This document and the information disclosed herein are proprietary data of WALTER MEIER LTD.
Neither this document nor the information contained herein shall be reproduced used, or disclosed to
others without the written authorization of WALTER MEIER LTD., except to the extent required for
installation or maintenance of recipient’s equipment. All re ferences to the NORTEC name should be
taken as referring to WALTER MEIER LT D.
LIABILITY NOTICE
NORTEC does not accept any liability for installations of humidity equipment installed by unqualified
personnel or the use of parts/components/equipment that are not authorized or approved by
NORTEC.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
Copyright 2008, WALTER MEIER LTD. All rights reserved.
RECORD OF REVISIONS
For each revision, put the revised pages in your manual and disca rd the superseded pages. W rite the
revision number and revision date, date put in manual, and the incorporator’s initials in the applicable
columns on the Record of Revisions.
Prior to installing any AIRFOG product carefully READ through this entire guide, it contains
valuable information, which will assist in all aspects of the installation.
A. AIRFOG DEFINITION
(1) NORTEC AIRFOG systems use the nozzle humidification technology of injecting
droplets of cold water directly into the air. This method of humidification has the
following advantages over steam humidification:
(a) Lower frequency of maintenance.
(b) Systems are mainly mechanical (water pipes and air pressure) with only a 24
VAV power requirement in the control panel.
(c) A “no cost” air cooling benefit due to latent heat of vaporization extracting
heat from the air.
(d) Maintenance is primarily focused on keeping the air compressor operational.
(e) Change of components is fast and requires minimal system disassembly.
B. NORTEC AIRFOG FAMILY OF PRODUCTS
(1) The AirFog family is Nortec most advanced adiabatic humidifiers. There are
groups of products that fall in this family: applied products and packaged products.
(2) The applied products group describes systems that are tailored specifically for
each application. Two products fall under this category:
(a) HP HVAC uses high-pressure water to create a very fine mist for spray into
ducts and air-handlers.
(b) AFE Nozzle systems use compressed subsonic air flows and water to create
a fine mist that is sprayed directly into a space.
(3) The packaged products group describes systems that are ready to operate out of
the box, and need only be connected to power, air, and water. These products
include:
(a) AFE Mini: Systems are wall mounted and have 1 or 2 AFE nozzles.
(b) AFE Octo: Systems are ceiling mounted and available in many configurations
including modulating versions, and have between 3 and 8 AFE nozzles.
(4)This manual describes the installation, operation, and maintenance of all AFE, Mini
and Octo systems.
C. AFE PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
(1) The AFE nozzle uses air flow and the Bernoulli principle to siphon water out of
zero psig water distribution pipes. Increases in air velocity (by increasing air
pressure) will increase the vacuum pressure and increase the rate that water is
siphoned into the nozzle. As the water exits the nozzle it is broken down into a
fine mist by a shearing action. Increases in air supply pressure also means that
the exiting mixed flow is at a higher velocity.
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(2) Since AFE nozzle systems use a zero psig water pressure feed network, the
water feed system and nozzles must be horizontal and at the same height as
the water pressure reduction regulator (vacuum valve). Valleys or dips in
altitude will adversely affect performance and in extreme cases will prevent the
nozzles from producing any output. If obstructions prevent straight level piping,
the water and air network delivery pipes must be routed under the obstruction.
It is vital that the water pipes, downstream of the vacuum valve, never be
elevated higher than the nozzles.
2. GENERAL AIRFOG TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS
A. ADIABATIC COOLING PHENOMENA
(1) There are no heating elements in any of NORTEC’s AIRFOG humidifiers. Water is
injected directly into the air at the temperature it is supplied. As the droplets
evaporate they extract the required latent heat of vaporization from the surrounding
air, causing the temperature of the air to decrease. This could be a significant
energy saving technique if mechanical cooling is required. Since humidification is
most often required when the exterior atmospheric temperature is below room
temperature, there is a necessity to warm the air either prior to addition of the
water droplets or after absorption of the droplets into the air. It is recommended to
add the moisture after the air is heated as this dramatically reduces the time and
distance taken for the water droplets to evaporate.
B. HUMIDIFICATION ZONES (IN SPACE APPLICATIONS)
(1) The movement of humidity through a space is very rapid. In applications where
accurate humidity control is essential, it is important that the structure be reasonably
air-tight to prevent humidity from escaping to the outside. If a large amount of
infiltration or exfiltration is encountered it may be necessary to oversize the system to
compensate for this.
