How does DelightStream work?

DelightStream membranes comprise a proton-conductive solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) with porous electrodes. On applying 3 Volts D.C. to the terminals, the anode attracts moisture where it dissociates into hydrogen ions and oxygen. The hydrogen ions (not hydrogen gas) migrate through the membrane and once outside the enclosure they react with air to form water vapour.

For this to happen, it is necessary to make a hole in the enclosure over which the membrane is installed, and through which it expels the unwanted vapour/gas. The preferred location is vertical mounting on one of the enclosure sides. For more information, see our two-minute video.

DelightStream membranes can reduce the relative humidity (RH) to 20% or lower depending on the size of enclosure and membrane selected. More than that, over-sizing the membrane for a given volume reduces the initial drying time and further lowers the level of RH reached. It can also extend the effective operating life of the membrane.

The external humidity and the degree of sealing against moisture ingress influence the drying performance. Nevertheless, the better the sealing the lower the humidity achievable and the lower the running cost. Equally, it is clear there will always be a small leakage and that does not present a problem.

Moreover, when operating, the density of oxygen in the container increases as the water molecules dissociate into hydrogen ions and oxygen. This increases the air pressure inside the container which expels the oxygen through even the smallest of gaps. Additionally, due to the normal leakage and the occasional opening of the container, the oxygen density is typically 2 to 3% above background levels.