Carel cylinders are primarily used in humidification systems, specifically in steam humidifiers for commercial and industrial applications like saunas, steam rooms, and air handling units. These cylinders contain electrodes that, when an electric current is passed through the water inside, heat the water to its boiling point, generating steam. The amount of steam produced is regulated by the water level and the current flow, which is controlled by the humidifier’s system.
How They Work:
- Water Filling: The cylinder is filled with regular, potable water. Demineralized or softened water is generally not recommended as it can be corrosive to the electrodes.
- Electrode Immersion: The cylinder houses several metal electrodes that are immersed in the water.
- Current Application: When the humidifier is activated, a voltage is applied to these electrodes.
- Joule Heating: The water, containing dissolved minerals that make it conductive, acts as a resistor. The electrical current passing through the water causes it to heat up due to the Joule effect (, where (Q) is heat, (I) is current, (R) is resistance, and (t) is time).
- Steam Generation: As the water heats, it eventually reaches its boiling point and produces steam.
- Steam Output Control: The humidifier controls the steam output by regulating the water level in the cylinder (using a fill valve) and the electrical current supplied to the electrodes.
- Mineral Buildup and Draining: Over time, the minerals in the water accumulate inside the cylinder as steam is generated (pure water vapor leaves the cylinder). This increases the water’s conductivity and can lead to scaling on the electrodes and cylinder walls. To manage this, the humidifier periodically drains some of the water and refills with fresh water to maintain optimal conductivity and prevent excessive buildup.
Typical Maintenance Schedule:
The maintenance schedule for Carel cylinders depends on various factors, including the water quality, the frequency of use, and the specific model of the humidifier. However, some general guidelines can be provided:
- After one hour of operation: Visually inspect for any water leaks.
- Fortnightly or every 300 operating hours: Check for water leaks and the general operating condition of the cylinder. Ensure no sparks are forming between the electrodes during operation.
- Every three months or every 1000 operating hours: Thoroughly check the general and operating condition of the cylinder. Replace the cylinder if necessary, or if significant scaling or blackened parts are observed.
- Annually or every 2500 operating hours: Replace the entire cylinder. This is often recommended due to the aging of the plastic material and the wear of the electrodes.
It’s crucial to always disconnect the power supply before performing any maintenance on the humidifier or the cylinder. Also, allow the cylinder to cool down completely before handling it, as it can reach high temperatures during operation. Refer to the specific user manual for your Carel humidifier model for detailed maintenance instructions.
H.E. Rieckelman: Bulk Pricing Incentive
H.E. Rieckelman offers a tiered pricing structure for bulk purchases of Carel cylinders, designed to provide significant cost savings for larger volume orders. This incentive reflects the efficiencies gained in processing and shipping substantial quantities.
These preliminary incentives can be further discussed and tailored to meet specific customer needs and order volumes. H.E. Rieckelman is open to exploring even more favorable terms for very large quantities or long-term supply agreements.
To receive a detailed quotation, interested parties are encouraged to provide the specific models and quantities of Carel cylinders they are considering. Accurate pricing can be furnished upon receipt of the part numbers or specifications of the desired cylinders.
Please provide the part numbers or specifications of the cylinders you are interested in, and H.E Rieckelman can furnish you with accurate pricing.
By: Jason To, B.Eng.