(2) AFE systems are frequently used in large factory applications for dust and static
suppression. Often these structures have large doors open for loading and
unloading of goods. Keeping doors closed, except when needed for movement of
goods, can improve the performance of the humidification system by containing
humidity levels within the space.
C. ABSORPTION DISTANCE
(1) Water mist sprayed by the AFE nozzle requires a certain distance to be absorbed by
the air. Absorption distance is affected by many factors including temperature,
existing humidity levels and air pressure. However, in general increasing the air
pressure (and hence the water flow) to the nozzle will increase the absorption
distance since more water is being sprayed. It is important to follow the clearances
in this guide to prevent the accidental wetting of structures or machinery.
D. COMPRESSED AIR
(1) NORTEC AIRFOG systems use compressed air as the control fluid. Compressed air
is provided by a compressor (supplied by others) or series of compressors. The
modular approach to the NORTEC AIRFOG systems permits the designer to
consider the cost implications of using multiple smaller horsepower compressors
rather than one very large compressor. By using a multiple compressor design
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solution, system reliability is increased, maintenance is possible without shutting
down all zones, and capital cost is often reduced.
(2) It is recommended that air free of oil and moisture (control quality air) be used with
AIRFOG systems. All air compressors will produce moisture, which must be
removed using a refrigerated air dryer. Excessive amounts of water in the air lines
will reduce nozzle performance, and in extreme cases will prevent the nozzle from
producing any mist. Oil must also be removed from the compressed air through the
use of oil removal filters.
(3) Air pressure loss can be managed by reduction in the air pipe length, elimination of
unnecessary elbows, valves and flow restrictions, increasing the diameter of the
primary delivery pipe to the zones and elimination of leaks.
E. OLDER NORTEC AIRFOG SYSTEM COMPONENTS
(1) This document is applicable to all NORTEC AIRFOG system components purchased
after February 2004. If the designer has existing system components purchased
prior to February 2004, the Nortec Technical Service Department should be
consulted to determine compatibility with the newer equipment, parts and external
interfaces.
F. INSTALLAT I ON TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT
(1) The designer should have already provided drawings of the proposed AIRFOG
humidification system physical layout. These drawings and parts list should clearly
identify the system components by name and part number, physical spacing, zone
identification and comments on nozzle location and pointing directions.
(2) During installation there will be a requirement to:
(a) Attach mounting brackets to walls, ceilings or other structures, which may be
higher than six feet off the floor.
(b) Cut and join copper, stainless steel or plastic pipe using standard plumbing
joining techniques.
(c) Connect low voltage wiring to the control panel.
(d) Connect plastic tubing.
(e) The installer should have all the tools and be certified to perform these
plumbing, mounting and electrical tasks.
G. PARTS
(1) A parts list should be included with the drawings developed by the designer. Not all
the necessary parts are provided by Nortec. The following parts are supplied by
others:
(a) Pipe, elbows, pipe hanger and mounting hardware for inside HVAC units, T-
joints, pipe size adapters, Teflon sealing tape and other plumbing supplies from
a local plumbing supplier. Pipe material is either copper, stainless steel or
plastic and should be specified on the designer produced drawings.
(b) Wire for the electrical connections is 18 gauge standard insulation, which can
carry 24 Volts AC at 1 amp. This wire can be purchased from most electrical
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suppliers.
(c) Nails, screws, bolts, threaded rods, anchors, rivets etc. to attach mounting
brackets to the structure. The fasteners used will depend on the material used
in the mounting surface.
(d) Insulation for the cold water pipe feeding the system is required to prevent
water vapor from condensing and dripping on other structures, machines,
personnel or materials.
(e) The NORTEC supplied parts should be checked against the designer’s
drawings and parts list to ensure the correct quantity of the correct part
numbers are available.
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INSTALLATION
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1. INSTALLATION
A. NOZZLE SYSTEM LAYOUT
(1) If a drawing for the proposed system was not supplied, then it is recommended that
one be created prior to installing the system. With reference to the AIRFOG
Engineering Manual, review the site where the nozzle system is to be installed.
The location of equipment, lights, pillars and other structures should be drawn on
the floor plans. The proper selection and location of the nozzles is very dependent
upon these obstructions. Figure 1 Typical Nozzle Layout, can be used as a guide
for identifying the various components used with a system.
(2) The supply and feed lines for the system should be kept in straight unobstructed
lines where possible. Air and water distribution network pipes are to be
installed level along walls, pillars or hung from the ceiling. Avoid placing the
lines over top of equipment and other areas, which will make it difficult to gain
access at a later date. If the lines have to be routed around an obstacle such
as a beam, always go under the obstacle, never over it.
