The nozzle creates fine droplets
FanMist uses high-pressure water and precision nozzles to break liquid water into a fine mist. Fine droplets have more exposed surface area relative to their volume than a solid stream, helping water evaporate into the surrounding air.
The visible mist is made of suspended liquid droplets. Once the water has evaporated, it is water vapor and is no longer visible as a plume.
The fan supplies moving air
A high-velocity fan carries the mist into open air above the production area. Air movement mixes the droplets with surrounding air and continually brings air that can accept more moisture into contact with them.
Airflow and water output must be selected together. The nozzle guide uses an airflow-to-water loading ratio to help choose a ring’s output. Equipment, beams or other obstructions in the intended path also matter.
Evaporation draws heat from the air
High-pressure misting is a form of adiabatic, or evaporative, humidification. Water absorbs heat from its surroundings as it evaporates, so it can cool the air locally. Steam humidification supplies water that has already been vaporized by a heat source.
Temperature and the amount of moisture already in the air affect evaporation. As air approaches saturation, its ability to accept additional water decreases. This is why nozzle output cannot be selected independently of indoor conditions and airflow.
Water pressure replaces compressed-air atomization
In a compressed-air atomizing system, compressed air helps create the spray. A high-pressure water system uses pump pressure at the nozzle instead. FanMist then uses fans to distribute the atomized water.
Choosing between steam, compressed-air atomization and high-pressure water involves the facility’s load, available utilities, water quality, maintenance needs and installation conditions. A system comparison should use those actual requirements rather than a universal efficiency claim.
Good distribution starts with the design
A fine spray alone does not guarantee complete evaporation in every space. Fan placement, clearances, nozzle selection, indoor conditions and control sequencing determine how the system behaves.
IHC’s load guides explain the physical principles alongside the sizing method. Use them with the installation handbook to plan an appropriate system for the facility.
Source documents
Read the original tables, procedures and specifications in the supplied IHC references.
Woodworking load guide · first principles · PDF ↗About IHC & FanMist · technology background · PDF ↗Installation & specifications handbook · PDF ↗Put the guidance to work.
Talk through your facility or an existing system with IHC.
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