Precise air humidity control is essential to achieve high-quality results in the printing and paper industry. Both materials and processes react strongly to a change in humidity. A constant humidity level within a controlled value range, on the other hand, improves quality, efficiency and productivity.
Paper is a hygroscopic material that tends to equalise humidity with the environment. The relative humidity therefore plays a decisive role in the printability of the paper during storage. Conditioning the paper in accordance with the manufacturer‘s instructions is an important prerequisite for high-quality printing results.
Fluctuations in relative humidity before and during the printing process can lead to undesirable effects and even costly machine failures.
To avoid this, HygroMatik air humidification systems regulate the relative humidity in the storage and production facilities of the printing company precisely to the required values and keep them reliably constant - with positive effects on quality, efficiency and productivity.
In terms of relative humidity, the human comfort zone lies between 40 and 60%. Between these two values, people feel comfortable, are efficient and remain healthy. At the same time, the spread of viruses and bacteria is slowed down and their ability to survive is reduced.
A directive on the energy performance of buildings (EPDB) was adopted in March 2024. This directive sets indoor environmental quality (IEQ) requirements and takes into account factors such as air quality and humidity. Incorporating IEQ standards into building regulations means that health and wellbeing is given a higher priority in buildings across the EU. In addition, it is both an ethical and an economic decision for companies to protect the health of employees as best as possible and thus promote their productivity and well-being.
For this reason, the Fachverband Gebäude-Klima (FGK) recommends planners, architects and operators of buildings, for controlling humidity and for a healthy indoor climate, the supplementation of ventilation and air conditioning systems (AHU systems) with professional systems for air humidification.
The use of efficient air humidification systems in the printing industry can provide further interesting and worthwhile benefits. In summer, adiabatic air humidification can reduce the heat load from the production process by up to a third thanks to the associated cooling effect - an efficient and sustainable way to reduce energy costs for air conditioning.
The osmosis water treated for air humidification is also available for use in the printing process if planned accordingly. This prevents, for example, blank running of the ink rollers due to limescale deposits and reduces deposits on the rubber blanket.
HygroMatik air humidification systems can be precisely customised to the individual framework conditions in order to achieve savings in investment and ongoing operating costs. For over 50 years, we have been developing and producing energy-efficient and flexible solutions for air humidification at our company headquarters near Hamburg which are characterised by particular sustainability in terms of maintenance, quality and durability.
The optimum design of the system for air humidification depends on many factors that result from the spatial situation and the respective process-related requirements for printing operation. Basic considerations are
HPS | The power pack.
High pressure for maximum requirement
The powerful HPS humidification system was developed for efficient use in process humidification and comfort humidification. It works in the high-pressure range with a pressure of 25 to 75 bar (High Pressure System) and enables a humidification capacity of up to 600 l/h. In addition, the evaporation of the fine mist cools the flow air in the duct and thus ensures noticeable cooling of the room air (adiabatic humidification).
PERFORMANCE FEATURES
• Long service life
• High efficiency
• Minimal maintenance required
• High resource efficiency
LPS | The all-rounder.
From small to large
The LPS humidification system operates in the low-pressure range with a pressure of 5 to 15 bar (Low Pressure System) and provides three performance classes with a humidification capacity of up to 110 l/h. The modular design enables installation or retrofitting in almost any air conditioning duct. In addition, the evaporation of the fine mist cools the flowing air in the duct and thus ensures noticeable cooling of the room air (adiabatic humidification).
PERFORMANCE FEATURES
• Long service life
• High efficiency
• Minimal maintenance required
• High resource efficiency
FlexLine | The most flexible.
With more than hundred options
With the FlexLine, HygroMatik offers a modern generation of steam humidifiers that can be expanded from a basic model with a wide range of equipment options. This means that each humidifier can be customised to your individual requirements in the best possible way. The appliances are characterised by technologies that reduce the wear and tear of appliance components and are highly efficient in their use of energy and resources.
PERFORMANCE FEATURES
To make these benefits easily and conveniently available to you, the functions can be intelligently combined in a modular system. You only invest in the functions that you really need.
• Robust and durable housing
• Reusable steam cylinders
• Long and flexible service intervals
• High resource efficiency
MiniSteam | The compact.
Small and direct
The HygroMatik MiniSteam E is an electrode steam humidifier for direct room air humidification with steam outputs of 5 and 10 l/h. It was designed for the humidification of small and medium-sized production and storage rooms as well as office units. The MiniSteam E generates hygienic steam from tap water and is particularly environmentally friendly and efficient.
PERFORMANCE FEATURES
All units have been awarded the VDE, GS and CSA C/US test marks
and are CE and EAC compliant.
• Robust and durable housing
• Reusable steam cylinders
• Long and flexible service intervals
• High resource efficiency
humiFog Touch | The smart one.
Powerful and digital
The CAREL humiFog is a high-pressure atomiser system for adiabatic room humidification. It was developed for industrial environments and combines maximum reliability with minimum operating costs. This efficient system is easy to install and suitable for any environment, no matter how complex.
Pure water is atomised into the finest mist, which evaporates spontaneously in the air and ensures the right level of humidity with the lowest possible energy consumption. A positive side effect: refrigeration systems can be equipped or operated with less power - this reduces energy and investment costs.
PERFORMANCE FEATURES
• Energy savings for process and building cooling
• Digital remote access saves journeys to the site
• Low energy consumption in operation
WaterLine | Reverse osmosis.
Effective protection, high benefits
Before our drinking water is fed into the water pipes, it flows through numerous different layers of rock.Depending on the region, it therefore contains more or less minerals such as calcium and magnesium. If this water is used in air humidification systems, minerals can build up and lead to malfunctions.
We therefore recommend precautionary water treatment with a WaterLine reverse osmosis system. This can reduce harmful deposits by up to 95%. Water treatment is mandatory for the HPS and LPS humidification systems.
WITH CLEAR ADVANTAGES
PERFORMANCE FEATURES