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Figure 1. Typical Nozzle Layout for Wall Mounted System
Figure 2. Multi Zone Layout
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2. ZONES
A. INTRODUCTION
(1) It may be necessary to break down the space to be humidified into zones.
Limitation of the control devices and maximum run of feed piping may indicate the
need for multiple zones. Refer to the Engineering manual for detailed limitation of
components. Up to four zones can be controlled from one control panel, additional
zones can be added with the use of a pilot air regulator acting as a volume booster
for the pilot signal. See Figure 2 Multiple Zone Layout.
B. SUPPLY FEED LINES
(1) Main supply lines connecting to the system must be sized to handle system flow
volumes and pressures. Connections to each zone should have an isolation valve
installed by using a NORTEC supplied primary pressure control section as
illustrated in Figure 3 Water and Air Line Pressure Control. Primary air pressure
feed to each zone should not exceed 90 psig. Water feed pressure is not to
exceed 25 psig for AFE, Mini and Octo hardware. Supply water pressure is not to
exceed 65 psig for AFD systems.
(2) Both water and air lines must be installed as per the mechanical drawings using
standard plumbing joining techniques. The spans must not be greater than 5 feet
without a supporting bracket. For long runs of piping, expansion joints may be
needed and these joints must meet local building codes. When using Nortec
supplied saddle clamps, the maximum line size for supplying to nozzles is 11/16”
O.D. If saddle clamps by others are used, please size fittings to match the pipe.
C. CLEANING
(1) Manual valves must be installed at the ends of all lines to facilitate cleaning and
drainage of lines. Cleaning is done by temporarily connecting the pipes to a
compressed air source at one end of the pipe. The other end of the pipe must not
be connected to any equipment but be free to allow the egress of foreign matter.
Care must be taken to protect personnel, animals, machines or other sensitive
material from the potentially hazardous and contaminating matter, which will exit at
high speed from the opening.
Cleaning of the lines of all foreign material prior to connecting any system
component is critical, failure to maintain clean lines may void the warranty.
D. MOUNTING OF NOZZLES
(1) Each supplied NORTEC nozzle has a 3/8” NC 16 threaded port on the under side
of the nozzle which is used to fasten the nozzle to a mounting bracket, as
illustrated in Figure 4 Nozzle To Bracket Interface or Figure 5 AFE Nozzle Ceiling
Mounting. If other than NORTEC supplied mounting hardware is to be used,
ensure correct bolt and thread size is used. Nozzles can be mounted in any
elevation angle as water throughput capacity is not affected by this orientation.
However, AFE nozzle capacity is sensitive to vertical height differences to the
vacuum valve. The maximum nozzle installation height allowable above the water
supply line is 12” (30 cm).
NOTE
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Figure 3. Water and Air Line Pressure
Control
Figure 5. AFE Nozzle Ceiling Mounting
Figure 4. Nozzle to Bracket Interface
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E. CONNECTING NOZZLES
(1) All the supplied nozzles have two inlet ports with push in, quick release style
fittings as shown in Figure 6 Quick Release Fittings. These fittings are only
designed for use with 1/4” O.D. plastic tubing. If other than NORTEC supplied
tubing is to be used, it must be a high grade uniform tubing from a reputable
supplier.
(2) The NORTEC supplied fitting uses an o-ring to seal the O.D. of the tubing and
finger clamps to hold it in place. Failure to use proper size tubing may result in
poor sealing and cause system failure. The tubing MUST be cut square using a
knife or plastic tube cutter rather than pliers. To connect the tube to the nozzle
simply push the tubing into the nozzle fitting until it reaches the bottom. Gentle
pulling of the tube without movement is a good indication that a proper seal has
been made.
(3) Allow enough free tubing to permit the nozzle to swivel horizontally or vertically for
future pointing alignment.
F. SADDL E CLAMP INSTALLATION
(1) The type of clamp used by NORTEC, as shown in Figure 7 Saddle Clamp, requires
that the pipe be drilled first. Drill a 1/4” hole squarely into the air and water pipes
close to each nozzle within 24” (60 cm). Place the sealing gasket on the male part
of clamp, insert it into the drilled hole, then clamp it into place using the provided
screws. The saddle clamp has a 1/8” FNPT port; install either the supplied
compression fitting or another style fitting suitable for plastic tubing. Two saddle
clamps, one for air and one for water, are required for each nozzle.
Not to be used with DI water.
For DI water use stainless steel tee.
Figure 6. Quick Release Fitting
NOTE
Figure 7. Saddle Clamp
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