Condair Nortec EL-Series Engineering Manual
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Condair Nortec EL-Series Engineering Manual

Electrode steam humidifier
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NORTEC
ENGINEERING MANUAL
Electrode Steam Humidifier
Nortec EL-Series
Humidification and Evaporative Cooling

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Summary of Contents for Condair Nortec EL-Series

  • Page 1 NORTEC ENGINEERING MANUAL Electrode Steam Humidifier Nortec EL-Series Humidification and Evaporative Cooling...
  • Page 2 Thank you for choosing Condair. Proprietary Notice This document and the information disclosed herein are proprietary data of Condair Ltd. Neither this document, nor the information contained herein shall be reproduced, used, or disclosed to others without the written authorization of Condair Ltd., except to the extent required for selection, installation, operation or maintenance of the equipment.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Electrical Connection Control System Design 4.4.1 Control Signal Input 4.4.1.1 Analog Control Signals 4.4.1.2 Digital Control Signals 4.4.2 Condair Linkup 4.4.3 Humidity Control Design 4.4.3.1 Duct Distribution Control Design 4.4.3.2 Space Distribution Control Design 4.4.4 Remote Fault Indication Board 4.4.5...
  • Page 4 Total Humidification Load Calculation Total Humification Load 5.1.1 Calculating Base Humidification Load 5.1.1.1 Total Unconditioned Air Supply Volume 5.1.1.2 Unconditioned Supply Air Moisture 5.1.1.3 Conditioned Air Moisture 5.1.1.4 Base Humidification Load 5.1.2 Moisture Content Equilibrium 5.1.3 Condensate Loss Product Selection Humidifier and Options Steam Distribution Equipment Appendix Sample Specification...

  • Page 5: Nortec El Electrode Steam Humidifier

    Nortec EL Electrode Steam Humidifier General Description The Nortec EL humidifier is an atmospheric steam generator, which operates on the electrode heating principle – heat is generated by the resistance to flow of electric charge between electrodes immersed in water. The Nortec EL humidifier is designed for direct room humidification using a blower pack, or humidification through the ducts in an air handling unit using a steam distributor.

  • Page 6: Features

    • USB port for loading software updates and downloading performance data. • Connect up to 12 steam cylinders together in a "Main-Extension" configuration using Condair Linkup to satisfy large humidification needs. • SIM card for storage of operating parameters and settings.

  • Page 7: Detailed Features List

    1.2.1 Detailed Features List Table 1: Nortec EL Features Nortec EL Feature Description Standard Optional Touchscreen interface Intuitive user interface to configure and monitor the humidi-  fier. Digital graphic display Displays visual feedback of the humidifier inputs (conditioned  environment humidity and setpoints).

  • Page 8: Options

    Options Table 2 lists the options available for the Nortec EL humidifier. Detailed installation instructions are sup- plied with each option. Table 2: Nortec EL Options Availability Option Description Factory Field Install Installed Built-on blower pack A blower pack is used to distribute steam generated by ...

  • Page 9: Accessories

    2520263 – Duct-mounted temperature sensor 2553858 – Outdoor mounted temperature sensor Humidity transducers Condair offers a range of digital humidity sensors for duct and wall-mounting for use with control and high limit applications. Refer to Table 7 on page Air proving switch Provides a mechanical differential pressure switch to enable humidifier operation when there is airflow through the ventilation ducts.

  • Page 10: Humidifier Components

    Table 3: Nortec EL Accessories, continued... Accessory Description Condensate pump High temperature condensate pump for pumping waste water from the Nortec EL or con- densate from the distributor systems. 1429527 – Drain water sump pump, low flow 2524504 – Electric sump pump, medium flow 2576898 –...
  • Page 11 The Nortec EL humidifier housing contains two cabinets – the plumbing cabinet (on the left) and the controls cabinet (on the right) – refer to Figure 2 on page Table 4 summarizes the functions of the main components in these two cabinets. Table 4: Nortec EL Humidifier Component Functions Component Function...
  • Page 12 Part numbers and quantities for ordering Nortec EL options are shown in Table Table 5: Nortec EL Options, Part Number Matrix Part Number and Quantity Steam Remote Power Kit Voltage and Extreme Built-on Advanced Internal Capacity Fault Accessory Mounting Mounting Fill Cup –...
  • Page 13 Part numbers for ordering control signal configurations for the Nortec EL humidifier are shown in Table Table 6: Nortec EL Control Signal Acceptance Part Numbers Standard Part Numbers – Demand Signal Standard Part Numbers – Transducer Acceptance Signal Acceptance Signal Single Channel Dual Channel Single Channel...

