Page 1
OWNER'S MANUAL
WARRANTY • SAFETY • OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
MAINTENANCE • SPECIFICATIONS • TROUBLESHOOTING
DRITEC™ 150 and DRITEC™ 325
DESICCANT DEHUMIDIFIERS
This manual includes important safety warnings and operating information.
Please read before using the dehumidifier and save for future reference.
PURCHASE DATE: _________________________ SERIAL NO.: _____________________________
DEALER: ___________________________________________________________________________
DRI-EAZ PRODUCTS • 15180 Josh Wilson Road, Burlington, WA 98233 • www.dri-eaz.com • (360) 757-7776
Page 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...................................................................... 2
WARRANTY............................................................................. 2
SAFETY INFORMATION......................................................... 3
PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION ............................................... 3
Process Air.......................................................................... 3
Reactivation Air................................................................... 4
OPERATING CONDITIONS .................................................... 4
Saturated Environments..................................................... 4
Lower Levels of Humidity ................................................... 4
Monitoring Humidity Changes............................................ 4
Moisture Content of Materials ............................................ 5
MAIN COMPONENTS ............................................................. 5
Air Filter............................................................................... 5
Reactivation Air Stream...................................................... 5
Rotor Drive.......................................................................... 5
Main Controls...................................................................... 5
Indicator Lights ................................................................... 5
INSTALLATION & START-UP................................................. 5
Inspection............................................................................ 5
Positioning the Dehumidifier .............................................. 5
Locating the Dehumidifier .................................................. 5
Air Circulation ..................................................................... 6
Duct Connections ............................................................... 6
Connecting the Ductwork ................................................... 7
Connecting the Power ........................................................ 7
MAINTENANCE ....................................................................... 7
Clean the Air Filters............................................................ 7
Check Reactivation Outlet Temperature ........................... 7
Check the Rotor Air Seals.................................................. 7
Check the Rotor.................................................................. 7
Maintenance Quick Reference Summary.......................... 8
TROUBLESHOOTING............................................................. 8
No Indicator Lights.............................................................. 8
"Blower On" Light Is Off...................................................... 8
"Heater On" Light Is Off...................................................... 8
Reactivation Outlet Temperature Too Low........................ 8
Poor Dehumidifying Performance...................................... 9
Rotor Is Stopped................................................................. 9
Checking the Heater Elements .......................................... 9
SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................. 10
TROUBLESHOOTING SUMMARY....................................... 11
Congratulations on your selection of a new DriTec™
325 Desiccant Dehumidifier or a DriTec 150 Desiccant Dehumidifier from Dri-Eaz Products, Inc. It is our goal to offer
you the best high performance dehumidifier available. We
invite your comments and suggestions for modifications and
improvements. Reading this Owner's Manual will help you
achieve maximum benefits from your dehumidifier.
Read Manual and Safety Information. Make sure that
all technicians and operators who use the DriTec read and
understand the owner's manual prior to operation. Pay particular attention to the safety information in order to reduce
the risk of electrical shock, fire, or personal injury.
Inspect on Arrival. When your DriTec arrives, check
immediately for signs of shipping damage. If you do notice
any damage, report it to your supplier and the shipping company immediately. It is important to save the shipping carton
for claim purposes. If your DriTec ever needs repairs at a
remote location, the unit should be packed and shipped in its
original carton.
INTRODUCTION
The DriTec Desiccant Dehumidifier is designed to reduce humidity by removing moisture from the air. Proper
dehumidification helps to speed the drying of wet carpet,
cushion, floors, walls, contents and structural materials. It
also prevents mold and mildew growth caused by moist or
humid conditions.
The DriTec Desiccant can create extremely low humidity
conditions, and can operate efficiently in very low temperatures. These two benefits of the desiccant dehumidifier are
not possible with refrigerant dehumidifiers.
Your DriTec Desiccant Dehumidifier is durable and simple to operate, needing very little maintenance. The DriTec
can give you years of trouble free service if you follow the
recommendations in this manual.
We strongly advise that you read and study the manual.
You will learn how your desiccant dehumidifier works and
how to get the best service from your DriTec Desiccant.
If you do not understand something in this manual or if
you have a question about your dehumidifier, call the Service Department at Dri-Eaz Products, (360) 757-7776.
WARRANTY
Please stop before proceeding to complete the warranty
card enclosed with the unit. Return the card promptly to DriEaz Products.
1-Year Comprehensive Warranty: Dri-Eaz Products,
Inc. promises to the original purchaser to repair or replace
any part of a DriTec Desiccant Dehumidifier that proves to
be defective in workmanship or materials for a period one
year from the date of purchase. During the first year, DriEaz Products Inc. will cover all material, labor and shipping
costs to and from the service center.
