ROTARY HEAT

EXCHANGER

Sensible and Total

Air-to-Air Energy
Exchangers
200 – 100,000 SCFM

RUGGED GALVANIZED STEEL CASI N G

NO-MAINTENANCE BEARINGS

FIELD ADJUSTABLE PURGE SECTION

NON-WEARING SEALS

DES CHAMPS
Heat Exchangers and Energy Recovery Systems
INTRODUCTION

Des Champs rotary heat exchangers are designed

to provide either sensible or total energy exchange
between two airstreams. Rotary heat exchangers
are designed for counterflow application and
operate on the principle of sensible heat transfer
and latent energy transfer using desiccant material.
Des Champs rotors are constructed of corrugated
media with passages through which the air flows,
either gaining energy from or losing energy to the
mass of the matrix. The rotary matrix revolves in
a plane perpendicular to the airflow continuously
transferring the rotor mass from the high tempera-
ture stream to the low temperature stream. In total
heat transfer applications a desiccant adsorbs
moisture from the stream with the higher vapor
pressure and desorbs moisture to the stream with
the lower vapor pressure.

TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S
Introduction ......................................................................................................................1
Model Nomenclature........................................................................................................2
Application Features ........................................................................................................3
Construction Features ......................................................................................................4
Application Considerations ............................................................................................5
Installation Considerations..............................................................................................7
Psychrometric Data ..........................................................................................................8
Selection Procedure........................................................................................................10
Heat Exchanger Performance........................................................................................11
Dimensional Data ..........................................................................................................15
Specifications ..................................................................................................................16
 MODEL NOMENCLATURE
R OTA R Y H E AT E X C H A N G E R
MODEL NUMBER: R A X - A - 2 5 0 - B - 3 - 1
D I G I T: 1, 2, 3 - 4 - 5, 6, 7 - 8 - 9 - 10

Digits 1, 2 and 3: Unit Designator

RSX = Synthetic Media Heat Exchanger
RAX = Aluminum Media Heat Exchanger
Digit 4: Design sequence
A = Standard
Digits 5,6 and 7: Nominal size
RSX Units RAX Units
005 = 500 scfm 010 = 1,000 scfm 140 = 14,000 scfm
013 = 1,250 scfm 018 = 1,800 scfm 170 = 17,000 scfm
017 = 1,750 scfm 024 = 2,400 scfm 210 = 21,000 scfm
021 = 2,100 scfm 032 = 3,200 scfm 250 = 25,000 scfm
027 = 2,750 scfm 040 = 4,000 scfm 320 = 32,000 scfm
035 = 3,500 scfm 050 = 5,000 scfm 380 = 38,000 scfm
045 = 4,500 scfm 068 = 6,800 scfm 450 = 45,000 scfm
055 = 5,500 scfm 086 = 8,600 scfm 540 = 54,000 scfm
070 = 7,000 scfm 120 = 12,000 scfm 620 = 62,000 scfm
083 = 8,300 scfm 130 = 13,000 scfm 780 = 78,000 scfm
099 = 9,900 scfm
116 = 11,500 scfm
135 = 13,500 scfm
Digit 8: Type of rotor
2 Type RSX:
S = Molecular sieve impregnated synthetic matrix, total heat transfer
Type RAX:
A = Aluminum matrix, sensible heat transfer
B = Silica gel coated aluminum matrix, total heat transfer
Digit 9: Type of control
0 = Constant speed (no control)
1 = Variable speed drive with 4 - 20 mA or 2 - 10 vDC input
(controller by others)
2 = Variable speed with frost protection control
3 = Variable speed with supply air temperature control and
summer/winter changeover
4 = Variable speed with supply air temperature control, summer/winter
changeover and frost protection control
Digit 10: Voltage
1 = 208-230/60/1 4 = 460/60/3
2 = 220/50/1 5 = 575/60/3
3 = 208-230/60/3 6 = 380-415/50/3
APPLICATION FEATURES

A L L O W S O U T D O O R A I R D E S I G N P R O B L E M S TO B E S O LV E D
• Responsibly Allows Codes to be Met
Use of Des Champs rotary heat exchangers
allows the designer to meet ASHRAE Standard
62-1989 ventilation requirements with minimum
energy requirements