  • Page 14: User Interface

    User Interface The Nortec EL humidifier has an interactive touchscreen display which can be used to configure and monitor its operation. Refer to Figure In addition, the unit can also be configured and monitored remotely using the built-in BMS connectivity (BACnet, Modbus).

  • Page 15: Operation

    Operation General The Nortec EL humidifier produces pure steam at a variable output rate of 25-100% of its rated capac- ity, to within a tolerance of ±5%. It employs the following general principle to generate steam – when water in the steam cylinder makes contact with energized electrodes, electric current flows between the electrodes through the water.

  • Page 16: Sequence Of Operation

    Sequence of Operation The following is a general sequence of operation – the actual sequence may vary depending upon op- erating conditions and user-configurable parameters. Refer to Figure 5 on page 1. When the humidifier receives a valid humidity demand signal, the contactor(s) closes and directs power to the electrodes in the steam cylinder(s).
  • Page 17 L1SW L1SW NSW L1SC L1SC NSW L1FU L1SW SPARE/DRAIN CONTACT. INLET SWITCH DRAIN SPARE CONT. INLET SC OK F1 1AT COMM DRIVER BOARD A PWR IC RS4851 RS4852 SPARE1 SPARE2 T1 Figure 5: Humidifier Schematic Steam distributor Condensate drain line Fill cup Current sensor Driver board...

  • Page 18: Drain Cycles

    Drain Cycles Minerals dissolved in the water can accumulate in the steam cylinder over time and reduce its efficiency and shorten cylinder life. To minimize this, the Nortec EL humidifier utilizes the Auto-adaptive Control algorithm to initiate a drain cycle that dilutes the concentration of mineral in the cylinder only when re- quired, and only drains a minimum volume of water to maintain optimal operating conditions.

  • Page 19: Drain Volume

    2.3.2 Drain Volume The volume of water that must be drained is calculated by the Auto-adaptive Control algorithm. This algorithm establishes a proportional drain component based on the difference between the actual time of the latest boil-down cycle (T ) minus an optimal time (T ).

  • Page 20: Steam Cylinders

    This allows for operation with a total range of 150-1200 µS/cm. Consult your local Condair representative for details on adapting the humidifiers operation to accom- modate water conductivity outside the standard operating range.

  • Page 21: Output Versus Cylinder Life

    2.4.2 Output Versus Cylinder Life The Nortec EL humidifier maintains full output capacity for the full life of the cylinder. Figure 9 illustrates the expected end-of-cylinder-life performance. As minerals build up on the electrodes in the cylinder, the patented Auto-adaptive Control algorithm automatically raises the water level slightly in the cylinder. This exposes fresh electrode surface to water and maintains peak output and efficiency from the humidifier.
  • Page 22 This page intentionally left blank 2577597_D_EN_1812_Nortec-EL_EM Nortec EL Operation...

  • Page 23: Product Specifications

    Product Specifications Model Specifications 3.1.1 Model Designation The specification label on the side (and the underside) of the Nortec EL humidifier shows its model number, serial number and ratings – refer to Figure 2 on page 10. The breakdown of the model number is shown in Figure Nortec EL...