5-Year Rotor Warranty: Dri-Eaz promises to the original purchaser to repair or replace, at its option, parts necessary to correct any desiccant rotor found to be defective in
materials or workmanship for a period of 5 years from date
of purchase. The customer is responsible for all labor and
shipping charges after one year.
7-Year Housing and Frame Warranty: Dri-Eaz will
repair or replace, at its option, parts necessary to correct the
housing and frame from metal cracks, weld separations, or
defects in materials and workmanship for a period of 7 years
from purchase date. The customer is responsible for all labor and shipping charges after one year.
Limitations: This warranty shall not extend to any products showing effects of misuse, disassembly, alteration, lack
of proper maintenance, corrosive chemicals, improper voltage, accident damage, unauthorized repairs, use of other than
genuine parts and materials, fire, flood, normal wear or any
other causes beyond Dri-Eaz Products' control. The warranty
obligation extends only to the repairs or replacement of parts
found, upon Dri-Eaz Products' examination, to be defective.
Page 3
The foregoing constitutes the entire warranty and no
other warranty, liability, contingency or responsibility, direct, indirect, consequential or in any way connected with
the sale or operation of equipment products is expressed or
implied. This warranty gives you specific legal rights. You
may have additional rights under law, which vary from state
to state.
To receive warranty service: You must write in or call
for a Return Authorization. No parts will be accepted without the serial number of the equipment the part was taken
out of and an authorization number, nor will any credit be
given until the parts are received. Please direct questions on
the warranty to an authorized distributor or Dri-Eaz Products
Inc. at (360) 757-7776. If damage was sustained during
shipping, be sure to retain the shipping materials for a possible freight damage claim.
SAFETY INFORMATION
Dri-Eaz is concerned about the safety of anyone who
uses or performs maintenance on the DriTec Desiccant unit.
It is dangerous for an untrained individual to attempt to use
or perform maintenance on the unit. Throughout this manual
we point out some of the precautions which should be taken
in use or maintenance of the. We use three different kinds
of messages to warn you of possible problems or precautionary measures:
Danger – Immediate hazard which will result in severe
personal injury or death.
Warning – Hazard or unsafe practice which may result in
severe personal injury or death.
Caution – Hazard or unsafe practice which could result in
personal injury or property damage.
Please keep these points in mind as you use or service
the unit.
• Never use the DriTec 325 or the DriTec 150 without a
proper extension cord. Do not use the 325 with any extension cord other than the one available from Dri-Eaz Products. Use of any other extension cord may cause an electrical
short or fire hazard.
• Never alter the grounding plug or remove it from the
electrical cord. Do not use an adapter that defeats the dehumidifier’s electrical grounding. This could cause an electrical shock or fire hazard. Do not use the unit for any reason if
it cannot be properly grounded.
• Never operate the unit in standing water, because of the
risk of serious electrical shock hazard. The unit may be operated on damp surfaces but not in standing or pooled water.
• Never allow any materials, such as draperies, to obstruct
the air inlet or outlets. This could cause the unit to overheat
and result in a fire or electrical hazard.
• Never allow children to play on or around the unit. Be
sure the unit is inaccessible to children when left unattended.
Children could seriously injure themselves or others by
playing with or around the unit.
• Never operate or store the unit outdoors, or otherwise
expose the unit to water. The housing is not waterproof, and
water allowed inside the unit could cause an electrical shock
hazard or damage to the unit. If electrical components become wet, allow the unit to dry thoroughly before operating.
• Never insert any implement or device into the unit when
it is operating, which could cause an electrical shock or
damage to the unit.
• Never operate the unit with a damaged electrical cord or
plug, which could cause a severe electrical shock or fire hazard. Visually inspect the electrical cord and plug for damage
before each use.
• Never direct fogged chemicals or chemicals of any type
into the unit, which could cause a fire hazard or damage to
the unit.
• Never operate the unit in temperatures above 105°F
(41°C), which could cause damage to the desiccant rotor or
electrical components.
• Never allow condensate water which may collect in the
reactivation ducting during operation to run back into the
unit. This could cause a shock hazard or damage to the unit.
Keep at least part of the ducting lower than the reactivation
outlet at all times.
• Never operate the unit without the air filter, which could
cause damage to the desiccant rotor from contaminants.
• Never open the unit cover with the power connected,
which could cause an extreme electrical shock hazard. The
power source provides enough voltage and current to cause
death or severe burns. Always turn off the power before you
work inside the unit. Do not work with the electrical parts
unless you are a trained electrician.
• Never wash the rotor with any solvent. This could per-
manently damage the rotor.
• Always ensure that correct voltage is used. Failure to do
so could cause an electrical shock or fire hazard.
• Always secure the unit to prevent sliding when trans-
porting in a vehicle, which could cause injury to vehicle
occupants, or damage to the vehicle or unit.
PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION
DriTec Desiccant Dehumidifiers are designed to reduce
humidity by removing moisture from the air. This helps to
dry wet carpets, cushions, floors, walls, contents and structural materials. It also prevents mold and mildew growth
caused by moist or humid conditions.
Figure 1 shows how DriTec Desiccants remove moisture
from the air. The heart of the system is the rotor, which has a
series of air passages or channels. Air can be forced through
these channels in either direction.
The passages inside the rotor are coated with a special
silica gel substance which is a "desiccant," a material with a
unique affinity for water. When damp air passes through
rotor, the desiccant material "adsorbs" or captures the water
vapor, thus drying the air. The DriTec's desiccant material
employs rare metal technology to increase the attraction of
water to the silica gel.
Process Air
Page 4
When in use, the DriTec Dehumidifier draws in air from
a room through the air inlet. This air passes through the honeycomb channels of the rotor. As this happens, the desiccant
material captures most of the moisture present in the air.
Once this "process air" has been dried out, it is vented back
into the room.
As the rotor captures water vapor from the air, it becomes saturated with water. The saturated rotor eventually
loses its ability to capture additional moisture. The process
of removing this water from the rotor is called
"reactivation."
DriTec 325 shown (dual air outlets)
Reactivation Air
During operation, a portion of the rotor is constantly being dried or "reactivated." In the DriTec, heated air is directed to the reactivation sector and is forced through the
channels in that portion of the rotor. The heated air releases
the moisture captured in the desiccant material. The moisture
is discharged into the heated "reactivation air stream" and is
then vented from the unit to the outdoors. As the DriTec
operates, the rotor slowly turns so that only a portion of the
whole rotor is exposed to the heated reactivation air at any
one time.
At this point, the moisture has been removed from the
room, stored on the rotor, and then released from the rotor
into the outside air. The desiccant dehumidification process
cycle is complete.
Here is a quick review of the operation:
1. Moist process air is drawn into inlet and through the de-
humidifier.
2. Moisture in the process air is captured on the desiccant
rotor and the dry process air is vented through process
outlets back into the room.
3. Reactivation air is heated within the dehumidifier.
4. The wet area of the rotor turns into the reactivation sec-
tor.
5. The moisture in the desiccant rotor is released into the
heated reactivation air.
6. The reactivation air, laden with moisture, is vented
through the reactivation outlet to the outdoors.
7. The reactivated rotor rotates into position to capture
more moisture.
OPERATING CONDITIONS
The DriTec Desiccant Dehumidifier effectively removes
moisture at virtually any job temperature without the freezeup problems associated with refrigerant dehumidifiers. Lowtemperature operation is one advantage of using desiccant
technology.
The DriTec dramatically reduces ambient humidity to
very low levels not obtainable with refrigerant dehumidifiers. This allows faster and more thorough drying of dense
materials like hardwood flooring and structural woods.
The DriTec also uses improved technology that removes
humidity When a desiccant dehumidifier is first put into
operation in a saturated environment, it will constantly reduce humidity. Its rate of water removal is determined by the
volume of the area, the environmental conditions, and the
capabilities of the machine.
Saturated Environments
On many restorative drying jobs, the initial humidity is
very high as porous materials like carpet and cushion give
up moisture to the air. However, as the job progresses and
humidity levels fall, moisture may need to be evaporated
from less porous materials including drywall and wood.
Refrigerants are most effective when both humidity and
temperature are high. They are much less effective in ambient conditions under 50% relative humidity or 50°F (10°C).
Desiccant dehumidifiers are generally effective in all ranges
of temperature and humidity.
In saturated environments it is often helpful to use the
DriTec Desiccant together with refrigerant units to speed the
drying process. In these conditions the DriTec removes water as well as a comparable refrigerant unit. Also, it is actually more cost effective. (For example, a 25-gallon/day
refrigerant dehumidifier that costs $2,195 removes water at
$87.80 per gallon. The 48-gallon/day DriTec 325 that costs
$3,699 is removing water at $77.06 – a cost savings of over
$10/gallon.)
