Floor Condensation Control System
Floor Condensation Control System
(OP)
We have a large space, approximately 6,000 sq. ft. total, which is supplied with 100% outside air. The space has very large, 12 ft diameter, pipes that run under the floor with cold water. We want to prevent the possibility of condensation forming on the surface of the concrete floor. An electric heat trace system has been proposed that would be installed in the floor, near the surface to ensure that the floor temperature remains above the dewpoint in the space. A feasible plan, however the manufacturer does not seem to have the ability to integrate a dewpoint sensor and floor temperature sensor in order to energize the system as these parameters approach each other. Does anybody have any alternatives or solutions?





RE: Floor Condensation Control System
Has anyone done the calculations to see if it is likely that the floor will sweat? You need to know slab thickness, water temperature, worst case room dewpoint and pipe material. It would be a shame to cut up the floor for heat trace only to find out that it wasn't needed.
I'm guessing that the floor slab is existing. If not, then you could put down a thin layer of rigid insulation prior to pouring concrete. This would give you enough R value to ensure that your floor never reached dewpoint temperature.
If you go the heat trace route, it would not be difficult to incorporate room dewpoint and floor temperature into a control loop that energizes a heat trace contactor. Find a controls company, because your heat trace company is obviously not qualified for this.
---KenRad
RE: Floor Condensation Control System
RE: Floor Condensation Control System
If I'm missing something here, someone please chime in!
---KenRad
RE: Floor Condensation Control System