  • Page 24: Nortec El Specifications

    3.1.2 Nortec EL Specifications The Nortec EL humidifier is available in a range of output capacities, voltages and configurations. Refer Table 8 on page 24 for the Nortec EL (Duct) specifications, Table 9 on page 26 for the Nortec EL Space specifications, and Table 10 on page 27 for Nortec EL RM specifications.
  • Page 25 Table 8: Nortec EL Specifications, continued... Maximum Standard Fill Rate Drain Rate Net/Full Oper- Capacity Voltage Amperage External Wattage Phase Steam ating Weight lb/h (kg/h) Fuse Cylinder (L/min) (L/min) lb (kg) 155.7 56.1 220-240 135.0 56.1 0.5** 2.0** 150 (68) 78.0 56.1 (2.0**)
  • Page 26 Table 9: Nortec EL Space Specifications Maximum Standard Fill Rate Drain Rate Net/Full Oper- Capacity Voltage Amperage External Wattage Phase Steam ating Weight lb/h (kg/h) Fuse Cylinder (L/min) (L/min) lb (kg) 5 (2.2) 110-120 16.8 18.7 220-240 16.2 83/93 14.0 (38/42) 10 (4.5) 440-480...
  • Page 27 Table 10: Nortec EL RM Specifications Maximum Standard Fill Rate Drain Rate Net/Full Oper- Capacity Voltage Amperage External Wattage Phase Steam ating Weight lb/h (kg/h) Fuse Cylinder (L/min) (L/min) lb (kg) 5 (2.2) 110-120 16.8 18.7 220-240 16.2 45/55 14.0 (21/25) 10 (4.5) 440-480...
  • Page 28 Table 10: Nortec EL RM Specifications, continued... Maximum Standard Fill Rate Drain Rate Net/Full Capacity Voltage Amperage External Wattage Phase Steam Weight lb/h (kg/h) Fuse Cylinder (L/min) (L/min) lb (kg) 156.9 56.5 220-240 136.0 56.5 0.5** 2.0** 150 (68) 78.6 56.5 (2.0**) (7.6**)

  • Page 29: Specification Drawings

    Specification Drawings 16.5 ( 420 ) Empty Weight 45 lbs 13.2 ( 336 ) ( 14 ) Full Weight 55 lbs Front Clearance 36 in. ( 211 ) 14.3 Ceiling Clearance 12 in. ( 364 ) Left/Right Clearance 0 in. Optional, Steam Floor Clearance 24 in.
  • Page 30 20.9 ( 530 ) 17.6 Empty Weight 85 lbs ( 15 ) ( 446 ) Full Weight 150 lbs Front Clearance 36 in. ( 226 ) 15.7 ( 400 ) Ceiling Clearance 12 in. Left/Right Clearance 0 in. Optional, Steam Floor Clearance 24 in.
  • Page 31 Empty Weight 120 lbs Full Weight 245 lbs 39.4 ( 1000 ) Front Clearance 36 in. 14.0 22.8 ( 14 ) ( 356 ) ( 580 ) Ceiling Clearance 12 in. Left/Right Clearance 0 in. ( 226 ) 15.7 ( 400 ) Floor Clearance 24 in.
  • Page 32 Empty Weight 83 lbs Full Weight 113 lbs Front Clearance* 005-010: 6 in. | 020: 60 in. | 030: 71 in. Ceiling Clearance* 12 in. 14.4 ( 365 ) Left/Right Clearance* 12 in. Floor Clearance* 96 in. (to bottom of blower pack) Water Inlet Pressure 30-80 psig Mounting Keyhole...
  • Page 33 20.9 Empty Weight 123 lbs ( 530 ) Full Weight 188 lbs Front Clearance* 050: 132 in. | 075: 153 in. | 100: 218 in. 15.7 (400) Ceiling Clearance* 12 in. Left/Right Clearance* 050: 12 in. | 075-100: 30 in. Floor Clearance* 96 in.
  • Page 34 This page intentionally left blank 2577597_D_EN_1812_Nortec-EL_EM Nortec EL...

  • Page 35: Planning

    36, which also show the clearances required for the Nortec EL Refer to Space unit. Observe all local and national installation codes. Condair is not responsible for any installation code violations. Refer to the Blower Pack Installation, Operation and maintenance Manual (document 2582277) for clearances required for remote-mounted blower packs.

