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Desiccants are hygroscopic substances used as drying agents. They attract water-vapor molecules from the air using an absorptive or absorptive process. They’re often open dehumidification systems used for the cold storage of food products to ensure appropriate relative humidity levels. Desiccant wheel and liquid desiccant dehumidification systems are among the most commonly used for cold food storage because they’re more efficient, produce less heat, and prevent the formation of frost. The best system for cold storage depends on the type of food stored, the location of the storage unit, and its size.

Consumers rely on food processing and storage facilities to ensure the ideal environmental conditions for produce from the moment it’s picked at the field to the time it reaches a grocery store. When it comes to cold storage, humidity and temperature levels are among the most important considerations to prolong the life of fruits and vegetables. When environmental conditions are not ideal, produce deteriorates and becomes potentially harmful to consumers.

For power plants to operate reliably, the components within them must have minimal impacts from their environment, including the air, water, fuel oil, and fuel gas. In addition to controlling sulphuric acid to prevent cold-end erosion and comply with environmental laws, plants must consider hygroscopic salt damage and its deliquescent properties. While hygroscopic salts are integral to the inner workings of a plant, the corrosion that it causes will shorten a station’s life if the components don’t have an appropriate surface coating.

Corrosion in the electric power industry costs the U.S. over $23 billion per year. With plants looking to increase efficiencies, lower costs, and reduce the amount of time offline for maintenance, corrosion prevention techniques will help lengthen the life of various components and increase safety. While many thermal power plants share the same types of corrosion issues, some require different preventive approaches.