The importance of humidity control
Electric static discharge (ESD) and humidity are interconnected. Humidity levels is a factor that has a direct influence over ESD and various electrical potential occurrences of static electricity. Before looking at this relationship between humidity and statistic electricity, and providing a clear definition of humidity, let’s review the aspects of static electricity.
What is static electricity?
We can all relate to the common life experience of a static electricity discharge (or static shocks), which results in a “shock sensation”, a slight noise of a spark and sometimes the spark can even be visible. This discharge of energy is caused by a charge separation.
When charged particles are transferred from one body to another. For example, if two objects are rubbed together, especially if the objects are insulators and the surrounding air is dry, the objects acquire equal and opposite electric charges and an attractive force develops between them.
In this process, one of the objects will lose its electrons (-) and will thus have a positive charge (+), while the other will have negative charges.
When a substance or an object become unbalanced in electrons and protons, it will lead to the occurrence of two phenomena that participate in generating static electricity:
- Contact charging is a phenomenon in which two objects approach and come into contact with each other, causing a substance to have a charge to either a + or – pole.
- The friction charging phenomenon occurs when materials are not just in contact, but when a friction is created by rubbing them against each other. The material becomes then charged to the + or – pole and static electricity is generated.
Why humidity matters
In a humid environment similar to the status of the bathroom while taking a bath, there is a high level of moisture contained in the air. In this case, static electricity will escape into the atmosphere through the buildup moisture without accumulating and charging itself on the surfaces of the objects.
At what humidity level does static electricity occur?
Electrostatic discharges happen when the humidity is low, which is the case when the humidity is 30% or lower. A safe humidity level is generally around 40-60%, depending on the application.
Does weather affect static electricity?
Static electricity is predominantly worse during the wintertime, as the air is more dry in this period, but it can occur all year round. The lack of moisture in the air leads to a level of dry humidity, which generates or enhances the flow of static electricity.
Below it can clearly be seen how the error rate increases as the humidity level drops.
The error rate is significantly higher in the cold months where the absolute humidity is lower
Consequences of static electricity (ESD) in a production facility
- Device destruction
- Fire ignition
- Quality issues
- Explosion risk
- Explosion risk
- Mounting errors
Dry fog Humidification system for ESD prevention
The AKIMist® humidifier is a unique Japanese invention which offers full control on the humidity levels in a factory. It is an adiabatic humidifier, which means that it increases humidity by adding cold water to the air. AKIMist® is known for its non-wetting abilities as the droplet size is less than 7.5 µm. This means that the droplets are so small that they will bounce back without bursting on any surface. This is a very convenient ability in a factory with expensive machinery and materials which cannot get exposed to water or condense. At the same time, adiabatic humidifiers are very energy-efficient and it uses 80% less energy that conventional humidifiers.
This humidification unit is recognized as a requirement for soldered electrical and electronic assemblies based on IPC J-STD-001 standard.
Benefits of using the AKIMist® Dry Fog Humidifier
Energy and cost
AKIMist is extremely energy-efficient and uses up to 83% less energy than conventional humidification systems.
AKIMist cools around 2 degrees while controlling the humidity level. It reduces 20% of the energy used for air-conditioning and thereby saves cost.
AKIMist can be used for spot humidification and be placed directly by the source of issue. This reduces the price significantly as only a few units may be needed.
Installment and maintenance
AKIMist requires very little maintenance compared to other humidification equipment. In addition, it is very easy to maintain as it is installed within the factory and hanging from the ceiling or wall.
AKIMist is easy to install and can be fitted into any current HVAC design. AKIMist can be installed with a wall or ceiling fitting or
even as a portable option.
AKIMist is very compact. Like the size of a 5 inch smartphone. This makes it easy to fit into tight factory spaces.
Health and Environment
AKIMist can maintain an ideal humidification level with the help of a sensor. This significantly reduces the build-up of static electricity in a factory and reduces errors and scrap.
Due to the small size droplets, which are as small as dust particles, these droplets can suppress the dust. In addition, the increased humidity also helps to suppress dust.
Maintaining a relative humidity level of around 50% will reduce the risk of viruses from spreading between employees. This increases the well-being of the employees and increases productivity.
Learn more about the unique technology behind Dry Fog humidification
AKIMist® “E” Dry Fog Humidifier
Our AKIMist®“E” spreads a Dry Fog that humidifies indoor environments without wetting due to its tiny droplet size around 7.5 µm.
demo of AKIMist®
Experience AKIMist® Dry Fog technology in person at your facility our ours. It’s also possible to rent a portable unit for a testing period.
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