Reliable Humidity Control for Offshore Wind Foundation Coating Operations
Protective coating processes play a critical role in the manufacture of offshore foundations. To achieve coating quality, durability, and compliance with project specifications, environmental conditions inside paint halls must be carefully controlled throughout the application and curing process.
This was the challenge at a fabrication facility in the Netherlands, where large steel foundation structures for offshore jackets are manufactured. The facility required precise humidity control within a large paint hall to maintain optimal coating conditions and ensure consistent production quality.
Why humidity control matters in paint halls
Industrial coating applications are highly sensitive to environmental conditions. Excessive humidity can affect paint adhesion, curing performance, surface quality, and long-term corrosion protection. In large fabrication environments, maintaining stable conditions can be particularly challenging due to the significant air volume and varying outdoor weather conditions.
The project requirement is to maintain the paint hall at a maximum relative humidity (RH) of 50%, ensuring optimal conditions for coating large offshore wind foundation structures.
Achieving these conditions required a robust dehumidification solution capable of handling substantial moisture loads while maintaining reliable performance in an industrial environment.
Selecting the Right Dehumidification Solution for the Application
To meet the project's humidity control requirements, CTS BeNeLux selected two C65E-19.1 PLC-B Cotes adsorption dehumidifiers.
The design calculations were based on the following project parameters:
- Hall volume: 17,222.56 m³
- Outdoor conditions: 21°C and 13.4 g/kg absolute humidity
- Required indoor condition: maximum 50% RH
Based on these conditions, the required dehumidification demand was calculated at approximately 126 kg/h.
The selected Cotes equipment provides a combined dehumidification capacity of 38 kg/h, enabling the hall to be brought from the design outdoor moisture level to the target humidity condition within approximately 3.3 hours.
By combining high-performance adsorption technology with intelligent PLC control, the system delivers reliable humidity management while supporting the demanding operational requirements of the facility.
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Protecting performance in demanding environments
Industrial paint halls present additional challenges beyond moisture removal. Airborne contaminants generated during coating operations can negatively affect dehumidification equipment if not properly managed.
To protect the adsorption rotors and ensure long-term operational reliability, the installation was equipped with activated carbon filtration. These filters help prevent paint-related contaminants and volatile compounds from entering the dehumidification system, safeguarding rotor performance and supporting consistent operation over time.
This additional protection is particularly valuable in heavy industrial coating environments where air quality can have a direct impact on equipment lifespan and maintenance requirements.
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Supporting offshore wind manufacturing
As offshore wind projects continue to grow in scale, manufacturers require dependable environmental control solutions that support both quality assurance and production efficiency.
Adsorption dehumidification technology is particularly well suited to large coating facilities because it can maintain stable humidity levels regardless of external weather conditions. By controlling moisture levels throughout the painting process, manufacturers can reduce coating-related risks, improve consistency, and help ensure compliance with project specifications.
For this facility in the Netherlands, the Cotes solution provides the environmental stability needed to support the production of critical infrastructure for the renewable energy sector.
Partnership and expertise in action
Successful humidity control projects are built on close collaboration between equipment suppliers, engineering specialists, and installation partners.
This project was delivered by CTS BeNeLux, whose expertise in industrial humidity control helped ensure that the solution was correctly sized and configured for the application's specific requirements.
By combining technical analysis, application expertise, and proven adsorption dehumidification technology, the project delivers reliable humidity control for a demanding industrial coating environment and supports the continued growth of offshore wind manufacturing.
"From the initial assessment through to final implementation, our focus was on understanding the customer’s operational requirements and translating them into a reliable humidity control solution. By combining detailed calculations, application expertise, and close collaboration with all stakeholders, we were able to deliver a system that supports both coating quality and production efficiency."
Brent Cockroft – CTS BeNeLux
ABOUT CTS BENELUX
CTS BeNeLux is a leading provider of advanced environmental systems, offering customised solutions for a wide range of industries, including food and beverage production, breweries, storage facilities, museums, and more. Known for their commitment to innovation and customer-centric service, CTS BeNeLux has earned a reputation as a trusted partner in delivering high-performance systems that meet the most demanding requirements. By working closely with clients, CTS BeNeLux ensures that their operations are efficient, sustainable, and supported by the latest, most effective technologies.