Convection is the term used for the process of transferring heat energy from the air to a solid, liquid, or other gas. Two other heat transfer processes are radiant and conductance. Conductance is how heat travels from molecule to molecule through a solid or liquid. The radiant process transfers heat energy through radiation energy waves. Radiation passes through the air and its energy is released when it strikes an object.
Dehumidification and convection drying systems share the same objective: create building atmospheric conditions that promote evaporation. Dehumidifiers lower the relative humidity by removing moisture from the air. Convection systems lower the relative humidity by raising the temperature of the air. Because evaporation requires water molecules to gain heat energy, convection systems can accelerate the evaporation process much more than low humidity levels alone. The effect is dramatic; for every 10° C temperature increase the evaporation is doubled!
As there are two types of dehumidifiers available, there are also two types of convection drying systems. One type uses air as the heat transport medium (open) and the other uses a fluid as the heat transfer medium (hydronic). In the liquid systems a furnace heats a fluid which is pumped to heat exchangers placed in the water damaged structure. The heat exchangers typically have fans and temperature and/or humidity controls to manage dissipation of heat in a given area. The liquid systems are good at concentrating heat energy within a section of the building or at several targeted areas. However, they lack a means of removing evaporated moisture from the structure. A separate exhaust system must be set up to handle that task.
Air convection drying systems draw in 100% fresh outside air that is heated in an indirect fired furnace. A blower pushes the hot dry air through flexible duct into the damaged structure. An exhaust system helps to direct the flow of air through the structure and carries with it evaporated moisture. Because of the air exchange, air systems purge a building quickly and tend to heat an entire section of a building rather than a concentrated area. Some air systems control the building temperature by measuring the temperature of the return air. Air systems can employ layflat or hose splitters to direct air flow to several specific areas.
DrySmart has several unique features that greatly enhance its effectiveness and efficiency. Pumping over 2400 cfm of hot dry air, DrySmart's furnace and blower will lower the building's humidity level under 40% within and hour or two. At this point, continuing to inject a high volume of air wastes energy as an equal amount of heated air is being exhausted from the building. DrySmart's blower is controlled by a frequency drive and the air volume can be reduced in order to achieve higher temperature levels and permit the calories of heat energy to be transferred to the moisture and not just blown through the building. DrySmart also has a remote thermostat that can be placed in the water damaged structure for more precise control and prevent the overheating of the structure.