  • Page 36: Services

    Table 11: Minimum Clearances for Blower Packs Suggested Min. Frontal Min. Overhead Min. Height Suggested Steam Right Side Blower Pack Clearance – Clearance – Above Ground Left Side Clear- Capacity Clearance – Speed Setting "A" "B" – "C" ance – "D" lb/h (kg/h) "D"...
  • Page 37 Drainage … The humidifier should be connected to a dedicated building drain (recommended) with a minimum drainage rate of 2.3 gal/min (8.7 L/min) per steam cylinder. For safety reasons, drain water from the humidifier should not empty into a sink used by personnel. The drain line must allow free and easy draining.

  • Page 38: Installation Requirements

    The unit can also be mounted on the wall (or equivalent support) using the optional mounting bar. Refer to the Nortec EL Installation Manual (document 2582302 available from www.condair.com) for other mount- ing details, including how to mount the unit to meet OSHPD (seismic) requirements.

  • Page 39: Water And Drainage Connections

    4.3.2 Water and Drainage Connections The water and drain connections on the Nortec EL humidifier are located at the bottom of the unit. Refer Figure The flexible bent hose (supplied) connects a short length of 7/8 in (22 mm) drain line to the drain canal on the humidifier.

  • Page 40: Steam Distribution

    A variety of duct distributors are available for the Nortec EL humidifier to accomodate duct dimensions, humidifier capacities and steam absorption distances. For more information on available duct distributor systems refer to the documents listed in Table 14, which are available from www.condair.com. Table 14: Duct Distributor Models Duct Dimensions Steam Capacity...

  • Page 41: Blower Packs

    The blower pack has two speed settings – High speed setting which provides shorter absorption dis- tances, and the Low speed setting which offers quieter operation but requires longer absorption distance. For more information refer to the Blower Pack Installation Operation and Maintenance Manual (docu- ment 2582277, available fromwww.condair.com). Figure 19: Blower Pack Remote-mounted blower pack Steam line –...

  • Page 42: Atmospheric Steam And Condensate Lines

    … Steam lines must be made of copper (MED Type-L) or stainless steel (minimum DIN 1.4301) exclu- sively. Use a Condair-supplied steam hose for short distances only. Steam lines made of any other materials may adversely affect operation of the unit.
  • Page 43 (30 m) (50 mm) × 0.065 wall (45 mm (50 mm × 1.65 mm wall) × 1.65 mm wall) Condair Steam Hose Nortec EL005- 10 ft P/N 1328810 – 7/8 in (22 mm) 0.1 lb/h/ft Nortec EL030 (3 m) (0.15 kg/h/m)
  • Page 44 … Condensate line and trap must be made of 1/4 in copper (MED Type-L) or 3/8 in stainless steel (minimum DIN 1.4301), or 3/8 in (9.5 mm) Condair condensate hose. … Condensate lines must connect into full size "Tee" fittings in the steam line. Refer to Figure …...
  • Page 45 ONLY if the steam cylinders operate in parallel mode – refer to Figure 22. If necessary, a specifically designed optional Condair adaptor must be used to connect the steam lines to the steam distributor. … All requirements for steam and condensate lines must be satisfied. Refer to "Steam Lines"...

  • Page 46: Electrical Connection

    4.3.4 Electrical Connection The power supply to the Nortec EL humidifier is routed into the bottom of the control cabinet. Refer to Figure The following is a list of installation requirements for power connections: … The power supply cables should be sized to match the full voltage and current draw listed in the specifications (refer to "Specifications"...

  • Page 47: Control System Design

    IMPORTANT! In addition to the analog or digital control signals, the 24 VAC security loop (consist- ing of On/Off devices) connected to Pin 1 and Pin 2 on the low voltage terminal strip must be closed for the Condair humidifier to operate. Condair highly recommends the use of a high limit humidistat "Duct Distribution Control and an air proving switch in the security loop for duct installations –...

