22.01.2018
Humidity and the Defense of our Nations
Defense systems and equipment utilizes sophisticated cutting-edge technology and components for maximum security, efficiency, and responsiveness to international threats and isolated challenges alike. Therefore, it is imperative that such equipment consistently performs according to specified parameters and operational standards. A properly humidified defense environment plays an exponential role in influencing not only the performance of defense systems, but also the defense of our nations themselves. Here are some key ways that proper humidity control makes such a dramatic difference in this specific application.
Humidification Reduces ESD Potentialities and Component Failures
When surfaces accumulate too much static electricity, it can arc and transmit to people and other conductive surfaces. This also means that electrostatic discharges (ESD) can inherently damage sensitive components such as wiring, circuit boards, processors, and batteries. In addition, data storage systems such as hard drives and flash storage devices are also susceptible to corruption and damage resulting from ESD. Proper relative humidity control – typically between 40% and 60% - ensures maximum protection against current build-up and dangerous arcing that can otherwise jeopardize the functionality of integral systems and the safety of defense staff. These systems are therefore made more reliable, efficient, resilient, and accurate without any electrical interference, boosting national defense systems productivity and effectiveness.
Consistent Coatings for Maximum Durability and Efficiency
For defense equipment such as troop transport vehicles, fighter jets, and even missiles, the need for proper humidification begins in the production process – specifically, paint and coating application phases. To ensure maximum performance and readiness in the event of a national defense scenario unfolding, a low-static and adequately humidified defense environment is needed. For an even, durable, and consistent coating on the first pass and beyond, 40% to 60% RH is required. This way, aerodynamics are unaffected by inconsistent applications and defense equipment can perform as expected, without drag or interference stemming from coatings applications carried out in a poorly humidified environment.
Humidity Control Ensures High Reliability and Uptime
Many computer systems such as servers, mainframes, and monitors require specific operating conditions to guarantee maximum performance. The air in a poorly humidified defense environment can cause these systems to miss the mark in terms of reliability and uptime, which, considering the importance of modern-day national defense, can prove to be incredibly dangerous. Therefore, maintaining proper humidity in a controlled and consistent manner at all times helps to guarantee minimal downtime and ensure that defense systems meet pre-established reliability standards.
Ammunition Performance
Chemical degradation can occur in ammunition storage facilities without adequate and regulated humidification. Without proper humidity control, these spaces can become extremely dangerous and result in defense operations becoming inefficient due to a lack of readily available ammunition in the event of a crisis. With sufficient humidification, ammunition usage rates are increased, preventing against chemical degradation. In addition, it also helps exponentially in increasing combat readiness, so national defense teams can respond quickly, efficiently, and tactically without encountering potentially lethal or dangerous setbacks when in the field.
Employee Wellness and Productivity
National defense applications rely on their employees for maximum alertness, quick response times, and preventative action that is precise and reliable. As a result, it is crucial that such environments are adequately humidified – generally, 40% to 60% RH – to encourage optimal working conditions and limit the spread of infectious illnesses. This is due to the fact that balanced relative humidity levels reduce the airborne reach of contagious viruses and infectious bacteria such as influenza by crystallizing and increasing the weight of human-expelled aerosols. This causes droplets with infectious bacteria to fall and settle rather than float freely through the atmosphere. As a direct result, defense applications with proper humidification will notice drastically reduced absenteeism and greater productivity from more efficient infection control, as well as healthier employees who are more alert. Allergic and asthmatic triggers such as mold, mildew, and other bacteria are also protected against.
When it comes to national defense applications, proper humidity control is an absolute necessity in order to preserve standards and meet established operational parameters. By maintaining relative humidity levels at 40% to 60% RH, operations and performance are both exponentially increased, while ESD and component failure/maintenance risks are minimized along with instances of employee absenteeism. With the collective influence of these benefits, national defense application operators can expect to notice a dramatic increase in performance, responsiveness, accuracy, and reliability on all fronts, along with optimized productivity and uptime.
To learn more about how Condair’s humidification systems benefit our many defense clients, be sure to visit our Defense Application Page. To learn about our energy efficient and future-facing products, consult our Best Humidifier Guide.
Similar Links:
https://www.condair.com/humidifiernews/blog-overview/can-better-air-hydration-combat-mrsa-infections
https://www.condair.com/humidifiernews/blog-overview/3-reasons-why-you-need-an-office-humidifier
https://www.condair.com/humidifiernews/blog-overview/your-guide-to-psychrometric-chart-properties