• Reduces Heating Requirements

The size of the heating plant, air distribution
system, and energy distribution system can all
be reduced by the amount of energy recovered

• Reduces Cooling Requirements

Compressors, chillers, cooling towers, pumps,
and piping can all be reduced by the amount of
energy transferred between the outside and exhaust
airstreams

• Solves Existing Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Problems

Economically permits the introduction of
additional ventilation air without overtaxing 3
HVAC system

• Reduces Humidification Requirements

Total heat transfer rotary heat exchangers recover
humidity and return it to the space, reducing the
requirements for winter humidification

• Two Types of Rotor Media

Compact molecular sieve impregnated synthetic
media and low pressure-drop silica gel coated
aluminum media
 CONSTRUCTION FEATURES

D E S I G N E D F O R E A S Y I N S TA L L AT I O N
• Rugged Galvanized Steel Casing
Galvanized steel structure and casing securely
protects rotor, permits easy handling and
installation in any orientation

• Single Point Electrical Connection

All components and controls are factory wired

SIMPLE MAINTENANCE
• Easily Serviced Heat Exchangers
Rugged matrix permits water-wash without
deterioration, outboard bearings permit easy
service and inspection

• Ready Access
Drive motor and controls are conveniently
located behind removable access door in corner
compartment
4
YEARS OF TROUBLE-FREE PERFORMANCE
• Durable Heat Exchanger Matrix
Normal water-wash and cleaning do not
deteriorate matrix structure nor efficiency

• Heavy Duty Bearings

Lifetime lubricated bearings are generously sized
and located outboard for long life and easy
maintenance
APPLICATION CONSIDERATIONS
FREEZING AND DEFROSTING
Outside air temperature below 32°F does not necessarily cause a frosting problem.
Water vapor will condense out of the exhaust air and be deposited on the heat
exchanger matrix as frost when the matrix is below freezing. This moisture in the
form of frost will be successfully transferred as long as it is evaporated through
sublimation on the supply air side. Frost becomes a problem when it builds up
faster than it can be evaporated which will ultimately cause airflow blockage of
the heat exchanger.
The frosting process, which causes an increase in pressure drop across the heat
exchanger, normally takes many hours. The frosting problem is therefore often
relieved by the outdoor temperature varying over a 24-hour period or because the
heat exchanger is in operation during only part of the 24-hour period.

FROSTING LIMIT
Frost protection becomes necessary at outdoor temperatures between 0°F to 15°F
and with indoor relative humidities between 20% and 50%, and with exhaust air
temperature typical of comfort ventilation systems.

FROSTING TIME
Frosting will not be instantaneous but will require a period of time at the combina-
tion of low temperature and high humidity. Experience shows that a minor intersec-
tion of the saturation curve is permissible without significant frost occurring, even
if the design outdoor temperature falls below 15°F.

F R O S T P R OT E C T I O N
There are several methods of frost protection that should be considered at design
conditions where the psychrometric chart shows the exhaust air intersecting the
saturation line as it is cooled:
5
1. Preheating the outdoor air to a temperature that prevents the exhaust air tem-
perature from intersecting the saturation line will eliminate frosting. This is
accomplished by a duct heater with thermostat in the outdoor air at the rotor
inlet.
2. Preheating the return air to a temperature that prevents the exhaust air tempera-
ture from intersecting the saturation line will eliminate frosting. This is accom-
plished by a duct heater with thermostat in the exhaust air at the rotor outlet.
This can be very economical because 100% efficient direct gas fired heating may
be used.
3. The speed of the rotor may be varied from full speed to zero which reduces heat
and moisture transfer from 100% capacity to zero capacity. Exhaust air temper-
ature approaches the return air temperature as the rotor speed is reduced. This
is accomplished by a variable speed drive with thermostat in the exhaust air.
4. Outdoor air may be bypassed in sufficient amount so that the heat transfer is
reduced to the point where the exhaust air temperature will not intersect the
saturation line. This is accomplished by properly sized bypass dampers modulat-
ed by a thermostat in the exhaust air.
 AIR CROSSOVER LEAKAGE
Leakage between the supply and exhaust air sides cannot be entirely eliminated in
a rotary heat exchanger. Leakage from one airstream to the other causes two con-
cerns, contamination and reduction of effectiveness. There are two ways to mitigate
this, however:
1. The proper location of the fans and dampers will control leakage so that con-
tamination of the supply air is reduced. It is desired that the supply side be at
a slightly higher static pressure than the exhaust side so that leakage is always
from the supply to the exhaust. Ideally this is accomplished by positioning the
fans with the supply in the blow-through and the exhaust in the draw-through
location. Other fan locations can be accommodated. Draw-through supply and
blow-through exhaust fan arrangements are not recommended.
2. Supply air contamination can also be reduced by flushing the heat exchanger
matrix with a volume of supply air deflected by a damper in the purging sec-
tion of the rotor. The purging sector damper is located on the supply air outlet
side at the point where the rotor passes from the exhaust airflow path to the
supply airflow path. The sector, which is adjustable between 0 and 6°, should be
set to suit the pressure differential in the system. The greater the pressure differ-
ential, the less forced purge air required and the smaller the purge angle.
Effectiveness is reduced by the amount of supply air lost to the exhaust air
through leakage and purging.

