas or propane as a fuel source for desiccant regeneration, these systems provide reliable moisture removal while minimizing energy consumption and operating costs.

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Here’s How It Works

ADSORPTION OF MOISTURE

  • The process begins with the intake of ambient air from the surrounding environment, which typically contains moisture in the form of humidity.
  • The incoming air is directed through a desiccant wheel or rotor, which contains a desiccant material such as silica gel or molecular sieve.
  • The desiccant material has a high affinity for moisture, allowing it to adsorb water vapor from the incoming air as it passes through the wheel.
  • As a result, the moisture content in the air is significantly reduced, leading to lower humidity levels in the conditioned space.

REGENERATION OF DESICCANT

  • Over time, the desiccant material in the wheel becomes saturated with moisture and needs to be regenerated to maintain its effectiveness.
  • Desiccant regeneration is achieved by exposing the saturated desiccant material to heat. In gas-fired desiccant systems, this heat is generated by burning natural gas or propane in a combustion chamber.
  • The combustion process produces hot exhaust gases, which are directed through the desiccant wheel to provide the necessary heat for desiccant regeneration.
  • As the hot gases pass through the desiccant material, they transfer heat to the moisture absorbed within the material, causing the moisture to evaporate and the desiccant to dry out.
  • The regenerated desiccant material is then ready for the next cycle of moisture removal.

EXHAUST OF MOISTURE-LADEN AIR

  • During the regeneration process, the moisture-laden air produced by the evaporation of moisture from the desiccant material is exhausted from the system.
  • The exhaust air may be vented outside the conditioned space or used for other purposes, depending on the specific system design and application.

CONTROL AND MONITORING

  • Gas-fired desiccant systems are equipped with controls and sensors to monitor and regulate the operation of the system.
  • These controls ensure that the desiccant regeneration process occurs at the appropriate times and temperatures to maintain optimal system performance and efficiency.
  • Additionally, the system may be integrated with building automation systems (BAS) or other control systems to coordinate operation with other HVAC equipment and maintain desired indoor conditions.

Applications

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These systems are suitable for applications where a reliable fuel source is available and where moderate to high-temperature desiccant regeneration is feasible.

Benefits

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Gas-fired desiccant systems offer efficient moisture removal and can be cost- effective in applications with access to natural gas or propane.

They are often used in industrial and commercial settings.