Lower Levels of Humidity
When the relative humidity falls to 40%, a refrigerant
dehumidifier will remove little additional water. At this
point many materials in the room such as carpets and wall
surfaces may feel dry, but moisture may remain in structural
materials. Ceilings, walls, and structural flooring materials
typically take longer to dry. The DriTec Desiccant is superior for drying these materials. It has the capability to lower
humidity over time to below 1% Rh. The low humidity environment created by the DriTec speeds the drying of structural materials which dry very slowly in conditions of
normal, comfortable humidity.
The DriTec Desiccant also can be more cost-effective
than refrigerant dehumidifiers in low-temperature conditions. The DriTec continues to remove moisture at tempera-
Page 5
tures down to freezing, so it may be effective even in unheated buildings.
Monitoring Specific Humidity Changes
For fast and complete drying, the specific humidity in the
area being dried should be monitored. Specific humidity
measurements can be obtained using a thermo-hygrometer
(such as the DHT 600) to obtain relative humidity and te
perature of the ambient air, plus a Psychrometric Calculator
or Chart.
Specific humidity readings (measured in grains per
pound) give a true indication of the amount of moisture in
the air. Relative humidity readings alone is not useful information unless the temperature is always the same, wherever
and whenever a measurement is taken. This is seldom or
never the case in water damage restoration.
Moisture Content of Materials
The moisture content of structural materials should also
be monitored with a moisture meter such as the MoisturePro.
A moisture meter indicates the extent that these materials are
wet. It will assist you, and your customer, in determining
when the job is completely finished. A variety of moisture
meters are available from Dri-Eaz Products.
m-
MAIN COMPONENTS
Figure 1 shows most of the important parts of the DriTec
Desiccant Dehumidifier: the rotor, process air stream, and
reactivation air stream. The DriTec Desiccant has seals separating the two streams of air – the damp process air, and the
heated reactivation air. Notice that the two air streams move
through the DriTec Desiccant in opposite directions.
Air Filter
If the air in the room is dirty, the dirt can collect in and
plug the passages of the rotor. A cleanable foam air filter is
placed on the intake side of the rotor to catch dirt in the air
stream.
Process Air Outlets
Process air is vented from the DriTec through one or two
outlets, one of which is adjustable with a slide lever.
Reactivation Air Stream
The reactivation air stream uses approximately one-third
of the total air stream, which flows through electrical heating
elements and then through the rotor, where the heat reactivates the desiccant. The air stream then passes through the
reactivation outlet and is vented through ducting to the outdoors.
Rotor Drive
The rotor is turned by a small drive motor and belt. A
spring-type tensioner automatically adjusts the belt tension.
DriTec 150 Controls
The DriTec 150 is controlled by an on-off rocker switch
on the front panel. The switch is lighted red with the unit is
on and operating.
DriTec 325 Controls
The controls for the DriTec 325 are located on the front
panel. The main power switch has three positions:
• On – DriTec Desiccant operates continuously.
• Off – Control system turned off. When the switch is turned
to Off after the unit has been running, the blower and drive
motor continue to run for 5 minutes to cool down the unit.
Then the unit automatically shuts off the blower and drive
motor.
• Option – Provided only for use with a remote dehumidi-
stat which is not included with this unit.
Indicator Lights (DriTec 325 only)
The DriTec 325 has four indicator lights located on the front
panel:
• Power Light – On when power to the unit is connected.
• Unit On Light – On when main switch is turned to On or
Option, and the unit is operating.
• Blower On Light – On when main switch is turned to On;
shows that the blower is operating. Stays on during cooldown period after switch is turned off (about 5 minutes)
while blower and drive motor continue to operate until
automatic shut-off. Turns Off if the blower circuit is overloaded and open.
• Heater On Light – On when main switch is turned to On;
shows that the heater is operating. Like the blower light,
stays on during the 5-minute cool-down period. Turns Off
if the heater circuit is overloaded and open.
Heating System
The heating system uses unique PTC-heating elements
which eliminate the need for conventional components for
temperature control and thermal safety. (PTC means positive
temperature coefficient; the element is a ceramic semiconductor.) These elements have a self regulating feature
which controls the output of the elements based on the required temperature. For instance, if the reactivation airflow
is reduced, the heater elements will react rapidly to the
higher temperature with an increasing electric resistance,
and automatically reduce the heat output. An overheating
protection thermostat is therefore not needed.
INSTALLATION & STARTUP
Inspection
When the unit arrives, check immediately for signs of
shipping damage. If you do notice any damage, report it to
the shipping company immediately. Notify Dri-Eaz Products, Inc. about the damage as soon as possible. If the unit is
damaged, do not discard the original packaging.
Positioning the Dehumidifier
The dehumidifier should be operated in a "closed system" to achieve maximum efficiency. That is, all doors,
windows and other openings to the outside should be closed
tightly, with the exception of an opening for the reactivation
outlet (wet air) duct.
