411 Adiabatic Humidification: Harnessing Nature's Cooling Power for Efficient Climate Control
Release Date: 03/14/2025
438 Innovative Water Treatment Chemistry with Matheus Paschoalino
Scaling UP! H2O
Can a carbon-negative, bio-based molecule replace legacy phosphonates and help you use less azole—without sacrificing corrosion performance? In this episode, host , welcomes Senior Business Development Manager and Microbial Control SME of , to unpack polyhydroxycarboxylic acids (PHCs) and how they’re changing cooling-water programs from the field up. We cover HEDP replacement in light-duty systems, azole enhancement in copper-challenged waters, a second-generation cut for heavy-duty heat flux, and PHC behavior with oxidizers and non-oxidizer biocides. From Bioforge to Basin:...
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437 Redefining HR: The Key to Talent & Culture in Water Treatment
Scaling UP! H2O
What if HR wasn’t the department you dreaded — but the partner that helped your team thrive? In this episode of Scaling UP! H2O, host Trace Blackmore welcomes , HR Director at , to explore how human resources can be a strategic driver of talent, culture, and profitability in the water treatment industry. Redefining HR’s Role Tia shares her journey into water treatment and how she built HOH’s HR department from the ground up. Instead of treating HR as a compliance function, she reframed it as a leadership partner—focused on employee connections, transparent...
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436 Raising the Bar: Legionella Management & Industry Standards
Scaling UP! H2O
With those words, Jemma Tennant highlights one of the most profound differences between Legionella management in Europe and the United States. In this episode of Scaling UP! H2O, host Trace Blackmore welcomes , Chair of the Water Management Society (WMSoc), to explore how legislation, enforcement, and professional training shape the fight against Legionella. Proactive Regulation and Duty of Care The UK treats Legionella as a foreseeable and preventable risk. Jemma explains how laws like the Health and Safety at Work Act and COSHH Regulations require mandatory Legionella risk...
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435 Optimizing Legionella Control Strategies with Dr. Vincenzo Romano Spica
Scaling UP! H2O
Legionella remains one of the most complex challenges for water professionals worldwide. How do we balance effective monitoring with realistic costs—and which strategies deliver true public health impact? In this episode, Trace Blackmore welcomes Head Public Health University of Rome "Foro Italico to explore new insights from his comparative research on Legionella control. Reframing Legionella Risk Dr. Spica explains why public health data increasingly points to Legionella pneumophila—not all Legionella species—as the primary concern for human health. He shares how...
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434 Encore Interview with Patsy Root
Scaling UP! H2O
“Rules written in a panic rarely stand the test of time.” In this encore episode, Trace Blackmore welcomes back , Senior Manager of Government Affairs at IDEXX Water and active member of the AWT Legislative and Regulatory Committee. Patsy brings global data, case studies, and clear recommendations for smarter Legionella regulation — and why a targeted focus on Legionella pneumophila can save both lives and resources. From Outbreaks to Proactive Policies Patsy unpacks a central truth: most regulations emerge reactively, often after a high-profile outbreak. Drawing on...
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433 Legionella Investigations and LIDO Technology
Scaling UP! H2O
What if preventing Legionella outbreaks wasn’t about adding more chemicals, but removing what the bacteria needs to survive? In this episode of Scaling UP! H2O, host Trace Blackmore talks with Dr. David Krause, Certified Industrial Hygienist, toxicologist, and founder of HC3, about his groundbreaking approach — LIDO (Legionella Inhibition by Deoxygenation). Legionella on the Rise Dr. Krause has investigated high-profile Legionella outbreaks and seen firsthand how current prevention strategies often fall short. Despite ASHRAE 188 standards, CMS requirements, and increasing water...
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432 Water Management Plans: Evolving Standards and Best Practices with Matt Freije
Scaling UP! H2O
"Just because you have a water management plan doesn’t mean it’s working." That’s the hard truth Matt Freije, founder and CEO of HC Info, delivers in this episode of Scaling UP! H2O. As the architect behind LAMPS — a leading cloud-based platform for water management programs — Matt joins Trace Blackmore to explore the critical evolution of water safety, compliance standards, and real-world implementation challenges facing facilities in 2025. Beyond the Binder: Water Management Plans That Actually Work In an era of heightened awareness and shifting regulations,...
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431 Legionella Awareness Month Kickoff!
Scaling UP! H2O
Are You Ready to Talk About Legionella? Every August, we dedicate an entire month to a topic that touches public health, liability, and the core of what water treaters do — yet it’s still misunderstood by many: Legionella. In this episode, Trace Blackmore kicks off Legionella Awareness Month by returning to the basics. Where did Legionella get its name? What makes it dangerous? And why is there still confusion between a water treatment program and a water management plan? Tracing It Back: History, Misconceptions, and Missed Conversations Trace opens with the 1976...