I N S TA L L AT I O N A LT E R N AT I V E S
Rotary heat exchangers can be supplied for installation in air handling units, in
the ducting or in a plant room. All variants and sizes can be installed either
horizontally or vertically.

EXHAUST AIR

SUPPLY AIR

DRIVE MOTOR
INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS

C O N N E C T I O N TO OT H E R A I R
HANDLING UNIT SECTIONS
The rotary heat exchanger
cassette is best connected to the
duct work by means of flanges
or drive slips.

I N S TA L L AT I O N I N A
PA C K A G E D S Y S T E M
The rotary heat exchanger is
installed directly on the floor. 7
Sheet metal safe-offs direct
the airflow through the heat
exchanger. Access for the drive
system must be provided.
 PSYCHROMETRIC DATA
The following examples illustrate the heat transfer process psychrometrically for
various operating conditions and occurrences.

S U M M E R O P E R AT I O N
The charts show a Summer condition in which the outdoor air is warmer and more
humid than the exhaust air. The latent heat transfer heat exchanger lowers both the
moisture content and the temperature to the vicinity of the exhaust air conditions
and gives an enthalpy efficiency of 75%.
The sensible heat transfer heat exchanger lowers the temperature by the same
amount but does not change the moisture content, so the supply air enthalpy effi-
ciency will be only 25%. The example illustrates the significance of the moisture
efficiency of the latent heat transfer heat exchanger, especially in humid, warm
climates.

W I N T E R O P E R AT I O N
The charts show a Winter condition with moderately low outdoor temperature.
No condensation takes place in the sensible heat exchanger, therefore no moisture
transfers to the supply air.
On the other hand, the latent heat transfer heat exchanger raises the moisture
content of the supply air by almost 10.5 grains per pound of dry air, which usually
offers welcome humidification of the supply air. Caution must be exercised, howev-
er, if the indoor space is already humidified or generates significant humidity such
as in a school or place of assembly. The moisture transfer capabilities of the latent
heat exchanger can sometimes transfer more water vapor than is desired back into
the space.
The sensible heat transfer heat exchanger can operate without risk of freezing even
when condensation takes place at outdoor air temperatures below 32°F.
8

WARM AIR / SUMMER COOL AIR / SUMMER

EXHAUST AIR RETURN AIR

COOL AIR / WINTER WARM AIR / WINTER

WARM AIR / SUMMER COOL AIR / SUMMER

OUTSIDE AIR S U P P LY A I R

COOL AIR / WINTER WARM AIR / WINTER

 CHART 1
S E N S I B L E H E AT T R A N S F E R R OTO R
In sensible heat transfer rotors, sensible
heat is transferred so long as no conden-

%
90
sation occurs in the rotor. If condensation

%
70
does occur, moisture will evaporate into

%
50
the supply air. If condensation occurs,
the process as shown on the psy-

%
30
chrometric chart will vary with
the operating conditions and
OUTDOOR AIR SUMMER
thus cannot be generally
illustrated.

