Nortec MES2 - Manual (Page 13)

Introduction | 10
 If the demand is lower than the actual output the inlet valve is kept closed and output is
reduced by letting the water level in the cylinder decrease by evaporation.
 If demand is higher than the actual output after a brief delay the fill valve is activated and
water flows into the fill cup. Water from the fill cup flows into the bottom of the cylinder
through a hose connected to the drain valve housing.
Note: The cylinder is gravity fed from the fill cup. If backpressure from the steam line is too
high it will cause water to back up in the fill cup and flow down the overflow line to the
drain.
 A soon as the water in the cylinder comes in contact with the energized electrodes current
flows through the water. The resistance of the water to the electrical current generates heat
and in turn steam. The more electrode that is covered by water the higher is the current and
output. The unit continues to fill until the current matches demand or the high water sensor
detects a high water level.
 The MES2 repeats the fill and boil down cycle repeatedly to match output to demand.
 Over time minerals in the water will adhere to the cylinder’s electrodes. The humidifier will
automatically fill to a higher water level to maintain full capacity during the life of the
cylinder. Eventually because of scale formation it will no longer be possible for the
humidifier to reach its full capacity. The MES2 software monitors this condition and when
detected will stop operating and flash the yellow LED in a repeating sequence of 4 flashes.
Drains
 As steam is produced minerals are left behind increasing the conductivity of the water. The
MES2’s patented auto adaptive cycle will monitor the water conductivity and perform drains
to maintain the water at optimal conductivity for peak performance.
 The auto adaptive cycle provides the longest cylinder life in combination with keeping the
tightest control and most efficient use of water during the entire cylinder life.
Steam Distribution
The most common method for adding the steam into the air is to mount a steam distributor in a
supply air duct as shown in Figure 7: Humidifier Schematic. In an air handler the best location
for introducing the steam is after the heating coil where the air will be at its lowest humidity.
Steam Line
The steam line between the cylinder steam outlet and the distributor may be Nortec steam
hose, copper pipe, or stainless steel pipe or tube. The MES2 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. See Steam Lines and
Condensate Returns on page 16 for information on selecting steam lines.
Condensate Return
Whenever steam is generated, condensate is formed in the distribution system and steam
distributor. Insulating steam lines is one important way to reduce the amount of condensate
formed. Steam lines are sloped so that condensate does not collect in the lines and create a
restriction to steam flow. The condensate must be collected and removed from the system so
that it does not build up and leak into the duct or air handler. Condensate can be returned to
the MES2 fill cup to reduce water waste or can be fed to drain.