Opening a desiccant drum dehumidifier
Added 2020-10-14 22:00:47 +0000 UTCSince releasing a video about these units a while ago, one of the most common questions I get asked about them is how to open them for repairs.
Here's a video showing how to open one, and also explaining the purpose of each component.
Comments
A refreshing look at a typically dry topic!
Michael Thompson
2020-10-16 16:49:34 +0000 UTCAll things being equal, less moving parts, less critical fault. Compressor condenser units have more failure points
Cerity
2020-10-15 17:23:48 +0000 UTCThey need to filter the air more before letting it into the system. Also, would these outlast the conventional compressor-based types? Those old Sears dehumidifier, were remarkably easy to clean and service.
MarkM
2020-10-15 09:38:45 +0000 UTCThe drums seem to stay surprisingly clear due to the air intake filter. They maintain their efficiency.
Big Clive
2020-10-15 06:19:31 +0000 UTCI'll do that at some point at that bench. It's what I refer to as Studio-2. For larger objects.
Big Clive
2020-10-15 06:18:47 +0000 UTCNot many.
Big Clive
2020-10-15 06:18:09 +0000 UTCNot actually too bad. You can remove the water collector from the drawer compartment with a short screwdriver.
Big Clive
2020-10-15 06:18:00 +0000 UTCThere is a coarse air filter on the air intake. The drum stays surprisingly clear. I tested one after a few years and it was just as efficient in power use to water extraction as when new. Roughly 40p a litre extracted.
Big Clive
2020-10-15 06:15:48 +0000 UTCA terrible design all-in-all for servicing and longivity I have to say. These should be modular with easily replacable parts and the zeolite drum part must get utterly clogged over time, unlike the standard compressor ones which coils can be just wiped clean after you remove the filter gauze. Coming from NZ, I'm surprised to not see heaps of these there, as it's typically cold and damp and it would make a lot of sense for these quieter, cheaper units to be prolific.
Anton
2020-10-15 05:32:59 +0000 UTCDo you need to watermark this video before it's released to the wild? As you were at a different bench to normal, your BigCliveDotCom sticker isn't there. .......just in case someone tries to steal your work :D
John Carr
2020-10-15 03:23:03 +0000 UTCYup 😁 showed me that unless you’re going to be away from freezing temperatures with the compressor, the drum ones are quieter and and a better choice at the only setback not being able to hit desert 0% RH
Cerity
2020-10-15 02:30:57 +0000 UTCI wonder how many devices / appliances in Clives house have not been disassembled :P
GL_1_Code1_1A
2020-10-14 23:26:01 +0000 UTCNot the easiest of units to service.
Dr Andy Hill
2020-10-14 22:39:32 +0000 UTCI wonder if that black gunk from all the woofler, whoosher, fog machine, etc. smoke. 😄 The first desiccant tear-down video was also how I first came across Big Clive's channel as I searching YouTube to see how one works compared to the common refrigerant based dehumidifiers.
Seán Byrne
2020-10-14 22:31:20 +0000 UTC👍❤️ Updated to ask, given the propensity for these to be in grungy conditions, would an air filter (whatever your number system) rated for um particles be prudent? Or just take it apart two or three times yearly❓ We started with air filters on the room fans and blow them off monthly with all the particulates in and outside, and it’s decreased allergies by at least a half😁👍
Cerity
2020-10-14 22:02:19 +0000 UTC
