Manufacturing Facility Addresses High Humidity with Temporary Dehumidification, Protecting Production and Reducing Costs

Missouri – Despite having an advanced HVAC system, a large manufacturing plant faced significant challenges in controlling indoor humidity levels. High humidity was causing product clumping, machinery jams, and frequent production line shutdowns, resulting in substantial financial losses. Nearly 70% of their product was rendered unusable due to humidity-related issues, so the facility knew a solution was critical. After initial discussions, REIC Specialty was brought in to evaluate the situation and recommend an action plan.

Customized Dehumidification Solutions

Following a detailed assessment of the facility’s HVAC system and access points, REIC Specialty developed a tailored solution using temporary desiccant dehumidifiers. The plan involved drawing in fresh outside air, drying it through desiccant wheels, and delivering the treated air to the facility’s existing air handlers via temporary ducting. After consulting with the on-site operations team and building engineers, REIC Specialty proposed deploying two 15,000-CFM rental dehumidifiers. This combined capacity of 30,000 CFM was calculated based on multiple sizing variables and designed to lower the indoor vapor pressure, allowing the permanent HVAC system to function optimally.

Rapid Results

The two dehumidifiers were installed and set up in collaboration with the facility’s staff. Once operational, the results were immediate: humidity levels began to drop significantly within hours, and the permanent HVAC system effectively handled the influx of 30,000 CFM of dehumidified air. Within 24 hours, indoor conditions approached ideal levels.

Improved Production and Reduced Losses

The impact on production was dramatic. Previously, the facility had experienced up to 70% product loss due to humidity-related damage. With the dehumidification system in place, losses dropped to below 10%, with remaining issues unrelated to humidity. The rental dehumidifiers remained on-site from June through December, ensuring stable conditions during the most critical months.