The principle of operation of the humidifier

Today you will not surprise anyone with an air humidifier, and you can meet this device in many homes of our country. Despite the great popularity of devices, the principle of their work remains unchanged and has a number of design features, which will be discussed below. Conventionally, household humidifiers (industrial requires separate consideration, since they are complex and in effect resemble the operation of air conditioners rather than conventional evaporators) are divided into traditional and ultrasonic. Consider how this type of humidifier works.

What is the device for?

Many people ask, why do we need a humidifier in the room? It will not be difficult at all to answer this question if we remember that a person is more than 70% water. How much moisture do people lose in the arid climate, in conditions where all radiators, convectors, and so on work? In such conditions, the skin dries and peels, mucous surfaces and problems with the respiratory system may be exacerbated. Appliances of this type (including a portable humidifier) ​​are needed just to minimize the negative effects of the arid microclimate of modern apartments.

Different types of humidifiers function differently. The basis of their work can be ultrasound, hot or cold evaporation, water “dust”. Therefore, when choosing a device for home or industrial enterprises, it is necessary to take into account the algorithm of its action.

How does a hot evaporation humidifier work?

If the appointment of humidifiers is more or less clear, it remains to understand the features of their functioning. The basis of the operation of these devices is principle of liquid evaporation (the transition of water from one state to another).The water in the boiling process begins to evaporate, and the device emits steam, which is dissipated with a fan. The boiling process itself is achieved by two (paired) electrodes immersed in a tank with liquid. They are closed and this gives rise to the heating of water.

How long should such a device work? As long as it contains liquid. When all of it evaporates, the electrodes open, and the supply voltage to them is automatically blocked. It is for this reason that you should not worry that a humidifier can cause a fire. In some cases, it makes sense to connect the power cable after the device is assembled and ready for use. Some models may function from USBThese compact devices are designed for people who work a lot on the computer.

If any malfunction is detected (leakage is broken, there are spots of leakage or the power supply wire is damaged), you should immediately take the device to the service center.

Due to its characteristics, this humidifier is constantly functioning. in conditions of increased danger (high temperatures, electric current and water are in close proximity and interaction in the same housing).

Humidifier consists of a small number of components and assemblies:

• Water container.
• Fan.
• Filter.
• Heating element (boiler).
• Ionizer (optional, not installed on all models). With this option, you can not only moisten, but also enrich the oxygen indoors with negatively charged ions.

To achieve an aromatic or inhalation effect, simply add an aromatic oil to a special tray (or water tank) and wait for the corresponding effect. However, be aware that not all models of humidifiers support this feature.

How much should the humidifier work to reduce the level of moisture in the room to a comfortable one? It all depends from a variety of factors: what time of year, the degree of aridity / dryness of the room, wall material, etc.

How traditional devices work (cold evaporation)

The principle of operation of these devices seems even simpler than that of fellows.Cold evaporation occurs mainly due to the fact that the liquid in the tank flows through special tubes into the pan, and from there it goes to the evaporation elements. Next comes the fan. It blows the directed air flow through the evaporator, as a result of which purified moisture is obtained at the outlet. Water supplied to the evaporator, under the pressure of air from the fan, passes through an antibacterial filter and exits the nozzle as moisture. Thus achieved also disinfectant effect, which is very important in the warm season, when the number of harmful bacteria and organisms increases greatly.

The downside of this type of device is the frequent need to replace filters. On average, the life of a paper antibacterial filter is 2-3 months. There are analogues that can be operated longer, up to six months, but they are also, respectively, more expensive.

Despite the fact that the principle of the "cold" humidifier is quite simple, there are models with different types of spraying moisture.For example, in more expensive models, instead of filters, plastic discs are used that are perforated with small holes. These discs rotate during operation, and absorb water drops from the pan. For disinfection in such humidifiers meet the electrodes in the pan.

A plus of “cold” humidifiers is autonomous work, the process of moistening in them is self-regulating. The level of humidity will be maintained in strict accordance with the specified indicators. If the humidity has reached the required threshold, the intensity of work is reduced almost to a minimum. Due to this feature, a traditional evaporator is recommended to be located near a heater, radiator or convector. In this case, not only the heating of the circulating air will be provided, but also its moistening and cleaning, which will greatly enhance the effect.

The principle of operation of ultrasonic type humidifiers

In contrast to the humidifiers discussed above, this type of device uses a rather curious principle of operation. Liquid from the reservoir enters a special plate, which begins to vibrate at an ultrasonic frequency.Fluctuations break the water into the smallest droplets, forming something like mist or steam. As a result, a cloud is formed, which is blown out of the device with the help of a fan located inside. In other words, in the process of working ultrasonic humidifier creates fog.

In appearance, it may seem that the mist generated by the frequency of the vibrations of the disk is hot. In fact, particles of water fragmented by ultrasound are cold, and do not pose a danger to either children or adults, you can easily touch them.

To find out how much more low humidity is required, a hygrostat is installed in the devices.

The disadvantage of this type of humidifier is the lack of purification of the emitted moisture. That is, the water pollen that is released into the space of the room does not undergo any filtration. In addition, it is recommended to use in ultrasonic air humidifiers. distilled water only.

The advantage of this unit is the safety in operation and a fairly simple device, as well as a reliable and proven method of operation.

The principle of operation of atomizers (spray type devices)

How does an atomizer humidifier work? It is worth noting that such devices are used only on an industrial scalewhere it is necessary to moisten large areas. Drops of moisture are transformed into fine dust, making the way several tens of centimeters from the nozzle nozzle. Spraying is achieved by strong pressure.

The disadvantage of this type of device can be called a high price. The advantage of atomizers is high performance.

Conclusion

As you can see, the principle of operation of the humidifier depends on several aspects, for example, on its purpose (home or industrial), type and internal structure. These devices are united not by the principle of action, but by the desired result - the necessary level of humidity in the room.