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B R Y A I R : Engineering Manual - Sizing the Dehumidifier Page 1 of 17

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About this Manual | What is Relative Humidity? | Uses of Dry Air | How to Produce Dry Air | Controlling Space |
Calculating Loads | Sizing the Dehumidifier | Dehumidifiers for Product Drying

PART FIVE – SIZING THE DEHUMIDIFIER

When deciding what size Dehumidifier to use, remember that controlled space requirements sometimes exceed the anticipated
design peak load. Unusual and unforseen humidity loads-such as from abnormal weather conditions or the introduction of high-
moisture content raw materials-can burden the drying equipment. Here we present a number of issues that must be considered
in approaching and solving specific drying problems. Six typical humidity control example are presented:

 Food and drug manufacturing, specifically raw materials and processing equipment (Production of hard candy)
 Storage or equipment areas (Standby warehouse)
 Product drying
 Controlled humidity and temperature areas
 Specific purposes for dry air production
 Prevention of condensation (Water treatment plant)
Note: Dehumidifier performance used in these examples can be found in Appendix 4.

EXAMPLE 1: PRODUCTION OF HARD CANDY


During the candy and cough drop production, the material is in a plastic state. It must flow and be shaped by stamping
machines. If the presence of excess moisture causes the material to become sticky, it will not flow freely and it will adhere to
the stamping machine.

To eliminate this material and equipment problem, dry the surrounding air.

Physical Facts

1. Area to be conditioned - 60' x 42' x 16'


2. Outside Design Condition - 95°F db*; 75°F wb*
3. Controlled Space requirement** - 75°F db;35 percent RH
4. Physical Openings - 1 door(6' x 7'); opened 6 times/hr
5. Number of people working in area - 10
6. Construction - 8" masonry
7. Make-up air specified by owner - 350cfm

* db = dry bulb value; wb = wet bulb value


** See Appendix 5.

Problem

To determine the size of dehumidifier necessary to maintain the desired controlled space conditions.

Assumptions

1. The door is adequately weather stripped and is of standard construction.


2. Ten workers in the area maintain a moderate pace; each requires ventilating air.
3. The interior of the control space is constructed with two coats of vapor barrier paint.
4. There are no other openings in and out of the controlled space.
5. All physical cracks are sealed.
6. A vapor barrier is provided in or under the concrete floor.

Space Moisture Loads to be Computed


1. Permeation load
2. Load through the door
3. Population load

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PERMEATION LOAD
V x G x F1 x F2 x F3 x F 4 = Grains per hour
C
V = 60 x 42 x 16 = 40,320 ft.3
C = 14 (Specific volume of dry air @ 95°F)
G = 75 grs/lb, outside design wet bulb of 75°F gives 121 gr/lb from Table I. Controlled space requirement of 75°F db,
35% rh yields 46 grains per pound from a standard Psychrometric chart. Therefore, 121-46=75 grs/lb.
F1 = 1.94 From Table II – Factor for moisture difference of 75 gr/lb - interpolated
F2 = .5 From Table III
F3 = 1.0 From Table IV – Factor for 8" masonry
F4 = .75 From Table IV – Factor for 2 coats of paint
40,320 x 75 x 1.94 x .5 x 1.0 x .75 = 157,140 grs/hour
14

DOOR LOAD
Ohr x A x G x F1 = grs/hr
C
Ohr = 6
A = 6 x 7 = 42 sq ft
C = 7
G = 75 grs/lb
F1 = 1.94
6 x 42 x 75 x 1.94 = 5,238 gr/hr
7

POPULATION LOAD

At a db of 75°F and working at a moderate rate, a person will expel 2,540 grains each hour. (See Appendix 3)

Therefore ten people will add 10 x 2,540 = 25,400 grains each hour

TOTAL LOAD
157,140 grs/hr Permeation
5,238 grs/hr Through door
25,400 grs/hr Population load
187,778 grs/hr Total

The drying system and load requirement are shown in the schematic below:

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Note that 350-cubic feet per minute (cfm) outside air is based on a requirement of 30 cfm for each of the 10 workers is
introduced at the dehumidifier. The effect of this air on the ultimate dehumidifier size will be handled below. Proceed with the
following calculation:

X = C x ( gr/hr) / (S-G)
60

Where : X = Delivery air fate from dryer to space in cfm


gr/hr = Total moisture load in grain per hour in the space

C=14 = constant
S= 46 = Grs/lb moisture requirement of controlled space. In the absence of a ventilation requirement this would be the
inlet
condition at the dryer.
G= Grs/lb of air leaving dryer. Refer to Chart 1, Appendix 4, Enter curve at 46 grain "Inlet moisture condition." Intersect
75°
Inlet air temp curve at 14 gr/lb
14 x (187,778) / (46 -14)=1369 cfm
60

From the above calculation the space moisture load is 187,778 gr/min. 1369 cfm air at 14 grs/lb will maintain the space design
conditions.

At this stage in the procedure, it is necessary to resort to the method of approximation to select the correct dryer.

In addition to handling the space load the dryer must handle the moisture load contributed by the 350 cfm outside air
requirement. So use a 2000 cfm Bry-Air Dryer (MVB-20C or FVB 4000).

If the dryer has a delivery rate of 2000 cfm, and if 350 cfm of outside air is to be introduced, there remains 1650 cfm of air from
the conditioned space. Tabulate this air mixture

350 cfm x 121 gr/lb = 42,350


1650 cfm x 46 gr/lb = 75,900
2000 cfm 118,250

Then 118,250 = 59.1 grs/lb


2000

Refer again to Chart 1, Appendix 4, it shows that air entering the dryer at 59.1 grs/lb would leave the dryer at approximately 23
grs/lb. (NOTE: Interpolate between the 75° and 85° curves since the air is a mixture of 75°F and 95°F = 79° F.)

Total moisture pickup X (S - G) x 60 - Total Moisture Pickup


C

2000 x (46-23) x 60 = 197,143 grs/hr total removal capacity


14

The following work sheet is a demonstration of what the calculations will look like.

In the above calculations, moisture gain or air leakage in the process ductwork was not considered. If, however, the process
and return ductwork did contribute to the moisture load, the total duct volume would be an additional space. Then the
permeation calculation on page 9 would be used: V = duct volume; C = 14; F1 from Table II, with moisture difference G
measured from inside process air duct to surround ambient; F3 for tight, good commercial ductwork = 0.6. Add the resultant
moisture gain to the room total load. A nominal allowance for process air lost due to duct leakage = 5 percent.

Recommendation

Selecting an MVB-20C or FVB-4000 at 2000 CFM is the best choice for the hard candy manufacturing example. While it may
seem to be an oversized selection, consider that all desiccants in all manufacturers' desiccant dryers will age, will possibly
become physically and chemically contaminated with dirt, dust, or chemicals, and will gradually lose their effectiveness.
Fortunately, with the MVB-20C or FVB-4000, higher levels of moisture in the leaving air upto 24 grs/lb dry air could be tolerated
prior to a desiccant change. So what appears to be an oversized selection would actually allow much longer use of a desiccant
charge or rotor and provide the economies of longer use.

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BRY-AIR DEHUMIDIFIER CALCULATION SHEET


PROJECT: EXAMPLE 1 - PRODUCTION OF HARD CANDY

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Calculation Sheet

Example II: STANDBY WAREHOUSE

Moisture damage in a standby or storage warehouse can be avoided by surrounding the machinery, equipment, or material
with dry air.

Physical Facts

1. Area to be conditioned - 210' x 176' x 45' = 1,663,200 cubic feet


2. Outside design condition - 95°F db; 77°F wb
3. Controlled space requirement* - 85°F db; 40 percent rh
4. No physical openings nor appreciable amount of door openings or closing specified
5. No people working in the area
6. Construction - 8" masonry.

* See Appendix 5

Problem

To determine the size of the dehumidifier required to maintain standby conditions.

Assumptions

1. All physical cracks are seated and the floor properly vapor-proofed.
2. If the room is completely vapor-proofed, use Table 4 on page 8.
3. Two coats of vapor barrier paint have been applied externally for metal clad construction.

* External application is recommended because:

 Outside walls are usually easier to access than inside walls for paint application.
 Coating the outside walls discourages water permeation into the wall and thus minimizes water accumulation in the wall
structure itself.

