The 4 key factors for choosing a humidification system in hospitals.

🏥 When choosing humidification equipment for a hospital facility, four main factors must be taken into account.

➡ Factor 1: Appropriate selection of system type

Humidification is widely associated with two main types of steam production systems: electric and evaporative. While both are good choices for most situations, they are not the only humidifiers that can be used:

Electric steam generators. They use electrode or resistive heaters.

Direct steam injection systems. Made of stainless steel. Use the existing main steam supply.

Clean steam generators. Achieved using heat exchange with industrial steam or high temperature water.

Water atomisers. Increase the heat recovery performance of a system’s exhaust air.

Steam distribution systems. They are particularly clean and energy efficient.

Selecting the right base system is the first step in adding a humidifier to your hospital facility and allows for greater flexibility when calculating the design and installation.

➡ Factor 2: condensation and absorption distance

When condensation occurs in ductwork, it not only increases energy consumption, but also increases hygiene problems that could have very negative effects if introduced in places such as operating theatres or delivery rooms.

There are two main factors that come into play when considering responses to condensation problems: vapour conduction and vapour dispersion.

Steam conduction:
- Conduction plans require clarity on how to manage steam supply, dispersion systems, etc.
- Efficient and hygienic installation of all equipment so that condensation does not act as a source of bacteria.

Steam dispersion:
- Steam dispersion systems transport all the product from the humidifiers through the intended areas in order to properly humidify the facilities.
- The absorption distance is the linear distance between the system itself and the nearest point that will be completely unaffected by the vapour.

The latter varies greatly depending on the type of dispersion system, ambient conditions, etc.

➡ Factor 3: importance of water quality 💧

Water quality is one of the most important factors when deciding which humidification system to use and how to use it. Especially since steam interacts with the human body very easily, it is of utmost importance that your water source and dispersion system are in acceptable condition.

The parameters to be taken into account are the following:

Water wholesomeness level.
Water hardness.
Water decalcification.
Conductivity of the water.
Water demineralisation.

For installations, equipment and workers it is very important to take this into account when thinking about their health, sanitation and lifespan.

➡ Factor 4: control and maintenance 🛠

While maintenance is always necessary for any facility or equipment, humidification systems require special care in order to continue to provide clean and efficient steam.

Humidity control and monitoring systems are also very important and, unfortunately, often not well defined.

If all of the above factors are taken into account and seriously considered, the choice of a hospital humidifier will be an easy and straightforward decision. Especially since the safety of every patient, worker and visitor depends on the efficiency of humidification systems, it seems obvious to take the time to choose the right humidifier.