Moisture control during parachute drying has become an essential factor in ensuring the durability and performance of modern parachutes. Parachuting, or skydiving, over the years has undergone tremendous technological and performance enhancements. Be it as a source of recreational activity or competitive sport, or used for the deployment of airborne forces and supplies by the military, or for emergency landing, parachuting has come a long way. Safety being a crucial factor, various innovations in terms of material specifications and designing have taken place to ensure a smooth and safer landing.
During storage, the base fabric of parachutes tend to decay from mould and fungus. The moisture condensed on the substrate deforms/damages the parachute membrane, thereby rendering the parachutes extremely unsafe.
Effects of Uncontrolled Humidity During Parachute Storage
Uncontrolled humidity during parachute storage can lead to moisture buildup, causing water vapour to condense on the fabric. This dampness promotes mold and fungus growth, deteriorating the material over time and posing serious safety risks. Effective moisture control during Parachute Drying is essential to preserve fabric integrity and prevent decay.
Causes of Uncontrolled Humidity
The parachutes normally get wet after the jump because water vapour condenses on the fabric of the chutes. The damp fabric provides a breeding ground for fungus and mould growth.
The military, where there is frequent usage of parachutes for training of personnel, is faced with the problem of decay of parachute fabric during storage.
The conventional method of parachute drying was to hang them from hooks in huge rooms with high ceiling and fans. The process was not only time consuming but did not entirely free the parachutes from moisture, which invariably remains trapped in the folds.
Recommendation – Moisture Control During Parachute Drying
To avoid problems caused by uncontrolled moisture and condensation, parachute drying and storage areas should be maintained at 40% RH at 30°C
Bry-Air Solution
Bry-Air Desiccant Dehumidifiers ensure effective moisture control during Parachute Drying. They help in avoiding condensation, mould, and fungus in the parachute drying and storage areas. The parachutes are surrounded by continuous dry air, and strict environment control is ensured to prevent fungal growth and fabric decay.
Reference List
- MES (Military Engineering Services), Bareilly, India
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