Space Moisture Loads to be Computed

 Permeation load
 Moisture Load

The Permeation Load is the only moisture load involved in this example.

V x G x F1 x F 2 x F 3 x F4 = grains per hours


C

Where:
V = 210 x 176 x 45= 1,663,200 cubic feet
C = 14 = Constant
G = 58 grs/lb, outside design wet bulb of 77°F gives 130 gr/lb from Table I page 8. Controlled space
requirement of 85°F db, 40% rh yields 72 grs/lb from a standard Psychrometric chart. Therefore, 130-
72=58.
F1 = 1.54 from Table II -Factor for moisture difference of 63grs/lb
F2 = 0.24 from Table III -extrapolated as straight line for a volume of 1,663,200 cubic feet
F3 = 1.0 from Table IV -Factor for 8" masonry
F4 = .75 from Table IV -Factor for 2 coats of paint
1,663,200 x 58 x 1.54 x 0.24 x 1.0 x 0.75 = 1,910,019 grs/lb.
14

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Refer to schematic below, which shows the load requirements and drying system.

X= C x (gr/hr) / (S-G)
60
Where X = cfm delivery air rate from dryer
C = 14 (constant)
S = 72 grs/lb moisture requirement of controlled space
grs/lb in air leaving the dryer. Refer to Chart1, Appendix 4.
G = Enter curve at 72° 'Inlet moisture condition'. Interpolate 'Inlet Air Temperature Curve' between
75° and 95° and find "leaving moisture" at 33 grs/lb
X = 14 x (1,910,019) / (72 - 33)
60
X = 11,427 cfm

Therefore 11,427 cfm of air (33 gr/lb) from the dehumidifier is needed to maintain a grain level of 72 gr/lb.

In a building of this size and shape , air distribution ducts are practical for effectively spreading the air so it can return to a
common point and re-enter the dehumidifier.

Recommendation

Use one Bry-Air FLB-25000 or MVB-125E Dehumidifier at 12,500 CFM in this standby warehouse example with a fan sized to
handle the necessary static pressure of the duct system.

BRY- AIR DEHUMIDIFIER CALCULATION SHEET


PROJECT: EXAMPLE II - STANDBY WAREHOUSE

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Calculation Sheet

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EXAMPLE III: PRODUCT DRYING

Here we have a room used to remove water vapor from such products as cattle feed mixes, nylon or rayon cord for tires, raw
plastic material, granular chemicals, raw paper stock, cardboard stock for coatings, or other similar products.

In this example, the room is used for drying cattle feed mixes, which are contained on drying carts that stand in the room until
the specified level of dryness is attained.

Space condition requirements and product movement rate are determined by the manufacturer.

Physical Facts

1. Drying room size - 40' x 65' x 16'


2. Outside design condition - 93°F; db; 73°F wb
3. Controlled space requirement - 95°F; 15 percent rh (36 gr/lb)
4. One double door; (a) 6' x 7' (b) Opens at 2 times/hr
5. There are no other openings
6. There are no workers in room except to bring mix in and out
7. Product movement rate - 1500 lb/hr (i.e. carts with trays of mix are moved into the drying room at the rate of 1500 lb/hr)
8. Product enters room at 8 percent moisture and leaves at 4 percent moisture
9. Drying room wall construction - 8" masonry
10. 350 cfm outside air required by manufacturer

Problem

To determine the size of dehumidifier

Assumptions

1. All physical cracks are sealed.


2. The double door is weather stripped.
3. Two coats of vapor barrier paint have been applied to the wall and ceiling construction of the drying room; the floor is
suitably protected against vapor permeation.

Moisture Loads to be Computed

1. Product load
2. Permeation load
3. Door load

Product Load:
Since the product will lose 4 percent moisture (by weight) and there are 1500 pounds of product each hour:

1500 lb/hr x (8 % - 4 %) = 60 lb/hr water removal


Since one pound of water equals 7000 grains, then:
60 x 7000 = 420,000 gr/hr product load
Note that the time needed to reduce the material to a 4 percent moisture level would have to be given or experimentally
determined. This would then decide the amount of material to process and the size of the drying chamber needed.

