How important is humidity in production?

In many manufacturing and process industries, humidity control is the most important determinant of the end result. Or the failure or failure of a process in the production process affected by moisture is also important. In the scope of this article, we only mention a few production areas in which the humidity factor is decisive to the result:

Dried foods such as french fries, dry cereals, soda cake, etc. are produced at high temperatures to completely remove the water from the ingredients. However, if these foods are exposed to an environment with high humidity, even for a short time, they will absorb water from the air, reducing their quality, softening and time. Decantation is also significantly reduced due to exposure to moisture after processing.

Powdered foods such as cocoa, gelatin, concentrates, etc. are processed using dry air, the presence of water vapor (humid air) around can cause granulation. of the dough or stick together into a cake, thus causing difficulties in production. Manufacturing equipment is also affected by the impact of moisture in the air, which hinders the operation and movement of raw materials during production.

To meet the increasing technical requirements, the pharmaceutical industry has focused on tightly controlling moisture in the production of pharmaceuticals and micronutrients. Specifically, humidity will be controlled to a certain degree in the area of ​​drug manufacture / preparation to ensure the stability of certain physical / chemical properties in the composition of the drug. In the manufacture of certain special drugs, it is extremely important to control the absence of moisture in the air.

Like food, many ingredients are used to manufacture pharmaceuticals and micronutrients that are highly hygroscopic (also known as desiccant materials). This may result in adhesion or physical deformation of the material compared to required. Conventional powder drugs when capsules or forming tablets under high pressure are only taken when in the dry state. Humidity can cause a pill to "swell", in some cases it can cause the drug to break down and reduce its therapeutic value. To ensure the highest quality drugs, production / preparation areas and machines must be surrounded by low/dry humid air and precisely controlled, independent of temperature.

In industrial chemical production, some chemicals decompose in the presence of water vapor. There are cases where the steam may cause a chemical reaction that changes the properties of the product. Air humidity is also a natural adversary to the powder-grinding phase. Steam when in contact with the material can make it "durable" and difficult to grind, making it stick to the mill, difficult to move to another process.

Mold, rust, and corrosion are the enemies of goods stored in warehouses, however, they are no longer a threat when humidity is reduced and controlled in the storage area.

If the air has a humidity below 40%, decomposition processes will not work properly. In particular, the maintenance of hibernation is also important in seed preservation. For example, if corn kernels are stored in a natural humid environment with uncontrolled temperature and humidity, the germination rate is 7%. With seeds stored in a controlled environment: the germination rate can be as high as 90%.

Usually, the equipment used to package the product will not work well in a humid environment. Confectionery packaging machines; Powder food packaging machines or drug packaging are typical examples.

High humidity will cause problems in the production of mixed ingredients, not only does the powder mixture not "flow" properly but the packaging equipment is also hampered by moisture. Depending on the product, it may be necessary to dry the packaging and even provide a dry “bath” for the tank or drain, especially where the powder is used. In the case of thermally sealed containers, the presence of water vapor will adversely affect the bonding between the materials being used. Meanwhile, the cause is not from the product or the machine, but the culprit is the moisture of the packaging. Keeping the air dry is the only solution.

Condensation of moisture on equipment and tools will be detrimental to the production and operation of machines and equipment; especially on moving parts.

For example, when equipment is being cooled during polymer casting operations. The molds are artificially cooled so the moist air surrounding them condenses, causing condensation and this needs to be removed.