Cylinder Life - GeneralAire 5500 Manuel D'installation Et D'utilisation

Fig. 1.b
NO. DESCRIPTION
A User Interface / Display
B Steam Generator Cylinder
C ON / OFF Switch
D Fill and Tempering Valves
E Drain Pump
Tab. 1.a
1.2

CYLINDER LIFE

Basics of the Steam Cylinder
The steam cylinder is the engine of the humidifier. As the
water is evaporated inside the cylinder, minerals are left
behind. Much of these minerals are removed through the
cylinder drain, however, some are deposited on the walls of
the cylinder and the cylinder electrodes. When a lower section
of the electrodes develops a thick coating, the water level is
raised to expose clean electrode surface. Eventually minerals
cover the electrodes' entire length with a thick coating and little
electrical current can pass between them, resulting in poor
steam output. The humidifier can sense the low amperage
and will display the E8 Cylinder Expired error code. There are
several factors that influence cylinder life. It is recommended
to replace the steam cylinder every year, before or after every
heating season.
Water
Water characteristics (mineral percentage and types) influence
cylinder life and can vary greatly from place to place. Most
water conditions result in flaky scale that eventually fills the
A
bottom of the cylinder until it can no longer function. Water
with high silica content can result in a thin glass-like coating
B
on the electrodes that is highly insulating resulting in shorter
cylinder life. Use only cold water since the supply water is
C
used to temper the hot drain water. Water quality affects the
operation of this unit, so the 5500 Steam Humidifier should be
D
supplied with water that is untreated, drinkable, not softened,
and not demineralized. The water converted into steam
is automatically replaced through an electric fill valve.
E Water Filtration
Typically with municipal/city water, additional filtration of the
incoming water supply is not necessary, but may be required
with well or lake water. If mineral content is known to reduce
cylinder life excessively or if cylinder life proves insufficient,
then water filtration can be added. In most cases the addition
of a two-element water filter can improve cylinder life. The filter
should contain an activated carbon element and a particulate
filter element rated for about 5 microns or less (micron is a size
measurement) with a flow rate of at least 2 GPM. The activated
carbon will absorb much of the mineral content while the
particulate filter will catch any granular material or sediment. It
is important to remember that an increase in cylinder life will
be accompanied by the need to replace filter elements with
each cylinder change.
Humidity Load and Cylinder Life
Humidity load demands affect cylinder life. Normal installations
where humidity capacity is properly sized require only
intermittent periods where full humidifier capacity is required.
This allows the water level in the cylinder to be increased only
as electrode segments become insulated thus extending
cylinder life. Two-stage filtration is recommended, if excessive
sediment and/or water discoloration occurs, especially with
well or lake water.
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