PERMEATION LOAD
V x G x F1 x F2 x F3 x F 4 = Grains per hour
C
V = 40' x 65' x 16' = 41,600 cu ft.
C = 14 constant
G = 77 gr/lb, outside design wb of 73°F gives 113 gr/lb. from Table-1. Drying room space requirement of
95°F, 15% rh yields 36 gr/lb from the Psychrometric Chart.
F1 = 1.99 From Table II - Factor for moisture difference of 84 grains.
F2 = 0.50 From Table III - Permeation factor
F3 = 1.0 From Table IV - Factor for 8" masonry.
F4 = 0.75 From Table IV - Factor for 2 coats paint.
41,600 x 77 x 1.99 x 0.50 x 1.0 x = grs/hr

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0.75
14 = 170,742 grs/hr

DOOR LOAD
A x G x F1
Ohr = = grs/hr
C
Ohr = 2
A = 6' x 7' = 42 sq. ft.
C = 7 (constant)
G = 77 grs/lb
F1 = 1.99 From Table II - Factor for moisture difference of 84 grains.
2 x 42 x 77 x 1.99 = grs/hr.
7
= 1839 grains

Total Moisture Load

420,000 gr/hr Product Load


170,742 gr/hr Permeation Load
1,839 gr/hr Door Load
592,581 gr/hr Total Moisture Load

The 350 cfm outside air requirement will be considered at a later stage in the calculation.

Proceed with calculation as follows:

X = C x (gr/hr) / (S-G)
60

Where X = cfm - air rate from dryer


C = 14 (constant)
S = 36 = grs/lb drying room controlled space requirement. In the absence of an outside air
requirement this would be the inlet condition at dryer.
G = 15 gr/lb - equals condition of air leaving dryer. Refer to Chart 1, appendix 4. enter curve at 36
- intersect 95°F curve at 15 gr/lb
X = 14 x (592,321) / (36 - 15)
60
X = 6584 cfm

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Recommendation

The Bry-Air MVB-75E or FLB 12500 Dehumidifier, rated at 7500 cfm, should be adequate. However, the first step should be to
determine if this Dehumidifier has enough capacity to handle the 350 cfm outside air in addition to the moisture load in the
drying room.

If the dryer has a delivery rate of 7500 cfm and 350 cfm of outside air is to be introduced, there remains 7150 cfm from the
conditioned space. Tabulate this air mixture as follows:

350 cfm x 113 gr/lb = 39,550

7150 cfm x 36 gr/lb 257,400


7500 296,950

296,950 = 39.6 gr/lb


7500

Reference to Chart 1, Appendix 4, shows that air entering the dryer at 39.5 gr/lb would leave at 17 gr/lb

7500 x (39.6 -17) x 60 = 726,285 gr/hr


14

The computed moisture load is 592,581 gr/hr. Therefore, the MVB-75E or FLB 12500 is adequate to handle the moisture load.

BRY- AIR DEHUMIDIFIER CALCULATION SHEET


PROJECT: EXAMPLE III - STANDBY WAREHOUSE

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Calculation Sheet

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Example IV: CONTROLLED HUMIDITY AND TEMPERATURE AREAS

Many air conditioned manufacturing areas often have a required air flow to handle a sensible load in that space. This air
quantity requirement and the accompanying dehumidifier size are usually greater` than those needed to handle a latent load.

By designing, a system for the sensible load situation and then determining the appropriate dehumidifier to handle the moisture
load, the desired conditions for the space can be maintained.

Physical Facts
1. Area to be conditioned - 62.5' x 55' x 14'
2. Outside design conditions - 95°F db; 77°F wb
3. Controlled space requirement - 55°F db; 30 percent rh; 20 gr/lb
4. Door - 1 (6' x 8'), 6 openings/hr; 1 (3' x7'), 4 openings/hr
5. Other (fixed) openings - 2.8 sq. ft., w/tunnel 10' deep
6. Number of people working in area - 10
7. Air required for sensible temperature control - 24,715 cfm, 42°F
8. Construction - Block walls; drywall ceiling with vapor proofing; concrete floor on grade
9. Make-up air required - 2400 cfm
10. Air available for make-up - 50°F db/49°F wb; 50 gr/lb.

Problem
To determine the size of the dehumidifier needed in a controlled humidity and temperature area.

