Drying concrete effectively depends a lot on the ambient relative humidity and air temperature, as well as the temperature of the slab itself. Dehumidifiers rapidly and effectively dry concrete and can reduce concrete drying time from weeks to days
Seed storage is a critical aspect of maintaining the viability and quality of seeds for future use. Controlling humidity levels within a storage environment is essential to prevent moisture-related damage such as germination loss, fungal growth, and deterioration.
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Real Life Case Study Seed Storage Container
Humiscope purpose built two seed storage containers, converting them into fully sealed and ducted cold storage rooms specifically for storing seeds. This was a turnkey project fitted with refrigeration, desiccant dehumidifier, shelving and lights.
The containers were shipped to our client ready to operate.
“All reports onsite are the units are functioning well and the Rehab Team(s) are very happy with their new assets
Mead Ludwig-Bohan, Project Coordinator, South32
This article discusses the effectiveness of using a desiccant dehumidifier versus not using any dehumidification method in seed storage within a cold room.
Humiscope has worked with many storage and preservation applications. With seed storage, we have seen the benefits of using a desiccant dehumidifier within a cold room environment, and the pitfalls when dehumidification is not used.
Setup Example
Two identical cold rooms maintaining at a constant temperature of 5°C (41°F). The first cold room (Room A) is equipped with a desiccant dehumidifier, while the second cold room (Room B) had no dehumidification system.
Seed Selection and Preparation
We would choose seeds of the same crop species for the purpose of this comparison. These seeds are of uniform quality and moisture content.
Monitoring Parameters
The following parameters are monitored:
Relative humidity (RH)
Seed germination rates
Fungal growth
Seed viability
Seed weight changes
1. Relative Humidity
Room A (with desiccant dehumidifier): The desiccant dehumidifier will maintain a consistently low relative humidity level (around 30-40% RH) within Room A.
Room B (without dehumidifier): The relative humidity in Room B will fluctuate considerably, ranging from 60% to 80% RH due to the absence of a dehumidification system.
2. Seed Germination Rates
Room A: Seeds stored in Room A will exhibit higher germination rates compared to Room B. The controlled humidity environment in Room A will prevent moisture-induced germination loss.
Room B: Seeds in Room B will have lower germination rates due to occasional high humidity conditions favouring premature germination.
3. Fungal Growth
Room A: The low humidity levels in Room A hinder fungal growth, leading to minimal fungal contamination on the stored seeds.
Room B: The fluctuating humidity in Room B will create conditions conducive to fungal growth, resulting in visible fungal contamination on the seeds.
4. Seed Viability
Room A: Seeds stored in Room A will demonstrate higher viability
Room B: Seed viability in Room B will likely be compromised due to both fungal contamination and reduced germination rates.
5. Seed Weight Changes
Room A: Minimal seed weight changes will likely be observed in Room A, suggesting that the controlled humidity environment preserved the seed's moisture content.
Room B: Seeds in Room B will likely experience weight fluctuations, potentially due to the varying humidity levels, which can lead to undesirable moisture absorption or loss.
In conclusion
This article reveals that using a desiccant dehumidifier in a cold room for seed storage has several advantages over not using any dehumidification method. The controlled humidity environment maintained by the desiccant dehumidifier will lead to better preservation of seed quality, viability, and germination rates, while also inhibiting fungal growth and preventing moisture-related damage.
In contrast, not using a dehumidifier will result in fluctuations in humidity levels, compromising seed germination rates, viability, and quality. Therefore, employing a desiccant dehumidifier is recommended for effective seed storage within a cold room to ensure the long-term preservation of seed quality and viability.
Desiccant dehumidifier performance is unaffected by external air temperature and can maintain a consistent temperature in all seasons.
Humiscope supplies desiccant dehumidifiers to protect against this threat. Humiscope dehumidifiers deal with the problem directly by absorbing the moisture from the air as a vapour. There are no cooling coils to freeze, no condensate to drain and the desiccant that absorbs the moisture becomes even more efficient in cold weather.
Many materials are more susceptible to moisture than they are to temperature. Why does this happen? Visit our Preservation and Storage page to learn more
When selecting a desiccant dehumidifier for seed storage, it is crucial to consider factors such as efficiency, reliability, and customization. Humiscope, a leader in dehumidification solutions, offers custom-designed desiccant dehumidifiers that are tailored to the specific requirements of seed storage facilities and specific to each clients exact requirements.
When storing paper and documents, maintaining the right temperature and humidity is crucial for preservation. High humidity can cause moisture damage, while low humidity can lead to brittleness.
Proper ventilation, air quality, and avoiding temperature fluctuations are key components of efficient archival storage.
Preserving valuable paper documents requires controlled environmental conditions. The ideal storage temperature ranges between 18°C and 22°C, while humidity should be maintained between 40% and 55%. Deviations from these ranges can lead to damage: high humidity promotes mould and ink bleeding, while low humidity risks brittleness and warping.
Air quality is equally important, as pollutants can accelerate document degradation. Specialised HVAC systems, particularly with dehumidifiers, are essential tools for managing both temperature and humidity effectively.
Regular monitoring of these conditions is crucial to maintain long-term document integrity. Temperature fluctuations should be minimized, and HVAC systems should be calibrated to meet storage needs.
Additionally, storing documents in acid-free containers further reduces risk, as these protect against both environmental and chemical degradation. Ensuring proper ventilation and air circulation within the storage area helps in preventing moisture build-up and mould growth.
For businesses and institutions, automated climate control systems are an excellent investment. These systems not only regulate the environment but also provide alerts in case of any significant changes, allowing for prompt intervention before damage occurs.
By maintaining proper indoor climate conditions and employing the right equipment, you can ensure the longevity and safety of your paper archives. Effective storage practices protect documents from deterioration and preserve their historical and operational value for the long term.
