Humidity Control in Explosives and Ammunition Manufacturing

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Benefits

In explosive/munition environments keeping relative humidity in the 50–55% RH range drastically reduces electrostatic charge build-up (ESD), helps control dust, improves material stability and lowers reject rates. Note: ATEX hazardous-area requirements.

Reduction of ESD risks

Raising RH to the mid-range improves conductivity of surfaces & air, so charges dissipate instead of building to a damaging discharge.

Dust and particle reduction

Higher RH promotes particle agglomeration and deposition (less airborne dust), reducing dust-related runnability and ignition sources.

Material and components stability

Propellants, binders and polymer components change dimensionally with humidity. Controlled RH reduces shrinkage, cracking and rejects.

Explosives and Ammunition humidity control

Top of page Use cases FAQs

ATEX-aware product choices

Under the ATEX Directives (2014/34/EU and 1999/92/EC), equipment used in potentially explosive atmospheres must not introduce ignition sources. Condair documents specific humidification approaches for explosive/munition environments and highlights ATEX-rated options. That means safer installations in classified zones when installed per site classification and local regs. Humidifiers and dehumidifiers must be ATEX-certified for the specific zone (Zone 0, 1, 2 for gases; Zone 20, 21, 22 for dusts).

Adiabatic options (Cold Fog / JetSpray)

Provide humidification without electrical heating elements in the airstream, making them suitable for many hazardous zones. They also offer very fine droplet control for quick, even humidification.
Humidification systems must be grounded and antistatic. Proper humidity control itself helps prevent static discharge, a major ignition hazard under ATEX regulations.

Proven ESD benefit

Low humidity substantially contributes to the accumulation of electrostatic charge and its eventual discharge (spark). Moisture in the environment facilitates the dissipation of electrical charges from surfaces. Condair and independent ESD guidance both cite mid-range RH (~50%) as effective in reducing ESD events when used alongside standard ESD program controls (grounding, wrist straps, ESD floors, etc.).

Limitations and safety note

Humidification is not a substitute for explosion-safety engineering, proper material handling, intrinsic safety design, grounding, PPE, or approved storage/transport practices. Any humidifier installation in hazardous zones requires a formal ATEX evaluation, zone classification, and approval by your safety engineers and local authorities. Condair literature recommends site assessment and ATEX compliance checks before installation.

Use cases

Anti-static and ESD prevention

Low humidity increases static build-up because dry air is an insulator, making electrostatic discharge (ESD) more likely. Maintaining 40–60% relative humidity helps dissipate charges and significantly reduces ESD risk.

Frequently asked questions

What are the operational benefits of correct humidity control in explosive environments?

Why is humidification necessary in explosive handling and filling areas?

When the air is too dry (below ~40% RH), static electricity can easily build up on workers, tools, and machinery. A controlled level of humidification (typically 45–55% RH) helps dissipate electrostatic charges, reducing the risk of accidental ignition during mixing, filling, or assembly operations. This is essential for ATEX-compliant facilities handling explosive atmospheres.

Why is humidity control important in explosives and ammunition manufacturing?

Why is dehumidification required during explosive or ammunition storage?

What are the ATEX requirements related to humidification and dehumidification systems?

Under the ATEX Directives (2014/34/EU and 1999/92/EC), equipment used in potentially explosive atmospheres must not introduce ignition sources.
This means:

Humidifiers and dehumidifiers must be ATEX-certified for the specific zone (Zone 0, 1, 2 for gases; Zone 20, 21, 22 for dusts).

Components such as fans, sensors, and electrical controls must be intrinsically safe or explosion-proof.

Materials must avoid sparking or static generation, and systems must be grounded and antistatic.
Proper humidity control itself helps prevent static discharge, a major ignition hazard under ATEX regulations.

How does dehumidification protect propellant powder drying and blending areas?

Get free expert advice

If you want to explore your options for humidity control, Condair's expert sales engineers will visit your site, review your project and talk you through their recommendations.

Alternatively, if you would prefer a call or online meeting, our team are always happy to discuss possible solutions and offer free technical advice.