  • Page 48: Control Signal Input

    The Nortec EL humidifier can be regulated using up to two modulating analog input signals, and multiple On/Off input signals for each steam cylinder. Analog controls can be supplied by Condair or by others. The Nortec EL humidifier can be factory-configured to enable/disable modulating and On/Off control Table 17).

  • Page 49: Digital Control Signals

    Digital communication can be used in conjunction with analog devices to regulate the humidifier operation. Condair recommends the use of transducers for the control and high limit signals when using digital communications.

  • Page 50: Condair Linkup

    Off. When the jumper J7 is On, the native Modbus protocol is enabled. 4.4.2 Condair Linkup The Linkup function allows linking of up to six integrated control boards (for a maximum of 12 steam cylinders) in a "Main-Extension" configuration through the connector J10 on the integrated control board.

  • Page 51: Humidity Control Design

    Humidity Control Design 4.4.3.1 Duct Distribution Control Design When using the supply air duct for steam distribution, Condair highly recommends the use of an air proving switch and a high limit humidistat in addition to a humidity controller. Environments with exterior walls should also consider using an outdoor temperature sensor in the system.
  • Page 52 The following installation requirement must be observed when using a high limit switch in a duct distri- bution system: … The distance between the steam distributor and the Condair duct humidistat or transducer should be minimum 10 ft (3 m), or greater than the calculated absorption distance. Refer to...

  • Page 53: Space Distribution Control Design

    When distributing steam directly into the conditioned environment the humidification system will require a wall-mounted On/Off humidistat or transducer (RH sensor). Condair also recommends a high limit switch. Environments with exterior walls should consider using an outdoor temperature sensor to prevent condensation on windows/walls.

  • Page 54: Remote Fault Indication Board

    4.4.4 Remote Fault Indication Board The optional remote fault indication board includes four relays that can be used to provide remote status indication. Refer to Figure Each relay is described below: Unit On The normally open relay is closed when the humidifier has power and the On/Off switch is set to the On position.

  • Page 55: Accessory Board

    4.4.5 Accessory Board The optional accessory board includes four relays that can be used to control other accessory devices. Refer to Figure Each relay is described below: Flush A The normally open relay can be wired to activate or deactivate the optional valve for flushing the water supply line for steam cylinder A.

  • Page 56: Preventative Maintenance

    4.5 Preventative Maintenance Regular maintenance of the Nortec EL humidifier is a requirement for maintaining the safety and op- erational efficiency of the humidifier. Maintenance of the humidifier is broken down into two categories – regular replacement of the steam cylinder(s), and regular maintenance of the humidifier. The control software in the Nortec EL humidifier monitors the performance of the steam cylinder(s) and displays a service notification when the steam cylinder(s) is spent, and can no longer achieve full output.

  • Page 57: Total Humidification Load Calculation

    – www.condair.com. Additional information on the effects of humidity, relative humidity calculations, load cal- culations, and recommended design conditions can be found in the Humidification Load Calculation Manual (document 2553856) from www.condair.com. 2577597_D_EN_1812_Nortec-EL_EM Nortec EL Total Humidification Load Calculation...

  • Page 58: Calculating Base Humidification Load

    In applications where the unconditioned supply air will be drawn from the local atmosphere, Condair advises utilizing the weather data compiled by geographic location published by the ASHRAE Climate Data Centre.

  • Page 59: Conditioned Air Moisture

    5.1.1.3 Conditioned Air Moisture The moisture content for the designed air conditions must be determined next. To ensure the humidifier capacity will be able to satisfy design conditions, the calculations must be based on the highest desired design air temperatures and humidity. Once the highest design temperature and highest design humidity for the application are known, the moisture content of the conditioned air supply can be determines as follows: Conditioned Air Moisture (lb/ft...

  • Page 60: Moisture Content Equilibrium

    °F lb/ft °F lb/ft °F lb/ft °F lb/ft °F lb/ft 0.000353 0.000723 0.00139 0.00254 0.00491 0.000366 0.000747 0.00144 0.00262 0.00559 0.000380 0.000773 0.00149 0.00269 0.00634 0.000394 0.000800 0.00154 0.00277 0.00719 0.000409 0.000829 0.00158 0.00285 0.00812 Table 19: Moisture Content of Air at 100% RH (Metric Units) °C kg/m °C...