EXHAUST AIR SUMMER

ID ITY
EXHAUST AIR WINTER E HUM
ELATIV
10% R
OUTDOOR AIR WINTER
35 45 55 65 75 85 95 105 115

DRY BULB TEMPERATURE (DEGREES F)

CHART 2
TOTA L H E AT T R A N S F E R R OTO R
In total heat transfer rotors, the moisture
and temperature efficiencies are nearly the
%
90

same at rated speed. The process on the

%

9
70

psychrometric chart is therefore approxi-

%

mately along the interconnecting line

50

between the inlet conditions for the

ER
%
30

supply air and for the exhaust M

M
air. SU
R
AI
R
OO
D ER
O UT M
S UM
A IR
U ST
HA
EX

INTER IDIT Y
R AIR W E HUM
OUTDOO ELATIV
TER 10% R
AIR WIN
EXHAUST

35 45 55 65 75 85 95 105 115

DRY BULB TEMPERATURE (DEGREES F)

The charts above show various operating conditions all based upon 70% efficiency.
 SELECTION PROCEDURE
The following example allows for the calculation of conditions where the supply and exhaust air
volumes are equal. In some instances, however, supply and exhaust air volumes differ significantly.
For calculations using unbalanced airflows, correction for mass flow (SCFM) is required as shown
in the example.

EXAMPLE
Select a Type RSX molecular sieve impregnated synthetic matrix, total heat transfer rotary heat
exchanger for 4000 SCFM of outdoor air at 95°F/78°F and 4000 SCFM exhaust air at 80°F/67°F.
From Chart 4 one may select from several options. From the Flow Rate (SCFM) on the
center graph, draw a horizontal line which will intersect the performance curves of Models
RSX-070, RSX-055, and RSX-045. The Model RSX-045 is the smallest size and the lowest cost
choice and produces 85% sensible effectiveness, 80% latent effectiveness, 82% total effective-
ness, and 1.1" static pressure drop. A Model RSX-070, being the largest size, produces 91%
sensible effectiveness, 84% latent effectiveness, 87% total effectiveness, and 0.7" static pressure
drop. Size constraints, static pressure losses, and energy savings must be evaluated as well as
first cost to determine life cycle cost.

DETERMINATION OF SUPPLY AND EXHAUST AIR CONDITIONS

The correction factor for unequal airflow is the ratio of mass flow (SCFM) of the supply air to that
of the minimum airflow. The effectiveness determined from the selection charts is multiplied by the
correction factor to determine the actual effectiveness.
The effectiveness is calculated using the following equations:
ES = SCFMSA (TOA - TSA)/(TOA - TRA) for temperature
SCFMMIN
EL = SCFMSA (HROA - HRSA)/(HROA - HRRA) for humidity ratio
SCFMMIN
ET = SCFMSA (hOA - hSA)/(hOA - hRA) for enthalpy
10 SCFMMIN

where: E is the effectiveness (S=sensible, L=latent, T=total)

SCFMSA is the supply air standard SCFM HROA is the outside air humidity ratio
SCFMMIN is the lesser of exhaust air or HRSA is the supply air humidity ratio
outdoor air standard SCFM HRRA is the return air humidity ratio
TOA is the outside air temperature hOA is the outside air enthalpy
TSA is the supply air temperature hSA is the supply air enthalpy
TRA is the return air temperature hRA is the return air enthalpy
To determine the leaving temperature and enthalpy conditions from the RSX-070 selected above
we rearrange and solve:
TSA = TOA - ES SCFMMIN ( TOA - TRA )
SCFMSA
TSA = 95 - 0.91 4000 ( 95 - 80)
4000
TSA = 81.4°F
hSA = hOA - ET SCFMMIN ( hOA - hRA )
SCFMSA
hSA = 41.2 - 0.87 4000 ( 41.2 - 31.4)
4000
hSA = 32.7 Btu/pound of dry air
 SYNTHETIC MEDIA HEAT EXCHANGERS
SIZES 005–017, 200-2,000 SCFM
CHART 3
100.0
EFFECTIVENESS (%)
HEAT EXCHANGER
PERFORMANCE 95.0

90.0

TYPE RSX SYNTHETIC 85.0

MEDIA HEAT EXCHANGER 80.0 ES

The unique molecular sieve impregnat- ET
75.0 EL
ed synthetic matrix, Type RSX, has
higher effectiveness than an aluminum 70.0
matrix heat exchanger, but it also has
higher pressure drop. Thus, it may per- 65.0
mit a smaller diameter for a given
selection. 60.0

