Three Reasons Controlling Humidity Saves Water Treatment Plants Money

Corrosion takes a costly toll on water plants each year, but one simple solution can save thousands of dollars in time and resources: Controlling humidity.

Particularly in the Midwest, water treatment plant operators struggle with humidity issues much of the year – except winter – due to cool ground water temperatures combining with hot air. That combination creates condensed water on the outside of pipes and in turn spurs corrosion and rust.

“If plant managers control their humidity with portable dehumidifiers, they can virtually eliminate the need to repaint pipes on an annual basis,” said Walt Waetjen, product manager for Quest Dehumidifiers’ Water Treatment Division.

Using commercial dehumidifiers reduces costs (and corrosion) in several ways.

1. Initial capital costs – Portable dehumidifiers are much more affordable and efficient than large, rooftop units. One Quest Hi-E Dry 195, for example, is only $3,564 MSRP, versus larger options that can run $50,000 or more – a cost most municipalities aren’t interested in absorbing.
2. No need to paint – Many plant managers have begrudgingly accepted they’ll have to paint pipes in their facilities each year. But, when humidity is controlled and corrosion ceases to occur, that’s no longer necessary. The result is a savings of $8,000 to $10,000 annually, Waetjen said.
3. Control staffing costs – Sanding and painting pipes, and replacing rusty bolts, is a tedious process. If painting is no longer necessary, staff can focus on other jobs throughout the plant.

“Painting pipes has been the solution to corrosion for years, but that doesn’t mean it’s the most efficient and cost-effective answer,” Waetjen said. “Using dehumidifiers is a plug-and-play solution to this age-old treatment plant problem.”

About Quest
Quest Dehumidifiers designs and manufactures the most powerful and energy-efficient commercial dehumidification equipment on the market. Based in Madison, Wisconsin, all Quest Dehumidifiers are made in the U.S. Quest is built on expertise, offering educational resources and staff knowledgeable in a range of industries, including water treatment, gardening and cold storage. A division of Therma-Stor and Madison Industries, Quest is based in Madison, Wisconsin. For more information, visit questclimate.com.