Humidification for the electronics industry
Improper humidification of production areas in the electronics industry can lead to a number of problems, and the most dangerous of these is the accumulation of static electricity resulting from too dry indoor air conditions. This can lead to unexpected discharges that can damage sensitive components and electronic equipment parts. Electrostatic discharges can also be transferred to people interacting with electronic products in the affected area, which can endanger their safety.
Electronic devices, printed circuit boards and other components are extremely sensitive to electrostatic discharge. Dry air leads to strong electrostatic charges, therefore constant protection against electrostatic discharges has become a necessity for production areas, especially due to the increasing miniaturization of electronic components.
Electronic components can be damaged at a electrostatic discharge of just 100 V. However, electronic charges can be curbed by increasing the humidity of the air.
Controlling and regulating air humidity in the electronics industry effectively reduces electrostatic discharges. Moist air settles on the ions making them heavier and less mobile in the electric field. With controlled humidification of the air, a film of moisture can form on the surfaces, making them conductive despite their low density, thus preventing electrostatic charges.
Static charges
Electrostatic charges can occur during maintenance work or on ungrounded components in data centers for example. This can lead to uncontrollable electrostatic discharge shocks and the destruction of sensitive electrical components.
At a relative humidity of 50-55%, the humid air settles more and more on the ions, making them heavier and less mobile in the electric field. The conductivity of the air and material surfaces then increases, so that the electric charges are dispersed, which prevents the formation of differences in electrical potential.
A correct humidity level acts as a natural protector absorbing electrical charges and allowing them to discharge quickly and permanently. Humidification also helps reduce dust deposits on sensitive components and surfaces and improves employees’ working conditions, preventing common health-related illnesses associated with a dry work environment.
Some of the advantages of air humidification in the electronics industry are:
- Protection against dangerous electrostatic discharges
- Improved quality of electronic components
- Material losses are reduced and the failure rate of manufacturing processes is reduced
- Creating a healthy and enjoyable work environment for employees
- Reduced operating costs due to energy-efficient cooling performance – when using an adiabatic humidification system
Not only dry air is a problem for the production areas of the electronics industry. For example, excessive moisture and the appearance of condensation can add to the list of problems that affect the quality of the final product. Ensuring a consistent humidity level of 50% RH in all areas of manufacturing and storage of electronic components is essential to prevent moisture and condensation, which can lead to damage to components inside a device or cause dangerous short circuits.
We know that choosing the right humidification system for the type of activity you undertake can be difficult and stressful, which is why our team is ready to answer any questions and concerns. Our collaborators represent the mechanism that sets our company in motion, that’s why we make sure to always offer prompt and personalized solutions according to their needs. If you have any questions about our humidification systems and the solutions we offer for streamlining production processes, do not hesitate to contact us.