150

200

250

300

350

400

450

500
RSX effectiveness shown is sensible, FACE VELOCITY (SFPM)
latent, and total.
ES = sensible, EL = latent, ET = total
2,000
F L O W R AT E ( S C F M )

TYPE RAX ALUMINUM RSX-017

MEDIA HEAT EXCHANGER 1,500
The silica gel coated aluminum
matrix, Type RAX, has a lower air RSX-013
pressure drop for equivalent effec- 1,000
tiveness and may require a larger
diameter for a given selection.
RAX effectiveness shown is sensible 500
RSX-005
only. Latent effectiveness = 0.

0 11
150

200

250

300

350

400

450

500
FACE VELOCITY (SFPM)

0.70 P R E S S U R E D R O P ( I N C H E S O F WAT E R )
NOTE:
Effectiveness ratings are based on tests
conducted in accordance with ASHRAE 84 0.60
and ARI 1060 standards. Conditions used
for ratings are 95/78°F DB/WB outdoor air 0.50
and 75/66.5°F DB/WB return air, balanced
flow.
0.40

0.30

0.20

0.10
150

200

250

300

350

400

450

500

FACE VELOCITY (SFPM)

 SYNTHETIC MEDIA HEAT EXCHANGERS SYNTHETIC MEDIA HEAT EXCHANGERS
SIZES 021–070, 500-8,000 SCFM SIZES 083–135, 1,000-14,000 SCFM
CHART 4 CHART 5
100.0
EFFECTIVENESS (%) 100.0
EFFECTIVENESS (%)

95.0 95.0

90.0 90.0

85.0 85.0

80.0 80.0
ES ES
75.0 ET 75.0 ET
EL EL
70.0 70.0

65.0 65.0

60.0 60.0
150

250

350

450

550

650

750

850

150

250

350

450

550

650

750

850
FACE VELOCITY (SFPM) FACE VELOCITY (SFPM)

F L O W R AT E ( S C F M ) 16,000
F L O W R AT E ( S C F M )
9,000

8,000
RSX-070 14,000 RSX-135
7,000 12,000 RSX-116
RSX-055
6,000 RSX-099
10,000
5,000 RSX-045
RSX-083
8,000
4,000 RSX-035
6,000
3,000 RSX-027
4,000
2,000 RSX-021
1,000 2,000

12 0 0
150

250

350

450

550

650

750

850
150

250

350

450

550

650

750

850

FACE VELOCITY (SFPM) FACE VELOCITY (SFPM)

1.40 P R E S S U R E D R O P ( I N C H E S O F WAT E R ) 1.40 P R E S S U R E D R O P ( I N C H E S O F WAT E R )

1.20 1.20

1.00 1.00

0.80 0.80

0.60 0.60

0.40 0.40

0.20 0.20
150

250

350

450

550

650

750

850

150

250

350

450

550

650

750

850

FACE VELOCITY (SFPM) FACE VELOCITY (SFPM)

 ALUMINUM MEDIA HEAT EXCHANGERS ALUMINUM MEDIA HEAT EXCHANGERS
SIZES 010–040, 200-5,000 SCFM SIZES 050–130, 2,000-16,000 SCFM
CHART 6 CHART 7
100.0
EFFECTIVENESS (%) 100.0
EFFECTIVENESS (%)

95.0 95.0

90.0 90.0

85.0 85.0

80.0 80.0

75.0 75.0

70.0 70.0

65.0 65.0

60.0 60.0

300

400

500

600

700

800

900

1000
300

400

500

600

700

800

900

1000
FACE VELOCITY (SFPM) FACE VELOCITY (SFPM)

6,000
F L O W R AT E ( S C F M ) 18,000
F L O W R AT E ( S C F M )

16,000
5,000 RAX-130
RAX-040 14,000
RAX-120
4,000 12,000
RAX-032
10,000 RAX-086
3,000
RAX-024 8,000
RAX-068
2,000 6,000
RAX-018 RAX-050
4,000
1,000 RAX-010 2,000