Locating the Dehumidifier
There are two options for locating the dehumidifier.
Typically, it will be placed directly in the humid environment. This allows the process air to be drawn from that area,
dried, and then returned to the same room.
Page 6
In other cases, place the dehumidifier in a separate area
and duct the dry air to the damp area, for example, when
attempting to dry an attic or a crawl space under a building.
Operate the dehumidifier inside the building and duct the dry
air directly into the attic or crawl space.
When drying an area with no inside access, it is sometimes possible to vent dry air through a heat or ventilation
register opening. To do this, direct the process air duct into a
register and temporarily disconnect any ducting so the dry
air is released into the area to be dried.
The DriTec has two process output vents. This allows
ducting into two areas at one time, or leaving one vent open
to the room while ducting the other to a second area.
Air Intake Clearance
Allow at least 7" clearance between the air intake (on the
back of the unit) and any wall. Never allow any materials,
such as draperies, to obstruct the air inlet or outlets. This
could cause the unit to overheat and result in a fire or electrical hazard.
Air Circulation
A desiccant dehumidifier operating in an area such as a
basement will have little effect in drying an adjacent enclosed area, such as a closet, unless there is adequate circulation of air in and out of the adjacent area. Open interior
doors and operate Dri-Eaz TurboDryers to maintain good air
movement. Doors may need to be braced to prevent them
from closing as a result of air movement. In the case of individual rooms being dried, all doors and windows should be
kept closed.
There are times when you will want to use special techniques to reduce the volume of airspace to be dried. These
techniques will be advantageous when drying dense materials such as hardwood flooring. They are especially helpful
when these materials are located in a high air volume structure such as a gymnasium. The basis of this technique is to
reduce the amount of air space around the wet materials so
the volume of air to be dried is reduced.
One method is to make a plastic tent over the wet materials, then direct the dry process air under the plastic tent. Use
4-6 mil plastic taped over the area. Leave two openings: one
for the process airflow and another opening on the opposite
side for damp air to escape. The amount of airspace between
the surface of the wet materials and the plastic will vary depending on the size of the area. The wet materials are dried
while minimizing dehumidification and energy use.
Duct Connections
This unit is designed to be operated with ducting. Ducting is used both to carry the wet reactivation air away out of
the structure and to vent the dry process air to particularly
wet areas. There are several different ways to use the machine and ducting.
Caution!
Because air conditions inside ducting can reach temperatures
of 150°F (66°C), use only appropriately rated ducting.
Process Outlet Ducting
When drying an area such as a room it is not necessary to
use ducting on the process out (dry air). In this case, the dehumidifier will vent dry air directly from the machine into
the room. In some instances, however, you may want to direct the airflow towards a specific area. This can be done
using the process out ducting, available from hardware
stores or from Dri-Eaz Products. The duct outlet can be located near a slow drying piece of furniture or section of wall
or flooring to achieve faster drying of that area.
The double process output vents allow for two ducts running from the machine, or one duct opening into the room
while the other is ducted to another area. Use 5-inch ducting
rated for temperatures of 150°F (66°C) or above.
A slide lever can be used to close the right-hand outlet
partially or completely. Use this to balance airflow when
ducting from just one outlet. Normally, duct from the lefthand outlet (no slide lever), and adjust the other that is
venting into the room.
Reactivation Outlet Ducting
The wet reactivation air should always be vented via
ducting to the outside. There are several methods of locating
the react duct outlet to vent outdoors. The simplest method is
to attach it to a clothes dryer vent.
If a dryer vent is not available, you can fashion your own
window connection panel that permits the duct to vent
through an open window. A handy window connection kit
called the TecVent will be available from Dri-Eaz in the fall
of 1999.
Caution!
Never allow condensate water which may collect in the
reactivation duct during operation to run back into the unit.
This could cause a shock hazard or damage to the unit. Keep
at least part of the ducting lower than the reactivation outlet
at all times.
Condensation may occur inside reactivation ducting under cold ambient conditions. Avoid any bends or sags where
water can collect in the ducting. Keep part of the ducting
lower that the reactivation outlet on the back of the unit, to
prevent condensed water from running back into the unit.
If enough condensed water collects and blocks the air
flow, the unit can shut itself down.
Ducting Length
The amount of air flow through the react and process
ducting is dependent upon its diameter, length, interior wall
surface conditions and configurations. For this reason, the
length of ducting which can be used with the desiccant is
determined by the type of ducting, and the number of bends
or curves in the ducting.