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430 PFAS Regulations and Technologies with Brian Liotta
Scaling UP! H2O
“The winning combination will include not just removal—but real destruction of PFAS.” - Brian Liotta PFAS: The Invisible Challenge Reshaping Water Treatment PFAS chemicals are everywhere—from consumer products to our bloodstream. But as regulations tighten, water treatment professionals must now evolve faster than ever. In this episode of Scaling UP! H2O, host Trace Blackmore speaks with , Director of Marketing and Product Development at , about the shifting regulatory landscape and the advanced technologies being developed to monitor, remove, and destroy PFAS compounds. ...
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429 The Life and Career of Jim Lukanich
Scaling UP! H2O
“You can’t learn it all in one year. You can’t even learn it all in ten.” That single statement from Jim Lukanich captures the spirit of this unforgettable episode. Returning to the for the first time since Episode 10, joins host to reflect on a remarkable 44-year career in the water treatment industry. From his early days at U.S. Steel to leading technical innovation at Buckman Laboratories, ChemCal, U.S. Water, and Kurita, Jim has been a force for mentorship, learning, and raising the bar in technical excellence. Building a Career, One Problem at a Time Jim...
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“Be curious because the more you learn, the more exciting it is. Hit those challenges head on.” - Ryan Reimer
Adiabatic humidification is revolutionizing climate control, offering an energy-efficient way to maintain humidity and cooling in industrial and commercial spaces. But what exactly is adiabatic humidification, and how does it compare to traditional isothermal methods?
In this episode, host Trace Blackmore welcomes Ryan Reimer of Hydrotrue, to break down the mechanics, benefits, and critical applications of adiabatic humidification. Together, they explore how this low-energy cooling method is reshaping healthcare, data centers, museums, and more, helping industries achieve optimal indoor air quality while reducing energy consumption.
Introduction to Adiabatic Humidification
The episode kicks off the episode about how adiabatic cooling utilizes natural evaporation to improve energy efficiency in climate control. It highlights how water professionals can integrate this technology to enhance industrial operations.
Adiabatic vs. Isothermal Humidification – Understanding the Difference
Ryan Reimer explains the key distinctions between adiabatic (evaporation-based) and isothermal (steam-based) humidification methods. While isothermal requires an external heat source, adiabatic systems leverage ambient air energy for humidification, reducing operational costs.
Industries That Benefit from Adiabatic Cooling
From hospitals and healthcare facilities to data centers, museums, and commercial spaces, adiabatic humidification is making waves. Ryan dives into real-world applications and how industries can optimize their HVAC systems for better efficiency.
Efficiency & Water Treatment Considerations
- How high-purity water enhances humidification system performance
- Preventing scale buildup with the right water treatment solutions
- The impact of Legionella risk mitigation and best hygiene practices for humidifiers
Maintenance & Seasonal Considerations
Water treatment professionals know that humidification systems require ongoing maintenance. Ryan shares best practices for:
- Preventing scale buildup
- End-of-season cleaning & lay-up procedures
- Optimizing energy savings through smart system design
The Bottom Line – Why Adiabatic Humidification is the Future
With rising energy costs and increasing sustainability initiatives, industries are transitioning to adiabatic cooling. Ryan and Trace highlight the long-term benefits, cost savings, and system reliability this technology offers.
Stay engaged, keep learning, and continue scaling up your knowledge!
Timestamps
03:06 - Trace Blackmore shares about the significance of π Day
07:26 - Upcoming events in Water Industry
14:27 - Water You Know with James McDonald
17:13 - Interview with Ryan Reimer of Hydrotrue
20:00 - What is adiabatic humidification, and how does it work?
36:31 - Addressing Legionella risks and ensuring hygienic humidification
Quotes
“As water treaters, stagnant water is usually not our best friend as it relates to dead legs.” - Ryan Reimer
“One important step after completing the acid cleaning process is using a neutralizer component.” - Ryan Reimer
“Always have an open mind to what is in a facility. You never know what you're going to run into and what the facility's goals are and challenges are. And just be curious.” - Ryan Reimer
“Find a circle that can help build you up and one that you can help build up. That’s how we make our lives better. That’s how we make this industry better.” - Trace Blackmore
"Adiabatic humidification allows us to use the energy already in the air – making it an extremely efficient solution for climate control." – Ryan Reimer
Connect with Ryan Reimer
Phone: 612-655-4162
Email: [email protected] [email protected]
Website: https://hydrotruewater.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-reimer-2768a144/
Click HERE to Download Episode’s Discussion Guide
Guest Resources Mentioned
DriSteem Water Fundamental Handbook
The Way of Kings, Stormlight Archive Book 1 by Brandon Sanderson
The Words of Radiance, Stormlight Archive Book 2 by Brandon Sanderson
Oathbringer, Stormlight Archive Book 3 by Brandon Sanderson
Scaling UP! H2O Resources Mentioned
AWT (Association of Water Technologies)
Scaling UP! H2O Academy video courses
World Vision’s Global 6K for Water
EVAPCO Training Literature: Adiabatic Cooling
Water You Know with James McDonald
Question: What is the molar mass of calcium carbonate?
2025 Events for Water Professionals
Check out our Scaling UP! H2O Events Calendar where we’ve listed every event Water Treaters should be aware of by clicking HERE.