Moisture Load to be Computed


1. Permeation
2. Load through doors
3. Load through fixed openings
4. Population load

PERMEATION LOAD

V x G x F1 x F2 x F3 x F4 = grains per hour


C
V = 62.5' x 55' x 14' = 48,125 cu. ft.
C = 14 constant
G = 110 (Ambient 130 gr/lb - room 20 gr/lb)
F1 = 2.76 from Table II - Factor for moisture difference for 110 gr/lb
F2 = 0.48 from Table III - for 48,125 cu.ft.
F3 = 1.0 from Table IV - Frame masonry & frame construction
F4 = 0.9 for vapor proof paint on walls & ceiling, untreated concrete floor
48,125 x 110 x 2.76 x 0.48 x 1.0 x 0.9 = 450,846 gr/hr
14

DOOR LOAD
O hr x A x G x F1 = grs/hr
C
Ohr = 6 openings/hr.
A = 6' x 8' = 48 sq. ft.
C = 7 = constant
Gr = 110 gr/lb
F1 = 2.76
6 x 48 x 110 x 2.76 = 12,491 gr/hr
7
Ohr = 4 openings/hr.
A = 3' x 7' = 21 sq. ft.
C = 7 = constant
Gr = 110 gr/lb
F1 = 2.76
4 x 21 x 110 x 2.76 = 3,643 gr/hr
7

FIXED OPENINGS

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A x 300 x G x F1 = grs/hr
CxD
A = area, 2.8 sq. ft.
300 = Constant (vel. of vapor)
C = 14 Constant
D = Depth of tunnel = 10'
G = 110 gr/lb
F1 = 2.76
2.8 x 300 x 110 x 2.76 = 1,822 gr/hr
14 x 10

POPULATION LOAD

At a db of 55°F and working at a "light physical exertion" - 1100 gr/hr/person


10 people x 1100 gr = 11,000 gr/hr

TOTAL ROOM MOISTURE LOAD

gr/hr
450,846 gr/hr - Permeation
12,491 - Door Load
3,643 gr/hr - Door Load
1,822 gr/hr - Fixed Opening Load
11,000 gr/hr - Population Load
479,802 gr/hr TOTAL ROOM LOAD

The total room latent moisture load is 479,802 gr/hr, which is added into the calculation below to find the entering grain
condition needed for the space.

Total cfm x (S - G) x 60 = Room load (gr/hr)


14
Total cfm = 24,715 cfm
14 = constant
S = 20 gr/lb. (condition of controlled space)
G = Unknown grain level needed entering space
60 = min/hr

24,715 x (20 - G) x 60 = 479,802 gr/hr.

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14
G = 15.4 gr/lb

Thus the air to the room must be 15.4 gr/lb and the air mixture (return from the room plus the dehumidifier discharge) entering
the main system fan should be 15 gr/lb. to allow for possible leakage into the system duct work. Here one must resort to trial
and error techniques to select the dehumidifier size.

cfm x (S - G) x 60 = X
14
cfm - 7500 cfm - dehumidifier capacity (trial)
14 = constant
S = 20 gr/lb. condition in the controlled space
G = 4 gr/lb. air leaving dehumidifier (Chart 1, Appendix 4) with entering air 53°F, 30 gr/lb.

7500 x (20-4) x 60 = 514,285 gr/hr


14

Note that the make-up air of 2400 cfm must mix with 5100 cfm of return air before entering the dehumidifier.

RECOMMENDATION

The MVB 75E or FLB-12500 Dehumidifier will satisfy the room load conditions when mixed with the remaining 17,215 cfm of
return air and delivered into the conditioned space the conditioned space.

BRY- AIR DEHUMIDIFIER CALCULATION SHEET


PROJECT: EXAMPLE IV - CONTROLLED HUMIDITY AND TEMPERATURE AREAS

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Calculation Sheet

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Example V: PRODUCTION OF DRY AIR FOR SPECIFIC PURPOSE

Many applications require a specific quantity of outside air to be delivered at a given moisture content and temperature. This
requirement may be a need to make up air exhausted from a space or to supply air for a process such as a drying oven.

