Dry air assists in the primary goal of reaching a dry standard in all affected materials. But as you know, when air gets very dry, the performance of the dehumidifier goes down and grain depression approaches zero. Further drying progress becomes a challenge.

Here are some general tips regarding grain depression that can assist your decision making and documentation:

• Remember—grain depression is only a MINOR factor in drying. Overall drying conditions and progress in affected materials is MUCH more important.
• Improper use of thermo-hygrometers is a source of error in grain depression readings. Allow extra time for the thermo-hygrometer to acclimate. Also, be sure your thermo-hygrometer can read low RH.
• Grain depression CAN’T be less than zero. If you get a low or negative grain depression, retake the affected air reading and dehumidifier output readings.
• WHERE you take thermo-hygrometer readings on Dri-Eaz dehumidifiers makes a difference: LGR 2000—take the reading at the 11 o’clock position; Evolution—take the reading at the 1 o’clock position.
• Once air is below 30 GPP, pat yourself on the back. Then understand that your dehumidifiers are going to be struggling to pull more moisture from the air. You can help them by providing cooler air for the dehumidifier intake and reducing the number of dehumidifiers on site.

Customers like you have been asking for new class options from Dri-Eaz—and we’re listening. You can find all the details by visiting the link titled “New Classes Press Release” on the side bar (right). One of the most exciting developments is the new Restorative Drying 201 course (formerly the ASD). It mirrors the New Guide to Restorative Drying and is more hands-on and interactive.

Below is an example of how the course incorporates more interactive learning. This scenario is from the new Restorative Drying 201 workbook and relates to winter drying: