DESICCANT DEHUMIDIFICATION
ISSUE:
New VA Master Construction Specifications for desiccant dehumidifiers.
BACKGROUND:
Due to improvements in desiccant technology and interest shown by the medical
centers in its use, a new section 15820 on dessicant dehumidification has been
developed and is being distributed to manufacturers for their review and
comments.
RECOMMENDATIONS/CONCLUSION:
1. Perform a life cycle cost analysis prior to installation of desiccant dehumidifiers.
A desiccant dehumidification system can be particularly useful in the coastal areas
with high humidity. This may be used in conjunction with an existing or a new
cooling system as a preconditioner to control humidity.
2. Use in constant air volume systems only. Variable air volume systems can
cause air balance and control problems.
3. Ensure discharge from the regeneration section is not close to the outside air
intake.
4. For safety reasons, do not tie in desiccant dehumidification system in the
following special exhausts to recover heat:
a. Fume hood exhausts
b. Kitchen range hood and wet exhausts
c. Autopsy exhaust
d. Isolation room exhaust
e. Wet exhaust from cage and cart washers
f. ETO-ethylene oxide sterilizers exhaust
FOR ADDITIONAL IN FORMATION:
Contact Satish Sehgal at 202-565-5032 in the Standards Service (187C).
9 July 1996
FM-187C-DA53
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