The less restricted the airflow, the better the performance of the unit. It is not recommended that you use over 30
ft. of straight run process air ducting and not over 60 ft. of
straight run react air ducting. When using over 20 ft. of react
air ducting, condensation which can collect in bends or when
the ducting is in contact with cool surfaces, can become a
problem. The opportunity for condensate to collect in the
Page 7
react ducting is greater as the length of the ducting is increased.
Warning!
Never operate or store the unit outdoors, or otherwise expose the unit to water. The housing is not waterproof, and
water allowed inside the unit could cause an electrical shock
hazard or damage to the unit. If electrical components become wet, allow the unit to dry thoroughly before operating.
Connecting the Ductwork
There are some simple rules for arranging the ductwork
for the DriTec Desiccant Dehumidifier:
1. The process air outlet may be vented to the area to
which is being dried.
2. The reactivation air outlet can be very damp, so it
should be vented to a space where this moisture is not a
problem. Even though this air is heated, it is too damp
for most space heating purposes. Normally, the
reactivation air should be vented directly outdoors.
3. Protect outlets. Wherever an outlet duct opens to the
outdoors, protect it from the elements. Install weather
hoods to prevent water from running into the dehumidifier and screens to prevent birds or rodents from entering
the unit.
4. Duct connection clearances. Allow the following clear-
ances for the intake and outlets:
• Air Intake – Allow at least 7" clearance from nearby
walls for process intake.
• Process Outlets – The DriTec 325 connects to 5” or
larger round ductwork. The DriTec 150 connects to 4” or
larger round ductwork.
• Reactivation Outlet – Both the DriTec 325 and DriTec
150 connect to 4" round ductwork. Always vent to outside area.
Connecting the Power
1. Electrical Connections, DriTec 325. The power cord
on the DriTec 325 should be plugged into a 230V
50/60Hz 30A outlet. The "Unit On" light will indicate
when there is power to the unit. The voltage to the unit
should not vary by more than ±10%.
2. Electrical Connections, DriTec 150. The power cord
on the DriTec 325 should be plugged into a 115V 60Hz
15A outlet.
3. Start the unit. Turn the switch to "On" to start the unit.
Look through the process outlet grills to check the rotor
rotation. The rotor should start turning clockwise as you
view it through the process outlet grills. If the unit does
not start, refer to the Troubleshooting section.
MAINTENANCE
The DriTec Desiccant requires very little regular maintenance. Check the following points every 30 days when using
the unit on a regular basis or as needed.
Remove the filter from the filter shroud by inserting a
finger or screwdriver into the access hole at the bottom of
the filter shroud and pushing up. To clean the filter use a
light vacuum, or wash with water and mild detergent. Spray
directly against the foam in the direction of the air flow. Begin at the top of the filter and work down. Allow the filter to
drain before reinstalling it in the filter shroud.
Check Reactivation Outlet Temperature
After the unit has been operating for 30 minutes, the
temperature at the outlet of the reactivation air stream should
be about 30°F (17°C) higher than the temperature of the
room air. Check this outlet temperature with a thermometer.
If the outlet temperature varies significantly from the above,
see the section on Troubleshooting.
Warning!
Always ensure that correct voltage is used. Failure to do so
could cause an electrical shock or fire hazard.
Check the Rotor Air Seals
1. Turn off all power to the unit (see ELECTRICAL
DANGER note.) Unscrew the four fasteners holding on the
front panel and remove to expose the front side of the desiccant rotor.
2. (DriTec 325 only.) Remove the two control panel
screws and let the panel hang loosely. It is not necessary to
disconnect any wires.
3. Place a 5" high block of wood under the front edge of
unit for support. Remove the cover screws and lift the cover
straight up, being careful not to damage any foam edge seal.
4. Air flow through the rotor is controlled by a system of
air seals. Inspect the air seals for any signs of abrasion or
cuts. Be sure the outer surface of the seals are smooth. If the
seals must be replaced, please contact the Dri-Eaz Service
Department.
Check the Rotor
1. With the cover removed, pull back the tensioner to
loosen the drive belt. Check the drive belt for signs of wear.
The belt should be flexible. Replace the belt if it is stiff or
cracked.
2. Remove the belt from the drive sprocket on the motor.
Turn the rotor by hand and make sure it turns smoothly,
though with some drag. If the rotor does not turn smoothly,
the seals may be worn.
3. Check the rotor for passages clogged by dirt or dust.
To inspect the passages, hold a 60 watt bulb behind the rotor. If the passages are clear, the light from the lamp should
shine through the rotor. If any part of the rotor is plugged
you will see a dark area. Inspect and clean the rotor once per
year when operating under normal conditions, and more if
the unit is operating in a dusty environment. Despite the inline filter the rotor can pick up dirt and dust, resulting in
reduced water extraction.
4. Clean the rotor if it seems dirty or clogged. Use a vacuum with a soft-bristled dusting brush attachment. Vacuum
both surfaces of the rotor.
Clean the Air Filter
Page 8
5. If you cannot clear the rotor using the vacuum, you
may use compressed air to help the process. Do this carefully so that you do not damage the rotor. The compressed
air should be dry and free of oil. Do not use a pressure
higher than 30 PSIG. Use compressed air on one side of the
rotor and the vacuum on the other side. Do not hold the
compressed air closer than 12 inches from the face of the
rotor. Do not wash the rotor with any solvent. Improper
cleaning can permanently damage the rotor.
6. If the rotor is still is still plugged, please call the DriEaz Service Department.
Maintenance Quick Reference Summary
Air Filter
• Inspect and clean as necessary
Reactivation Outlet Temperature
• Should be approximately 30°F (17°C) higher than the
ambient air temperature in the room.
Seals
• Check for excessive wear
Rotor
• Check for rotational binding
• Check that rotor is not plugged with dirt
open circuit or for any mechanical problem that might
keep it from turning freely.
5. Restarting the unit. Do not attempt to restart the unit
until it is determined what caused the fault condition
and corrective action is taken.
"HEATER ON" Light Is Off (DriTec 325 only)
1. Check the fuses. If the heater light is off with the power
switch in the "On" position, a fuse may have blown. Do
not replace the fuse until you have checked to determine
what caused the fault. Always use the same type and
TROUBLESHOOTING
Any troubleshooting procedure requiring that the unit be
plugged in to a power source while the cover is removed
should be done only by a qualified service technician.
Danger!
Do not work with the electrical parts unless you are a qualified service technician.
No Indicator Lights (DriTec 325 only)
Check the AC power distribution. Check the power
cord into the unit and check the two "Main" 30A fuses in the
DriTec Desiccant unit.
"BLOWER ON" Light Is Off (DriTec 325 only)
1. Check the fuses. If the blower light is off with the
power switch in the "On" position, a fuse may have
blown. Do not replace the fuse until you have checked
to determine what caused the fault. Always use the same
type and rating fuses.
2. Check the heating elements for electrical short (see
below).
3. Check the line voltage. A fuse may have blown if the
AC line voltage varies considerably from the specified
230 volt AC. The line voltage should be 230 volts ±
10%.
4. Check the blower. Turn off and unplug the DriTec
Desiccant. Check to make sure that the blower wheel
can turn freely. Check the motor for short circuit or
Fuse Diagram for DriTec 325 only.
The DriTec 150 does not include a fuse.
Warning
Replacement fuses should have the same amperage,
maximum voltage, and interrupt capacity ratings.
rating fuses.
2. Check the reactivation air stream. The most common
cause for overheating is a blockage in the reactivation
air stream.
3. Check the line voltage. The heating elements may also
overheat if the AC line voltage rises much above the
specified 230 volt AC. The line voltage should be 230
volts ± 10%.
4. Check blower. A jammed or slow turning blower wheel
can lead to overheating. Turn off and unplug the DriTec
Desiccant. Check to make sure that the blower wheel
can turn freely. Check the motor for short circuit or
open circuit or for any mechanical problem that might
keep it from turning freely.
5. Restarting the unit. Do not attempt to restart the unit
until it is determined what caused the fault condition
and corrective action is taken.
Reactivation Outlet Temperature Too Low
1. Check the reactivation outlet air. The air at the outlet
for the reactivation air should be about 30°F (17°C)
higher than the temperature of the room air. This meas-
Page 9
urement gives you a way of making a quick check of the
overall operation of the DriTec Desiccant.
2. Increased moisture load. If the unit is overloaded and
is trying to move too much moisture, the temperature at
the outlet will drop below the desired reading of about
30°F (17°C) higher than the temperature of the room
air. (Think of the excess moisture as cooling off the
stream of heated air). Is there some reason why the air
in the system has suddenly become much more humid?
The change could be overloading the DriTec Desiccant.
3. Check the heating elements. One of the heating ele-
ments may have stopped working. See "Checking the
Heating Elements."
4. Check the blower. A low outlet temperature can also
be caused by a problem with the blower. Turn off and
unplug the DriTec Desiccant and check to make sure
that the blower wheel can turn freely.
Poor Dehumidifying Performance
1. Check the air filter. If the filter is dirty, clean it as de-
scribed in the section titled "Cleaning the Air Filter."
2. Check inlet and outlets make sure that obstructions are
not blocking air flows.
Caution!
Excessive moisture buildup in the reactivation ducting could
cause blockage of the airflow.
3. Has the moisture load increased? Has something
changed in the process space which could have increased the moisture load on the unit? Check all openings into the process space to be sure all doors and
windows are closed. Make sure that doors to the outside
are opened as infrequently as possible. Check for leaks
in the ductwork.
4. Check temperature of reactivation air. It should be
about 30°F (17°C) higher than the temperature of the
room air. If it is not, see the section titled "Reactivation
Outlet Temperature is Too Low."
5. Check heating elements. One or more of the heating
elements may not be working. See the section on
"Checking the Heating Elements."
6. Rotor has stopped. The rotor may be stopped. See the
next section.
Rotor Is Stopped
1. Problem with the drive. Remove the belt from the
drive rotor on the motor. Set the switch to the "On" position to turn on the unit. The drive motor should turn
slowly. For information on removing the motor, please
contact the Dri-Eaz Service Department at (360) 757-
7776.
Danger!
Any troubleshooting procedure requiring that the unit be
plugged in to a power source while the cover is removed
should be done only by a qualified service technician
2. Check the seals. After long use, the seals may wear and
the rotor will not turn easily. Check the condition of the
seals. The surface of the seals should be smooth. If the
seals must be replaced, please contact the factory for instructions.
Checking the Heater Elements
1. The PTC heating elements are located behind the front
panel just below the process outlet.
2. Turn off all power to the unit (see ELECTRICAL
DANGER note.) Unscrew the four fasteners holding on
the front panel and remove to expose the heater box.
3. Disconnect the wire leads from the heater elements.
Check the resistance across each of the heating elements
using an Ohmmeter. If an open or shorted condition is
found, the element needs to be replaced. If you are not
certain if the element needs replacing, please contact the
Dri-Eaz Service Department for assistance in determining if the element needs replacing.
Page 10
SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION DRITEC 325 DRITEC 150
Utilities 230V / 1 Ph / 50-60 Hz 115V / 1 Ph / 60 HZ
Air Intake Volume 325 CFM 140 CFM
Process Air Volume 250 CFM 110 CFM
Reactivation Air Volume 75 CFM 30 CFM
Air Filter Cleanable Foam Cleanable Foam
Max. Reactivation Heater 4.5 kW @ 230 VAC 3.0 kW @ 115 VAC
Max. FLA 24 Amps 12 Amps
Max. Operating Temp For Ducting 150°F (66°C) 150°F (66°C)
Use Weight 133 lb. 61 kg 78 lb. 35 kg
Length 24 in. 61 cm 22 in. 56 cm
Width 25.5 in. 65 cm 21 in. 53 cm
Height 36.5 in. 94 cm 35 in. 88 cm
Dri-Eaz Service Department (360) 757-7776
COPYRIGHT © 1999,2000 DRI-EAZ PRODUCTS, INC.
10
Page 11
TROUBLESHOOTING QUICK REFERENCE SUMMARY
WARNING: All service procedures below are to be executed with power off – i.e. unplugged!
PROBLEM SOLUTION
POWER ON – NO INDICATOR LIGHTS • Check that the unit is plugged in, and that the circuit is
supplying power to the unit.
• Check the two "Main" fuses (see Fuse Diagram).
DRITEC 325 ONLY:
"BLOWER ON" OR "HEATER ON"
LIGHT IS OFF
REACTIVATION OUTLET
TEMPERATURE TOO LOW –
SHOULD BE ABOUT 30°F (17°C)
ABOVE THE TEMPERATURE OF THE ROOM
POOR DEHUMIDIFYING
PERFORMANCE – UNIT IS RUNNING
• Check fuses. Do not replace until determining cause of
the fault. Always use the same type and rating fuses.
• Check for blocked reactivation air stream.
• Check for correct line voltage (± 10%).
• Check heating elements and blower motor.
• Check for source of increased moisture in the space
being processed, such as ducting leaks, open doors or
windows, etc.
• Check for failed heater elements.
• Check that the blower wheel is turning freely.
• Check for blocked air filter, blocked air inlet, or blocked
air outlet(s).
• Check for increased humidity loads. Check the process
space for open doors, leaks in the duc twork etc.
• Check for low temperature at the reactivation outlet.
• Check the heating elements.
• Check for rotation of rotor.
ROTOR HAS STOPPED
Dri-Eaz Service Department (360) 757-7776
COPYRIGHT © 1999,2000 DRI-EAZ PRODUCTS, INC.
• Check fuses. Do not replace until determining cause of
the fault. Always use the same type and rating fuses.
• Check drive belt and motor.
• Check for worn seals.
11
Loading...