Why is humidity control essential in ammunition production?
Humidity control is essential in ammunition production to avoid the build-up of static electricity and the risk of explosions. In addition, humidity control can also suppress dust in the production facility which presents a fire hazard.
5 reasons for humidity control in ammunition production
1: ESD prevention
By maintaining a relative humidity level between 45-55%, static electricity can be reduced significantly in a manufacturing process. This can prevent many errors and reduce scrap cost significantly. I addition, ESD prevention is even more crucial in an ammunition production due to the increased risk of unwanted detonations.
2: Dust suppression
Low humidity causes fine explosive dusts to become highly airborne and volatile. By adding moisture to the air, the dust particles will become heavier so they quickly settle onto surfaces. In addition, an adiabatic humidifier can capture the dust particles and bind them more effectively to the floor.
3: Gun powder consistency
Controlled humidity is also of great importance to the gun powder consistency. Gun powder is highly hygroscopic and absorbs moisture around it. This will make the powder increase in weight and make it burn faster.
4: Consistency of materials
Materials used in a weapon production such as wood and polymer is sensitive to fluctuations in humidity levels. This can result in warping, cracks or shrinking of materials leading to scrap or lower quality products.
5: ATEX compliance
ATEX compliance also includes humidity control in its directives. Low humidity in potentially explosive atmospheres could increase the risk of sparks that could ignite flammable gases, vapors, or combustible dust. ATEX recommends a production area with a RH between 45- 55%.
Which type of humidification system is most suitable for ammunition production?
Steam humidification
Steam humidification is a solid humidification solution which has been utilized for decades in several manufacturing processes.
However, due to the high energy consumption, high investment costs, risks of over-humidification and difficult maintenance, it is no longer the preferred option amongst most manufacturers.
Adiabatic humidification
Adiabatic humidification is currently the best choice for humidification control in ammunition productions due to its high energy efficiency, reliability and low investment cost. However, many adiabatic humidification systems produce large droplets which may harm machinery or wet machinery.
Dry Fog humidification
Ikeuchi recommends Dry Fog humidification control in tea processing. Our AKIMist® Dry Fog humidifier is known for its tiny droplet size around 7.5 µm. The droplets are so small that they bounce back without bursting on any surfaces. In addition, AKIMist is extremely energy efficient with an energy-cost ratio up to 80% lower than steam. AKIMist also has the added advantage of dust suppression, which can be a serious issue in weapon production.
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