Humidifier System (Bubble or Nafion Tube Type)

Purpose and working principle

A humidifier system conditions reactant gases by adding controlled water vapour to achieve stable relative humidity (RH) or dew point—critical for polymer electrolyte devices where membrane hydration strongly influences ionic conductivity, performance stability, and durability.

Bubble-type humidification

In a bubble humidifier, process gas (e.g., H₂, air, CO₂/N₂) is dispersed through heated water. Water vapour transfer occurs at the bubble–liquid interface and approaches saturation depending on water temperature, bubble residence time, and flow rate. This method is robust and well-suited to laboratory test stations where repeatable humidification is required.

Nafion membrane (tube) humidification

In a Nafion tube humidifier, water permeates through a water-selective polymer membrane into the gas stream. This approach enables compact integration and fast response, supporting stable humidification when paired with precise temperature control.

Key features

• Humidification modes: Bubble type or Nafion membrane (tube) type
• Temperature controller for stable humidification conditions
• Float switch (level protection) to support safe operation
• Sight glass for quick visual confirmation of water level
• Custom flow capacity to match your single-cell or stack test requirements
  
  

Compatibility and integration

Designed to integrate within module control & measurement architectures used in fuel cell and electrolyser test stations, including systems with mass flow control, back-pressure regulation, and automated monitoring software. Suitable for humidifying inlet gases for PEM fuel cell, electrolyser, CO₂ conversion, and broader hydrogen-energy R&D setups.

Typical applications

• Membrane hydration control in PEMFC and related electrochemical energy devices
• RH/dew-point conditioning for performance mapping and durability testing
• Test-bench development for humidified reactant supply lines
  
  

Why choose ScienceGears

ScienceGears supports Australian and New Zealand labs with application guidance and integration know-how—linking humidification modules with complete energy test stations, and complementary electrochemical research instruments (e.g., potentiostats/EIS tools and specialised test cells) to create a coherent experimental workflow.