Like any industry, the printing sector faces specific challenges regarding indoor climate conditions. To name a few: indoor temperatures rise to uncomfortable heights due to the heat emitted by the printing machines; dust and VOCs released during the production process can irritate the eyes and airways; and even the slightest fluctuation in humidity can have a major, detrimental effect on the end product.
People often consider mechanical cooling with ventilation as their first (and only) option to overcome these problems. However, this solution involves high energy costs, which drive up financial costs and are not in line with the Paris Agreement. Two-stage evaporative cooling, however, offers a highly sustainable solution to all of the above - including the humidity problem. Read on to discover how the printing industry benefits from two-stage evaporative cooling.
Heat caused by printing machines
During the printing process, the machines emit a lot of heat. Especially if UV drying is applied as well. This causes temperatures in the printing rooms to soar, especially during summer when outside temperatures rise. The result is a loss of comfort and concentration on the work floor and a continuous need to adjust the printing machines. Cooling against these temperatures with standard cooling techniques takes an enormous amount of energy. Given the climate agreement and the need to reduce CO2 emissions worldwide, traditional air conditioning should not be an option. Not to mention the financial impact regular AC has. Therefore, the obvious choice is a sustainable climate solution that contributes to the comfort and productivity of employees and the efficiency of the printing processes. Two-stage evaporative cooling offers such a solution. Based on the power of water evaporation, this technique uses up to 90% less energy than traditional air conditioning while not compromising on effectiveness.
Stable humidity and temperature for end-product quality
The printing industry deals with processes where humidity and temperature affect the final product. For example, paper is fed through printing machines with a great force of over 200 kg. Fluctuations in moisture and temperature then understandably affect the elongation and shrinkage of the paper and thus the printing result. It is therefore imperative that these variables remain under control during the process. Because evaporative cooling evaporates water during the cooling process, people are often suspicious about applying this technique in the printing industry. The fear is that the adiabatic process will introduce (too) much moisture into the air, negatively affecting the production process. With direct evaporative cooling, this often happens. Yet this problem hardly arises with two-stage evaporative cooling that works according to an indirect/direct process. In this natural cooling process, fresh air is first cooled using cool recirculation water without water evaporation. In the second step, this cool air is further cooled by evaporating moisture through humidification media. In contrast to direct adiabatic systems, this keeps the humidity much lower and minimizes the risk of static charge, saucer formation and wavy edges.
To be able to print in the winter as well, when the chance of static charge is the highest, humidification equipment usually is present. A two-step evaporative cooling system and humidification equipment work very well together.
Optimal ventilation against dust and VOCs
Printing generates much dust and harmful VOCs (such as isopropyl alcohol, cleaning agents and inks). These conditions have a negative effect on the comfort and health of employees. Therefore, optimal ventilation is fundamental for the printing industry. Oxycom's two-stage evaporative cooling system offers the perfect solution in this regard. The IntrCooll ventilates 100% fresh, filtered outside air several times an hour. This way, the print and production remain clean and fresh.
Advantages of two-stage evaporative cooling for the graphic industry summed-up
Oxycom's two-stage evaporative cooling technology makes it possible to control air humidity in summer and prevents static charge and unwanted paper deformation. In addition, the IntrCooll cools with 100% fresh, filtered outside air and delivers a stable temperature, creating a comfortable and healthy working environment.
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Controlled humidity against static charge & paper distortion
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Optimal ventilation with fresh, filtered outside air against dust and VOCs
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Comfortable and stable temperature at 90% less energy
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Works perfectly with humidification equipment
For more information about the application of two-stage evaporative cooling in the graphic industry, read the reference from Lijnco b.v., or contact one of our specialists via the form below:
