Quality is important to all companies, but it is especially crucial to those in the grocery industry. In fact, "quality first" is the fundamental goal of Mankato, Minn.-based All American Foods, Inc., a processor of specialty and customized dry food and nutritional products.

Their commitment to quality, however, was being challenged by the cold Minnesota winters. Frost and condensation buildup on the warehouse's windows and doors led to high levels of moisture that could compromise product integrity during storage.

All American Foods needed to control the humidity levels in its two product storage facilities. Dehumidification through outside ventilation could have solved this problem, but introducing outside air into the warehouse was prohibited by government regulations. And purchasing and operating an air conditioning system was too costly.

As it turned out, high-volume, low-speed ceiling fans were the answer. While such fans are generally purchased to help create comfortable working environments during hot months, they also work well for dehumidification purposes. They move as much as 122,000 cubic feet of air a minute at 3 miles/hour, resulting in a gentle breeze.

Two, 20 feet-diameter fans were installed in each of two concrete food storage warehouses. The fans circulate huge volumes of air within large areas of the high-ceiling buildings, directing the 80-degree ceiling air down toward the cool, moist air at the facility floor.

This process, known as destratification, keeps the air at a constant and warmer temperature, making it more able to absorb moisture. This, in turn, reduces relative humidity.

"Because the buildings are so tightly constructed, the moisture that gets inside the warehouse is there to stay. The constant circulation of the air by the fans helps control the humidity so moisture levels can be kept at a more manageable level," says Connie Stockman, plant manager.

The fans, which were anchored directly into the 22-foot high concrete ceiling, have been running 24 hours a day since installation. Since the fans employ an efficient 3/4 hp motor, running them constantly is rather inexpensive. Electricity is typically consumed at a rate of 3-5 cents an hour per fan.

The fans are run at 50% of normal speed during the winter to facilitate the destratification effect. Frost no longer build-ups during the winters, and the temperature difference in the air near the floor and the ceiling air is only 1°F.

"They have worked very well for us; I would most definitely recommend the fans to others," says Stockman.

HVLS Fan Co.
877-BIGFANS
www.hvls.com