Nortec SE Series - Manual (Page 49)

Operation | 46

Once the humidifier has reached full boil, the humidifier will modulate the actuator,
controlling the flow of steam into the unit. This will allow the unit to reduce its output level
as the humidity levels in the space being humidifier are reached.

During the boiling process minerals are left behind from the water. The unit will occasionally
activate the drain pump to flush out some of the minerals in the water and reduce the
concentration in the tank. The fill valve will also be activated periodically to replace water
that is boiled off during normal operation.

When the demand to the unit ceases, the unit will close the steam valve and steam
production will stop. The unit will enter standby mode and await a call for humidity. If
Keepwarm is activated (SETC only), the CV valve will be opened periodcally to heat the tank.
Drains

As steam is produced minerals are left behind in the SE’s tank. The SE performs periodic
drains to reduce the amount of minerals that will precipitate as scale.

In general more frequent drains result in less maintenance. The amount of water drained to
control mineral concentration in the tank can be configured in the SETC’s software.

To cool drain water the SE activates the fill valve whenever the drain pump is activated.
Cool fill water flows down from the fill box and blends with hot tank water in the lower mixing
box before being drawn into the drain pump. The drain cooling feature can be deactivated
via software (see Drain Cool on page 51).
Steam Distribution
Steam generated by the humidifier may be introduced into the air in several different ways. The
most common method for adding the steam into the air is to mount a steam distributor tube in
a supply air duct as shown in Figure 42: Humidifier Schematic. For larger ducts or larger loads it
is also common to use a steam manifold with a single steam line connection and multiple tubes
for distributing the steam, see Figure 43: SAM-e Manifold. For introducing steam directly into a
room, remote mounted blower packs are used see Figure 44: Remote Blower Pack.
Steam Line
The steam line between the tank steam outlet and the distributor may be Nortec steam hose,
copper pipe, or stainless steel pipe or tube. The SETC/P is an atmospheric steam generator so
it is very important no restrictions are present in the steam line and that the steam line is sized
properly to carry the full output capacity of the humidifier. It is also important to minimize the
length of steam lines. See Steam Lines and Condensate Returns on page 17 for information on
selecting steam lines and maximum recommended lengths.
Whenever steam is distributed condensate is formed in the distribution system and steam
distributor, manifold, or blower pack. Insulating steam lines is one important way to reduce the
amount of condensate formed. Steam lines must be sloped so that condensate does not collect
in the lines and create a restriction to steam flow.
Condensate Return
The condensate must be collected and removed from the system so that it does not build up
and leak into the duct (or room if blower pack is used). Condensate must be collected and fed
to drain.