Wood processing and humidity
Keeping wood at the optimal level of humidity is important for a number of reasons. Since wood is hygroscopic, it absorbs and releases moisture from its surroundings, depending on the humidity level. In dry environments, wood will release moisture, which can lead to shrinkage, warping, and even cracking. At high humidity, wood will absorb moisture and expand in size. With the optimal humidity control, you can avoid both of these unwanted scenarios.
Advantages of humidity control in wood working process
Flexibility
Humidification will actually make wood more flexible and easier to work with during processing, such as cutting, shaping, and milling. This can improve the efficiency and quality and reduce errors and scrap.
Uniformity
Changes in humidity levels can cause the wood to expand or contract, leading to inconsistency in sizes.
Quality
A stable humidification level, between 40-60%, is essential for ensuring the quality and performance of wood products. Humidification helps maintain uniformity in moisture content, resulting in higher-quality products with fewer defects.
Dust suppression in wood processing
Humidification also has the advantage that it suppresses dust created during wood processing. The humidification will prevent the dust from whirling around and reduce the risk of dust inhalation.
Why does humidification reduce dust?
1. Moisture in the air will cause dust particles to absorb water and become heavier. Heavier particles are less likely to stay airborne and tend to settle faster onto surfaces, reducing the amount of dust circulating in the air.
2. Dry air can increase static electricity, which can cause dust particles to become more easily airborne and cling to surfaces. Adding humidity can mitigate this effect by reducing the buildup of static charges, making it easier for dust to settle.
3. Moisture in the air can cause dust particles to stick together, forming larger particles that are easier to trap and remove from the air through filtration or settling onto surfaces.
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 7.5µm
Dry fog humidification for wood processing
The AKIMist® humidifier is a unique Japanese invention which offers full control on the humidity levels in a factory. AKIMist is known for its non-wetting abilities as the droplet size is less than 7.5μm. 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 wood processing facility with expensive machinery and materials which cannot get exposed to water or condense. At the same time, it is very energy-efficient and uses 80% less energy than conventional humidifiers.
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
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