0 0 13
300

400

500

600

700

800

900

1000
300

400

500

600

700

800

900

1000

FACE VELOCITY (SFPM) FACE VELOCITY (SFPM)

1.00 P R E S S U R E D R O P ( I N C H E S O F WAT E R ) 1.00 P R E S S U R E D R O P ( I N C H E S O F WAT E R )

0.90 0.90

0.80 0.80

0.70 0.70

0.60 0.60

0.50 0.50

0.40 0.40

0.30 0.30

0.20 0.20
1000
300

400

500

600

700

800

900

1000

300

400

500

600

700

800

900

FACE VELOCITY (SFPM) FACE VELOCITY (SFPM)

 ALUMINUM MEDIA HEAT EXCHANGERS ALUMINUM MEDIA HEAT EXCHANGERS
SIZES 140–320, 6,000-40,000 SCFM SIZES 380–780, 15,000-100,000 SCFM
CHART 8 CHART 9
100.0
EFFECTIVENESS (%) 100.0
EFFECTIVENESS (%)

95.0 95.0

90.0 90.0

85.0 85.0

80.0 80.0

75.0 75.0

70.0 70.0

65.0 65.0

60.0 60.0

800

900

1000
300

400

500

600

700

800

900

1000

300

400

500

600

700
FACE VELOCITY (SFPM) FACE VELOCITY (SFPM)

42,000
F L O W R AT E ( S C F M ) 110,000
F L O W R AT E ( S C F M )

38,000 RAX-320 100,000

RAX-780
34,000 90,000

30,000 RAX-250 80,000

RAX-620
26,000 70,000
RAX-210 RAX-540
22,000 60,000
RAX-170 RAX-450
18,000 50,000

14,000 RAX-140 40,000 RAX-380

10,000 30,000

6,000 20,000
14 2,000 10,000
300

400

500

600

700

800

900

1000
300

400

500

600

700

800

900

1000

FACE VELOCITY (SFPM) FACE VELOCITY (SFPM)

1.00 P R E S S U R E D R O P ( I N C H E S O F WAT E R ) 1.00 P R E S S U R E D R O P ( I N C H E S O F WAT E R )

0.90 0.90

0.80 0.80

0.70 0.70

0.60 0.60

0.50 0.50

0.40 0.40

0.30 0.30

0.20 0.20
300

400

500

600

700

800

900

1000

300

400

500

600

700

800

900

1000

FACE VELOCITY (SFPM) FACE VELOCITY (SFPM)

 CASSETTE HEIGHT

ER
ET
DIMENSIONAL DATA

AM
DI
R
TO
RO
CASSETTE
CASSETTE WIDTH DEPTH

TYPE RSX SYNTHETIC MATRIX HEAT EXCHANGERS

CASSETTE
NOMINAL ROTOR ROTOR HEIGHT OR CASSETTE CASSETTE DRIVE MOTOR
MODEL SCFM DIAMETER DEPTH WIDTH DEPTH WEIGHT HP

005 500 22 4 26 6.5 49 1/6

013 1,300 32 4 36 6.5 77 1/6
017 1,700 38 4 38 6.5 97 1/6
021 2,100 32 6 42 8.5 98 1/4
027 2,700 38 6 38 8.5 128 1/4
035 3,500 42 6 42 8.5 150 1/2
045 4,500 48 6 48 9 196 1/2
055 5,500 54 6 54 9 223 1/2
070 7,000 60 6 60 9 272 1/2
083 8,300 66 6 70 10 332 3/4
099 9,900 72 6 76 10 406 1
116 11,500 78 6 82 10 494 1
135 13,500 84 6 88 10 599 1

