Comprehensive Humidity Control Solutions for the Electronics Industry - Precise Control, Preventing Corrosion & Static Electricity

Executive Summary

1. Devastating Effects of Humidity on the Electronics Industry

1.1. Electrolytic Corrosion

Electrolytic corrosion is one of the most severe issues in the electronics industry. This process occurs when moisture and soluble impurities are present, creating the electrolyte necessary for electrochemical reactions.

According to technical research, the critical humidity threshold is 45%RH. When humidity exceeds this level, the corrosion rate increases dramatically, especially in environments with industrial air pollution.

Corrosion Mechanism on PCBs:

• An invisible moisture film forms on the PCB surface.
• Surface resistance increases, altering the frequency of oscillator circuits.
• Overheating and short circuits occur due to corrosion.
• Electromigration of metal across gaps, causing short circuits.

1.2. Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Damage - The Dual Problem

This is a complex issue that many electronics manufacturers face:

• When humidity is HIGH (>60%RH): Risk of corrosion and mold growth.
• When humidity is LOW (<30%RH): Static electricity increases dramatically.
  • Static voltage can reach up to 20KV when RH <30% (a person walking on a carpet).
  • Sensitive MOSFET components can be destroyed at voltages as low as 30V.
  • Latent failures are difficult to detect immediately.

Solution: Maintain humidity at 40-55%RH to balance anti-corrosion and anti-static properties. At this level, static voltage drops to approximately 1.5KV.

1.3. Issues with PCBs and Composite Materials

• Delamination: High humidity weakens the bond between PCB layers.
• Outgassing during soldering: Moisture absorbed in the resin is released as gas during high-temperature soldering, causing blowholes and voids in solder joints.
• Internal circuit breaks in multilayer PCBs: Rupturing of plated through-holes.

1.4. Absorption and Desorption

PCB polymers absorb moisture from the environment during storage. When powered on, the generated heat releases moisture from the board and components into the air inside the device enclosure, creating a localized high-humidity environment. When the temperature drops, condensation occurs on the component surfaces.

1.5. Mold and Microorganism Growth

Growth conditions: RH >60%

Mold and bacteria thrive in high-humidity environments, causing:

• Metal corrosion
• Etching of glass
• Hardening of grease, damaging paint coatings

In most cases, bacterial growth can be arrested if RH is maintained below 45%.

2. Humidity Requirements by Electronics Application

Each application in the electronics industry has specific humidity requirements. Below are the recommended parameters based on practical experience and industry standards:

2.1. Component Manufacturing

2.2. Electrical Equipment Manufacturing

2.3. Component Storage

2.4. Cleanrooms & Laboratories

3. Comprehensive Humidity Control Solutions from DeAir

DeAir provides a diverse range of humidity control solutions, specifically designed to meet the stringent requirements of the electronics industry. Depending on the specific application, we will advise on the most suitable product line.

3.1. DeAir.RE Heat-Pump Dehumidifiers

Suitable for: Component warehouses, assembly rooms, quality control rooms.

• Humidity control range: 35-60%RH
• Operating temperature: 15-60°C
• Diverse capacities: From 60 to 1,200 kg/day
• Heat-Pump Technology: Saves 40% energy compared to conventional condensation dehumidifiers.
• Advantages: Stable operation at low temperatures, minimal impact on ambient room temperature.

Reference: DeAir Industrial Dehumidifiers

3.2. Dezenno Desiccant Rotor Dehumidifiers

Suitable for: Electronics cleanrooms, semiconductor manufacturing, lithium battery rooms, thermal battery workbenches.

• Ultra-low dew point: -40°C to -70°C
• Achievable humidity: <1%RH to 40%RH
• Diverse airflows: 320 to 18,000 CMH
• Rotor material: Silica gel or 3Å/4Å Molecular Sieve
• Advantages: Precise humidity control ±3%RH, continuous operation without defrosting cycles.
• European Standards: Manufactured in Vietnam with international quality.

3.3. Dezenno.MAX Integrated AHU

Suitable for: Large-scale electronics factories, Class 100-10000 cleanrooms.

• Airflow: 1,000 to 100,000 CMH
• Integration: Enthalpy Wheel, UL Filters, AMCA fans.
• Static pressure: Up to 2,000 Pa
• Aluminum profile frame: High strength, 25-50mm PU insulation.
• Certifications: AMCA fans, UL filters.

3.4. DeAir.HM Industrial Humidifiers - Solution for Excessively Low Humidity

When needed: When ambient humidity drops below 30%RH, the risk of static electricity increases significantly.

Applications:

• Assembly rooms for static-sensitive components (MOSFET, IC).
• Electronics cleanrooms requiring 45-55%RH.
• Equipment testing and calibration areas.
• Computer rooms, data centers.

Diverse capacities: 6 to 130 kg/h

Technologies: Electrode, spray, or evaporation humidification (depending on the application).

Advantages:

• Rapid and uniform humidification.
• Precise microprocessor control.
• Automatically maintains desired humidity levels.
• Reduces static electricity risk to safe levels (<1.5KV).

Benefits: Protects components from ESD damage, increases MTBF (Mean Time Before Failure).

4. Typical Applications

4.1. Electronic Component Manufacturing Plant

Problem: PCB corrosion, high defect rates due to unstable humidity.

Solution: Installation of DeAir.RE Heat-Pump Dehumidifiers with capacity calculated based on room volume.

Result: Humidity maintained at 35-40%RH, significantly reducing defect rates.

4.2. Sensitive Component Storage Warehouse

Problem: Components getting damp and failing during storage.

Solution: Heat-Pump Dehumidifier system combined with evenly distributed air ducts.

Result: Stable humidity at 35%RH, no more moisture-related failures.

4.3. Semiconductor Assembly Cleanroom

Problem: Requirement for ultra-low humidity (20-30%RH) to prevent outgassing.

Solution: Dezenno Desiccant Rotor Dehumidifiers using Molecular Sieve material.

Result: Achieved -60°C dew point, stable 25%RH humidity.

4.4. Static-Sensitive Component Assembly Room

Problem: Excessively low humidity (<30%RH) causing static electricity, damaging MOSFETs.

Solution: Combining dehumidifiers and DeAir.HM industrial humidifiers to maintain 45-55%RH.

Result: Static voltage reduced to <1.5KV, reducing ESD-related failures.

5. Infographic: Solution Comparison

6. Standards & Certifications

DeAir's solutions comply with international standards:

• ISO 9001:2015: Quality management system.
• IPC Standards: Standards for the electronics industry.
• ESD S20.20: Electrostatic discharge control.
• WHO-GMP: For electronic medical device manufacturing.

7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)