Condair humidification in a cold climate
The British Antarctic Survey has recently fitted two Condair MK5 steam humidifiers into the sleeping modules of its Halley VI research station. The environment is very dry, so humidification is needed to provide a healthy indoor environment.
The humidifiers are helping to suppress electric shocks and reduced drying of the skin, eyes and the mucosa of the nose and mouth, which helps maintain the health of staff by reducing the risk of airborne infection.
The ventilation systems are designed to blend fresh air, as cold as -54°C, and recirculated air, which is then humidified and distributed.
The humidifiers use snow meltwater as their water source.
The station works throughout the year, with a summer team from December to early March of scientific and support staff of up to 70 people, During the long winter with 105 days of continuous darkness, the team reduces to 16, including an H&V engineer, to maintain the station and keep its scientific projects running.
