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What is Humidification?

Michael Anissimov
Michael Anissimov
Michael Anissimov
Michael Anissimov

Humidification is the artificial regulation of humidity in home environments, industrial environments, and health care applications such as artificial respiration. To be comfortable, people require a certain amount of ambient moisture in the air — not too high, and not too low. Adequate humidification in a manufacturing environment stabilizes moisture in wood, paper, and textiles, while preventing warping in glue joints. In all environments, it reduces fire risk and static electricity while making the area feel comfortable.

Areas in which delicate components such as electronics are assembled require precisely tuned humidity levels. Humidification is achieved using liquid atomisers that distribute moisture to the area, coupled with accurate sensors which measure ambient humidity.

Clouds hold condensed water in the air.
Clouds hold condensed water in the air.

Two quantities are commonly used to measure humidification. Absolute humidity is expressed in grams of moisture per cubic volume of air, while the more commonly used relative humidity is expressed as a ratio between the amount of moisture currently in the air and the maximum moisture the air could hold before condensation occurs. A typical comfortable level of relative humidity is between 35% and 50%. Excess moisture can cause the growth of mold or fungus. Too little can cause static discharge or the accumulation of unwanted dust, contributing to allergies.

Humidity reduces the amount of static electricity in an area.
Humidity reduces the amount of static electricity in an area.

Many humidifiers are cheap and require little maintenance. In industrial settings, they are often hung from the ceiling among duct work. Humidification is intimately tied to heating and cooling systems. The level of humidity in the air is also a function of the temperature, so control systems are often integrated with cooling systems.

Humidification systems are designed by mechanical engineers and are also linked to ventilation systems. Given adequate ventilation from the outside, the humidity of an indoor environment will tend to reach equilibrium with the outside. Humidification is also used to "relax" old documents that have become wrinkled with age.

Michael Anissimov
Michael Anissimov

Michael is a longtime AllTheScience contributor who specializes in topics relating to paleontology, physics, biology, astronomy, chemistry, and futurism. In addition to being an avid blogger, Michael is particularly passionate about stem cell research, regenerative medicine, and life extension therapies. He has also worked for the Methuselah Foundation, the Singularity Institute for Artificial Intelligence, and the Lifeboat Foundation.

Michael Anissimov
Michael Anissimov

Michael is a longtime AllTheScience contributor who specializes in topics relating to paleontology, physics, biology, astronomy, chemistry, and futurism. In addition to being an avid blogger, Michael is particularly passionate about stem cell research, regenerative medicine, and life extension therapies. He has also worked for the Methuselah Foundation, the Singularity Institute for Artificial Intelligence, and the Lifeboat Foundation.

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Discussion Comments

MissDaphne

@Post 4 - I hear you! Whether it's a cool mist or a warm mist humidifier, they sure get nasty quickly if you don't maintain them every day. But there are some little tricks you can use. Having plants actually increases your humidity. Or a fish tank. (Of course, either of those will also take maintenance!)

You can also try putting a pain of water near your register or on the radiator, if you have one.

@Post 6 - Dehumidifying is trickier, but hardware stores sell room dessicants you can use. Some people say that a tray of crystal cat litter in a place with good airflow works, too.

anon85842

what is the other solution to decrease the humidity inside the building, without a dehumidifier machine?

anon54903

what is the difference between humidification and dehumidification in terms of the dewpoint temp. and dry bulb temp.?

Is the apparatus dry point equal to the dry bulb temp.?

anon47017

Are there any simple non-electric ways to keep an apartment humidified in winter? (And that don't require you to clean out a humidifier, which has been my downfall in the past.) : (

jsanky2006

what is a humidifier? which are generally used for household purpose and industrial purpose?

anon4649

hi could humidification technology decrease the humidity in air?

Selvaraj

I like to know the difference between active and passive humidification.

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    • Clouds hold condensed water in the air.
      By: Pakhnyushchyy
      Clouds hold condensed water in the air.
    • Humidity reduces the amount of static electricity in an area.
      By: Tobilander
      Humidity reduces the amount of static electricity in an area.
    • Many humidifiers for home use require little maintenance.
      By: StockPhotosArt
      Many humidifiers for home use require little maintenance.
    • Using a humidifier may help relieve a stuffy nose.
      By: Ilike
      Using a humidifier may help relieve a stuffy nose.
    • Individuals who are prone to nosebleeds may benefit by using a humidifier during the cold months.
      By: ia_64
      Individuals who are prone to nosebleeds may benefit by using a humidifier during the cold months.