Humidification to Combat Electrostatic and ESD

Q: Does humidity reduce static?

A relative humidity of above 40%RH will help to reduce problems associated with static build-up and subsequent electrostatic discharge (sparks). Moisture in the air helps dissipate charge naturally.

Q: Why does humidity reduce static?

Increased air moisture content allows dissipation of electrical charge through the air. Moisture in the air conducts electricity and allows it to flow away, reducing the possibility of build-up in materials as a result of friction.

Q: Is humidity control required when anti-static devices are used?

Anti-static devices like earthing straps, paints, and tapes provide localized static protection. In contrast, humidity control addresses electrostatic issues throughout an entire area or building. Humidification is a valuable addition for any comprehensive ESD prevention strategy.

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Benefits

Using humidity to prevent electrostatic build-up and discharge has many benefits

Improved Efficiency

Materials demonstrate improved manufacturing performance.

Enhanced Safety

Prevents ESD, shocks and ignition hazards.

Protects Electronic Components

Avoids malfunctions and electronic product quality issues.

Reduce Static Buildup and ESD with Humidity Control

Top of page Benefits References FAQs

Humidity Protects

Low humidity substantially contributes to the accumulation of electrostatic charge and its eventual discharge (spark). Moisture in the environment facilitates the dissipation of electrical charges from surfaces. In dry conditions, insulating materials are more likely to retain these charges, thereby elevating the risk of static build-up. Conversely, increased atmospheric moisture enhances surface conductivity, enabling charges to dissipate more efficiently.

Electronic components are particularly sensitive to electrostatic and subsequent discharges. Humidity control is greatly beneficial in all ESD control program plans for electronic manufacturers. It can also be essential in environments where sensitive electronic devices are being used, such as data centres and medical scanning, to ensure optimum performance and prolong the life of components.

Optimal Humidity Improves Productivity

Electrostatic build-up in manufacturing can greatly reduce efficiency. Materials can stick together or not position as they should on a production line. When surfaces need to be kept clean and hygienic, static can cause dust to be attracted to a material, resulting in contamination.

In environments with high heat gain or enhanced friction from conveying, static problems will become much worse. This can lead to machine downtime, reduced quality, increased waste and ultimately impact profitability.

An increase in static issues during the winter is a indicator that low humidity is a cause. Indoor humidity drops in colder weather. Investment in humidification can help maintain consistently high production no matter what the season.

Preventing Static Shocks

Electrostatic discharge and static shocks can be annoying in our daily lives, but it can be a serious health and safety risk in some manufacturing sectors. Massive charges can build-up in bodies such as wind turbine blades or plane fuselages during production. Uncontrolled discharge can harm people, cause accidents or even be life-threatening to susceptible individuals fitted with medical devices, such as pacemakers.

Even when a discharge does not cause any significant harm directly, a sudden shock can create a safety risk for anyone operating close to dangerous processes or heavy machinery. In areas with highly combustible materials, any risk of ESD must be mitigated.

Humidification is a holistic solution for ESD control across large production halls, where more localised solutions may be unpractical.

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Projects and References

Aston Martin

Condair JetSpray humidification systems are maintaining the humidity in the finishing areas at Aston Martin's Newport Pagnell and Bloxham plants. By maintaining a level of humidity at 55%RH, any dust that is in the atmosphere around the cars is suppressed, giving a much finer finish during the painting and sanding processes.

Harrier Group, UK

Harrier Group, a leading UK digital printing firm, has invested in four Condair RS restive steam humidifiers to maintain the perfect production environment in its newly-designed, high-tech print room.

Facebook / Meta, Sweden

This data centre in Lulea Sweden is one of the world's most efficient and sustainable data centres. Condair evaporative humidifiers add up to 22,800 litres per hour to the air in the penthouse ventilation systems to maintain the humidity to ASHRAE standards across the data halls.

Mondi Group, Sonneberg (Germany)

The Mondi Group is a manufacturer of paper-based packaging made of corrugated and solid board. More than 3,000 employees in 15 plants at a total of 13 European locations produce individual packaging solutions in all required sizes and finished in a wide variety of ways.

