How to maintain and service a vegetable humidifier

The vegetable humidifier provides a suitable humidity environment for vegetables through atomization technology, extending their freshness period and maintaining their quality. To ensure its stable operation and extend its service life, systematic maintenance should be carried out from aspects such as daily cleaning, component maintenance, and environmental management. The following are the specific maintenance steps and precautions:

I. Daily cleaning and disinfection

Clean the water tank and sink

Daily cleaning: After use, empty the remaining water in the water tank and wipe the inner walls with a soft cloth to prevent the accumulation of scale and impurities. If the water is hard, you can add a small amount of white vinegar (in a ratio of 1:10), soak it for 10 minutes, and then rinse it clean.

Deep disinfection: Wipe the water tank and sink with diluted food-grade disinfectant (such as sodium hypochlorite solution, concentration ≤50ppm) every week to ensure no bacterial growth and prevent vegetable contamination.

Mold prevention treatment: When not in use for a long time, dry the water tank and store it in a dry and well-ventilated place to prevent mold growth.

Maintenance of nozzles and atomizing plates

Nozzle cleaning: Clean the nozzle holes with a soft-bristled brush or cotton swab every week to prevent blockage and uneven spray. If the blockage is severe, you can soak it in warm water and then gently clear it.

Atomization plate inspection: Check the atomization plate monthly for fouling or damage (such as cracks or discoloration on the surface). If scaling occurs, it can be soaked in a 5% citric acid solution for 10 minutes and then rinsed. If damaged, it needs to be replaced immediately; otherwise, it will affect the humidification efficiency.

Cleaning of pipes and air ducts

Pipe flushing: Flush the fog delivery pipes with clean water every quarter to prevent blockage by scale or algae. If the pipe is long, a special cleaning brush can be used to assist in cleaning.

Air duct dust removal: Wipe the air inlet and outlet of the fan with a damp cloth to prevent dust accumulation from affecting the air volume and causing uneven humidification.

Ii. Inspection and Replacement of Key Components

Maintenance of water pumps and motors

Operating noise monitoring: If the water pump or motor emits abnormal noises (such as clicking or buzzing sounds), it may be due to bearing wear or impeller jamming. The machine should be stopped immediately for inspection and replacement of components.

Sealing performance inspection: Check every six months whether the sealing ring of the water pump is aged and leaking. If it leaks, replace the sealing ring to prevent water from entering the motor and causing damage.

Calibration of water level sensor

Functional test: Simulate the low water level state every month (such as manually draining to the sensor trigger position), and observe whether the equipment automatically shuts down and alarms. If it malfunctions, the position of the sensor needs to be adjusted or a new part replaced.

Clean the contacts: Wipe the sensor contacts with alcohol cotton pads to remove the oxide layer and ensure stable signal transmission.

Filter screen replacement

Pre-filter screen: If the equipment is equipped with a pre-filter (such as a PP cotton filter screen), it should be replaced regularly according to the water quality conditions (it is recommended to replace it every 1-3 months) to prevent impurities from entering the water pump and atomization plate.

Activated carbon filter screen: If it is used for water purification, it should be replaced every six months to prevent the release of pollutants after adsorption saturation.

Iii. Water Quality and Power Management

Water quality control

Water source selection: Pure water or softened water should be given priority. If tap water is used, a pre-filter (filtration accuracy ≤5μm) should be installed to reduce damage to the equipment caused by scale and impurities.

pH value monitoring: Regularly test the pH value of water quality (it is recommended to be 6.5-8.5) to prevent acidic or alkaline water from corroding metal parts (such as water pumps and pipes).

Power supply and circuit inspection

Grounding protection: Ensure that the power cord of the equipment is well grounded to prevent electric shock accidents caused by leakage. Use a voltage tester to check whether the grounding terminal is live every month.

Circuit aging inspection: Check the outer skin of the power cord every quarter for any damage or cracking. If any problems are found, replace it immediately to avoid short circuits or fire risks.

Voltage stability: If the voltage in the workshop fluctuates greatly (such as exceeding ±10% of the rated voltage), a voltage stabilizer should be installed to prevent equipment damage due to unstable voltage.

Iv. Optimization of the Operating Environment

Temperature and humidity control

The working environment of the equipment: The humidifier should be placed in a well-ventilated environment with a suitable temperature (5-40℃) to avoid deformation of plastic parts due to high temperature or cracking of the water tank due to low temperature.

Humidity in the vegetable storage area: Adjust the humidification amount according to the type of vegetables (for example, the suitable humidity for leafy vegetables is 85%-90%, and for root and stem vegetables, it is 75%-85%), to prevent excessive humidity from causing rot or too low humidity from causing water loss.

Dust and insect prevention measures

Equipment protection: Install dust covers or screens around the humidifier to prevent dust and insects from entering the interior of the equipment.

Regular cleaning: Clean the dust on the surface of the equipment every week to prevent dust from entering the air duct or blocking the nozzles.

V. Preparations for Long-term Deactivation and Restart

Pretreatment before deactivation

Drainage: Empty the residual water in the water tank, pipes and water pump to prevent bacterial growth or component corrosion caused by long-term storage.

Dry storage: Wipe the interior of the equipment with a dry cloth and store it in a dry and well-ventilated place to avoid mold caused by a damp environment.

Check before restart

Component inspection: Before reactivation, check whether the nozzle, atomizing plate, water pump and other components are in good condition, and replace aged or damaged parts.

Trial operation test: First, connect water and electricity for a short trial operation (5-10 minutes) to observe whether the equipment sprays normally, and whether there is any leakage or abnormal noise. Only after confirming that everything is correct can it be put into formal use.