AstenJohnson, Kanata, ON - Canada

The facility in question is over 100,000 square feet in size and had been utilizing an electrode steam humidification system that had long-since proven inadequate for AstenJohnson’s operational needs. “The original steam generators were all positioned on perimeter walls due to their size, so we couldn’t get them close enough to spaces in the plant where proper humidification was essential,” says Dominique. “What made matters worse was that the layout is pretty much wide open – the only form of area separation indoors is a single wall that splits the plant in two halves.” The goal was to achieve and maintain 40 percent relative humidity throughout the plant, and at a much lower cost than the current ineffective system. However, with the sheer size and openness of the facility combined with outdated, unreliable existing systems currently in place, the need to start fresh was clear. What’s more, a solution was required that could ensure operations were protected against electrostatic discharges.

“The difference is night and day,” says Dominique. “We’re seeing annual savings of approximately $60,000 (CAD) as well as a more comfortable work environment for employees.”These are tremendous figures, and the Condair/Longhill Energy team is proud of the results rendered by the project. AstenJohnson now benefits from proper humidity control where it is required for their process free of electrostatic buildup to keep employees and equipment safe. In addition to improved comfort and cost savings, it also enables the plant to operate with consistent indoor relative humidity and regulated conditions. “It’s a far cry from the previous generators we had that were very expensive to operate,” Dominique added. “We likely would have never seen these savings.”