The Use of Moving Yarn Belts for Continuous Dehumidification

Abstract

A novel low-energy alternative to conventional dehumidification systems has been devised. A moving loop of cellulosic yarns adsorbs water vapor from an air space, transports it outside where it is desorbed by solar or other heating, and returns to the interior to repeat the process, so that moisture is removed and disposed of continuously. The method is based on the potential of cellulosic yarns for rapid interaction with water vapor, the strong inverse dependence of water uptake on temperature and the tensile strength and flexibility of yarns. A laboratory-scale unit, found capable of reducing humidity to a satisfactory level in a reasonable time, has supplied data for potential scaling-up using practical equipment dimensions, air flow rate, yarn velocity, etc. Experience with the demonstration unit indicates that the yarn is far from saturated under the dynamic conditions of operation, and that the transient water is taken up on the most accessible yarn surfaces and does not diHuse to any great extent into the interior.