PHYSICAL FACTS

1. Maximum allowable moisture content - 17 gr/lb of dry air


2. Maximum allowable temperature - 115°F
3. Quantity of air required - 6,000 cfm
4. Maximum condition of outside air - 95°F, 130 gr/lb

From Chart 1, Appendix 4, it is obvious that 130 grain air cannot be reduced to 17 grains in a single pass through a
dehumidifier, without other conditioning. Examination of Chart 1 shows that to produce 17 grains air leaving the dehumidifier,
the inlet condition should be 64 grains or less at 60°F or less.

This is accomplished as shown above by installing a cooling coil upstream of the dehumidifier to reduce the temperature and
moisture content of the outside air.

Example VI: WATER TREATMENT PLANTS

In most water pumping stations, filteration plants, and waste water control plants, control of humidity in the pipe galleries, pump
rooms, and control rooms is of prime importance. By reducing the dew-point temperature of the air below the temperature of
the piping and walls, sweating and condensation can be eliminated. By circulating warm, dry air through the areas, water
accumulation is avoided, maintenance for electrical controls, motors, and instruments is reduced, and paint lasts longer on the
pipes, valves, and flanges.

A standard rule-of-thumb is used to approximate this type of application load:

Volume of space to be conditioned = CFM dehumidifier


25

(For each 25,000 cu.ft. space, supply 1,000 cfm of dry air.)

The use of an after-cooling coil for the dry air discharge from the dehumidifier can be omitted in most installations since the
warm, dry air (low rh) will help heat the space during cool or winter conditions. Heat should not build up to an objectionable
level because the large piping and wall areas are at the same temperature as the water in the system. Warm air also has the
advantage of reducing the rh and increasing the air's capacity to carry away moisture.

ZERO LEAK SYSTEM FOR A LOW HUMIDITY SPACE

In a system where the ductwork and components are outside the controlled space, dry air leaving the system will induce the
flow of humid air into the system. If the humid air is not dehumidified, each cfm will induce a load absorbing the capacity
provided by 5 to 10 cfm of the dehumidified air. If all air that enters the system must pass through the dehumidifier, the
additional load will be reduced by 50 percent or more. Typical air handling units (AHUs) are not built to be vapor tight. Standard
sheet metal type ductwork has lapped seams that allow leakage. However, excellent silicone-based sealants are available; for
applications requiring very dry spaces, the seams must be welded shut.

Having a "zero leak" condition means that all air leaving the controlled space is under positive pressure (to minimize

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infilteration), and all the entering air passes through the dehumidifier. The cost of dehumidification is high when moisture levels
must be low. In these situations, even a small leak can double operating costs. Since ducts are a once-only expense, attention
to ductwork is vital. The other approach to this situation-a higher capacity dehumidifier- means added costs, year after year.

It is unusual to find air handling units constructed for zero leak performance. Leaks are anticipated at removable panels,
bearing flanges, drain pans, and through condensate drains with dry traps. Such units require additional sealing and check
valves or positive water seals on the condensate lines. Cooling devices, especially the coils and fan, and the filter box need to
be handled properly when cleaned, and they, too, must be tight. Obviously, there are many factors that ban restrict the zero
leak principle.

One way to maximize the chances for a zero leak system is with air treatment equipment and dehumidifiers designed to fit and
operate together effectively. Buying directly from the equipment manufacturer and not mixing sources of various equipment
components focuses the accountability for moisture tightness.

Bry-Air constructs custom dehumidifiers and low dew-point AHUs for maximum efficiency. This extra care in design and
construction means zero leak performance. Proper operating balance compensates for this situation.

When end users, consulting engineers, or other "specifiers" require a system to be substantially air tight, they means there is
no leakage at any joint.

Assuring zero leak begins in the fabrication and construction stages. We recommend flanged or gasketed connections with
welded seams and joints. As a minimum, all seams and joints should be caulked. Removable panels and access doors should
be completely enclosed. (Coils will leak where return bends enter tube sheets.)

Prior to insulting, the system should be tested and deficiencies corrected. The best method is to use an open flame, if
permissible. This requires candles or other sources of flame. In other situations, smoke devices or soap suds could be used.

When all these precautions in fabrication, construction, and testing are complete, the system will perform as designed. Periodic
inspection during operation will allow leaks to be located and corrected.

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