Fogra Forschungsinstitut für Medientechnologien e.V., Aschheim (Germany)

In-room humidification ensures controlled humidity in the printing room. This guarantees a standard climate for the reliable testing of identity cards and banknotes.

BluePrint AG, München (Germany)

To protect against electrostatic charges, BluePrint uses energy-saving in-room humidification with high-pressure nozzles from Condair.

Albrecht Dürer Airport, Nürnberg (Germany)

In-room humidification protects employees and departing passengers from electrostatic discharges in the security check area, while also making a valuable contribution to greater well-being and health.

Asteelflash Hersfeld GmbH, Bad Hersfeld (Germany)

To protect against electrostatic discharge, ensure quality assurance, and protect the health of its employees, Asteelflash uses in-room humidification systems in its printed circuit board assembly.

Actelion Business Center

Das imposante Gebäude im Stil des Dekonstruktivismus ist Hauptsitz des Pharmaunternehmens Actelion Ltd und wurde von den Schweizer Stararchitekten Herzog de Meuron entworfen. Die balkenartige Architektur erstreckt sich über sechs Stockwerke und bietet ungewohnte Durch- und Ausblicke, Erholungszonen mit Höfen und Terrassen sowie eine moderne Arbeitsatmosphäre für 350 Mitarbeiter. Durch die dreidimensionale Stapelung der Fassade waren 1.500 Detailzeichnungen, 2.500 Tonnen Stahl und 3,8 Kilometer Fachwerkträger notwendig, um den statischen Lastabtrag zu realisieren. Für ein optimales Raumklima ist durch innovative Hybrid-Luftbefeuchter der Serie DL von Condair bestens gesorgt.

The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH), Switzerland

The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich is probably the best-known university in Switzerland and secures one of the top positions in the global ranking of universities on a regular basis. Founded in 1855 as the Swiss Federal Polytechnic, ETH is primarily dedicated to the technical, mathematical and scientific fields. Condair steam humidifiers ensure healthy and comfortable air humidity in the labs and classrooms.

Cern, Meyrin (Geneva), Switzerland

CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, is a leading institution in modern physics and nuclear research. It attracts international scientists and engineers to explore the fundamental properties of the universe, notably through its Large Hadron Collider, where atoms are accelerated to nearly the speed of light and collide.

Visitors to CERN can gain engaging insights into particle physics at the Globe of Science and Innovation. This interactive exhibit offers a deeper understanding of CERN's fascinating research projects, while our Condair RS steam humidifiers ensure optimal air moisture levels for a comfortable experience.

WERNER KENKEL Sp. z o.o., Krzycko Wielkie (Poland)

For packaging manufacturer Werner Kenkel, controlled humidity has a direct impact on production and quality assurance. More speed, consistent quality and less waste are the most important advantages.

Bart Sp. z o.o, Åšwiecie (Poland)

The packaging specialist Bart Sp. z o.o not only ensures the quality of its products with modern direct room air humidification, but also lowers the temperature and dust generation in production at the same time.

Gelbert ECOPrint, Budapest (Hungary)

We had been using our first Draabe air humidification system since 2007. Since then, we have never had any more problems with electrostatics or paper warping, especially in winter. Based on the good experience, it was clear to us that we would use a Draabe system again in the new production building.

Ferrari, Maranello, Italy

Ferrari's historic headquarters in Maranello was modernized in 2010 with advanced production facilities, including a high-tech wind tunnel and hybrid engine test stand. Condair‚ resistance steam humidifiers ensure precise humidity control, supporting the development of Ferrari‚ next generation of high-performance sports cars.

The Condair RS steam humidifiers boast patented limescale management which prevents permanent deposition of limescale on heater rods. Limestone crusts are successively detached and removed from the steam cylinder into the limescale collection vessel. Limestone management ensures extremely short waiting times and a long life.
The innovative control system fitted with a touch display ensures outstanding transparency of function and precise steam delivery. The units are the result of decades of experience and they define the state of the art in modern steam humidification.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does humidity reduce static?

Why does humidity reduce static?

Is humidity control required when anti-static devices are used?

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