XeteX Air Handling Blog

Custom AHU with Desiccant Dehumidification for a Surgical Suite

Written by XeteX | 10/12/23 3:27 PM

This XeteX custom air handling unit was specifically designed for a surgical suite to meet precise low dew point requirements featuring a desiccant dehumidification energy wheel, packaged DX refrigeration, and a steam humidifier manifold.

Hospital and healthcare owners are increasingly challenging their surgical suite HVAC designs to operate at lower than historical space temperatures. This, however, presents a significant challenge for the air handling system that serves these critical spaces.

The primary challenge is, as the space temperature dew point (db) is lowered, the subsequent space dp must also be lowered to ensure the space relative humidity remains within permitted range. In many cases, this means delivering a supply air dew point at 40°F or lower to the surgical suite.

To achieve this efficiently and reliably, one of the most effective methods is through the use of a desiccant dehumidification energy recovery wheel. 

Custom Desiccant Dehumidification Unit Performance

Model: AHR-1525-RT-CD-HI-HR-FF-AC
Dimensions: 98"H x 366"L x 110"W
Weight: 19,000 lbs.
Supply CFM: 9,500 CFM
Regen CFM: 2,459 CFM
Energy Recovery: Desiccant Wheel
Cooling Type: DX with packaged AC

Custom Desiccant Dehumidification Unit Highlights

  • Outdoor unit with 20ga painted acrylic exterior
  • 316 stainless steel interior on supply airstream
  • 3” injected foam panels
  • Desiccant dehumidification rotor
  • Dual direct drive supply and return fans
    • Backdraft dampers
    • Piezo ring air flow measurement
  • DX post cooling coil (sensible)
  • UV lights on DX coil
  • 12” HEPA final filters
  • Outside air flow monitoring
  • 57 tons air cooled condensing with low ambient kit
  • Steam humidifier manifold with SS drain pan
  • Factory provided and fully programmed DDC controls

Learn more about XeteX Custom Desiccant Dehumidification Solutions!