  • Page 61: Condensate Loss

    Using stainless steel air-gap insulation is one way to reduce distributor loses and conserve energy. Additional information on calculating condensate losses, and savings from the use of insulating distributors can be found in the Condair white paper “Nortec Stainless Steel Air Gap Insulation R Value”.
  • Page 62 Supply Line Losses Condensate losses per linear foot can be roughly estimated in a system with properly designed atmos- pheric steam lines. The total length of the atmospheric steam line must be taken into account, which is the sum of the linear length of the steam pipe and equivalent length of every fitting in the line. For equivalent lengths of common fittings see Table 16 on page 43.

  • Page 63: Product Selection

    Product Selection The following checklist can be used to select the Nortec EL humidifier and its options and accessories. However, Condair strongly advises you to visit www.condairhelp.com and use the free online program – Humidifier Engineering and Load-sizing Program (H.E.L.P.) to assist you in sizing the humidifier and selecting options and accessories.
  • Page 64 Select optional extreme drain water cooling, if required. Refer to Table 3 on page 9 for details of the option. Optional Extreme Drain Water Cooling Part Number Yes – extreme drain water cooling required No – extreme drain water cooling not required Select other options and accessories, as required.

  • Page 65: Steam Distribution Equipment

    Control Accessories Part Number Exterior-mounted outdoor temperature setback sensor Plug-in transformer, 120 VAC to 24 VAC Control humidistat (refer to Table 7 on page 13 for part numbers) High limit humidistat (refer to Table 7 on page 13 for part numbers) Select a digital communications protocol, if required, for interfacing the Nortec EL humidifier with build- "Digital Control Signals"...
  • Page 66 If a blower pack is required, refer to the Blower Pack Installation Operation and Maintenance Manual (document 2582277) for additional details, then make the appropriate selection below. Blower Pack Configuration Quantity Part Number Blower pack (built-on) – BOBP Blower pack (remote-mounted) – 110-120 VAC, 1 Phase, wall outlet 2579400 powered, for 1-3/4 in (45 mm) steam outlet Blower pack (remote-mounted) –...

  • Page 67: A Appendix

    Appendix Sample Specification PART 1 - GENERAL Work Included: a) Nortec EL Series electrode steam humidifier[s] as indicated on drawing[s] and as indicated on schedule[s]. b) Complete and operable humidification system [which meets applicable building codes] c) Equipment start-up and project inspection by qualified factory trained representative. Quality Assurance: a) Certifications, C-UL US Listed.
  • Page 68 Ability to control setpoint from humidifier control when using transducer controls. b) Packaged system with Condair electrode cylinder technology: Condair cylinder optimized for humidifier capacity and supply voltage. Cylinder must have welded seam to ensure watertight and have high water sensor to prevent overfilling.

  • Page 69: Blank Schedule

    PART 3 - EXCECUTION Installation: a) Install humidifiers per manufacturers' instructions. b) Install with required clearance for service and maintenance. Accessories: a) Install accessories in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations. Commissioning: a) Start-up of humidifier to be by factory trained technician. Blank Schedule A blank schedule is included on the following page for your convenience.
  • Page 71 Notes...
  • Page 73 Warranty Condair Inc. and/or Condair Ltd. (hereinafter collectively referred to as THE COMPANY), warrant for a period of two years after installation or 30 months from manufacturer’s ship date, whichever date is earlier, that THE COMPANY’s manufactured and assembled products, not otherwise expressly warranted, are free from defects in material and workmanship.
  • Page 74 SALES AND SERVICE: U.S.A. 835 Commerce Park Avenue Ogdensburg, NY 1366-2209 CANADA 2740 Fenton Road Ottawa, ON, K1T 3T7 Tel: 1.866.667.8321 Fax: 613.822.7964 Email: na.info@condair.com Website: www.condair.com...

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