TYPE RAX ALUMINUM MATRIX HEAT EXCHANGERS

CASSETTE
NOMINAL ROTOR ROTOR HEIGHT OR CASSETTE CASSETTE DRIVE MOTOR
MODEL SCFM DIAMETER DEPTH WIDTH DEPTH WEIGHT HP

010 1,000 24 8 38 16 210 1/4

1/4
15
018 1,800 32 8 44 16 287
024 2,400 36 8 48 16 320 1/4
032 3,200 43 8 55 16 364 1/4
040 4,000 47 8 59 16 464 1/4
050 5,000 53 8 63 16 475 1/4
068 6,800 59 8 67 16 585 1/4
086 8,600 67 8 75 16 673 1/4
120 12,000 75 8 83 16 795 1/4
130 13,000 79 8 87 16 916 1/4
140 14,000 85 8 95 16 949 1/4
170 17,000 95 8 104 16 1170 1/4
210 21,000 104 8 115 17 1920 3/4
250 25,000 114 8 122 17 2141 3/4
320 32,000 126 8 134 17 2649 3/4
380 38,000 136 8 144 17 2870 3/4
450 45,000 150 8 158 17 3311 3/4
540 54,000 165 8 178 17 3974 3/4
620 62,000 181 8 193 18.5 6400 3/4
780 78,000 197 8 213 18.5 7726 3/4

All dimensions are in inches. Weights are in pounds. C H A R T 10

 SPECIFICATIONS
The rotary air-to-air heat exchanger(s) shall be Model _____________________ as
manufactured by Des Champs Laboratories. Base bids shall be offered for equipment
as specified. Alternate bids must be submitted in writing with complete engineering
analysis and comparisons to be considered. A separate bid price must be given for
equipment other than specified. The units shall be furnished as shown on capacity
schedules and drawings.

D E S I G N A N D C O N S T R U C T I O N F E AT U R E S
1. Unit Casing
Casing shall be of panelized cassette construction to prevent weld failure while
maintaining mechanical rigidity.
Casing and bearing supports shall be of sufficient strength to resist deflection
because of air pressure resistance and maintain seal clearances under all operat-
ing conditions.
Casing shall be of heavy gauge galvanized steel with removable side panels for
service access to the motor and drive.
2. Rotor
OPTION (Type RSX Synthetic Media Rotor)
Rotor shall be constructed of corrugated synthetic fiber-based media impreg-
nated with a non-migrating water selective molecular sieve desiccant. The des-
iccant and heat exchanger matrix shall be a homogeneous media. Etched or
oxidized surfaces and desiccants which are applied to the surface are not
acceptable.
Rotor frame shall consist of evenly spaced galvanized steel spokes, a galvanized
steel band, and an aluminum center hub.
Performance shall be rated in accordance ASHRAE Standard 84-1991 and
16
ARI 1060 Standards.
Rotor shall be cleanable by flushing with hot water, low pressure steam,
compressed air or light detergent without performance degradation.
OPTION (Type RAX Aluminum Media Rotor)
Rotor shall be constructed of corrugated aluminum media bonded with a syn-
thesized, non-migrating silica gel desiccant permanently bonded to the matrix.
Etched or oxidized surfaces are not acceptable.
Rotor frame shall consist of evenly spaced galvanized steel spokes, a galvanized
steel band, and an aluminum center hub.
Performance shall be rated in accordance ASHRAE Standard 84-1991.
Rotor shall be cleanable by flushing with hot water, low pressure steam,
compressed air or light detergent without performance degradation.
3. Purging Sector
A factory set, field adjustable purging sector shall limit carry-over of exhaust
air to between 0.05% at 1.6 in. w.g. differential pressure to 0.20% at 4 in. w.g.
differential pressure.
4. Drive
Drive system shall consist of a heavy-duty gear motor driving a self-adjusting,
easily replaceable multi-link belt.
An access panel shall be furnished for easy maintenance.
5. Seals
Seals shall be of the non-contact type designed for minimum clearance to the
rotor. Rotor surface shall be flat within 0.25 mm (0.01 inch) tolerance for mini-
mum seal leakage.
6. Controls
OPTION 0 Heat exchanger rotor shall be constant speed. No controls are to be
furnished.
OPTION 1 A variable speed drive permitting input of field connected 4-20mA
or 2-10V control signal shall be furnished.
OPTION 2 Integral frost control shall be furnished consisting of a variable
speed control and exhaust air sensor.
OPTION 3 Integral temperature control shall be furnished consisting of
variable speed control, exhaust and outside air sensors, automatic
changeover thermostat and setpoint adjuster.
OPTION 4 Integral frost and temperature control shall be furnished consisting
of variable speed control, exhaust and outside air sensors, auto-
matic changeover thermostat and setpoint adjuster.
DES CHAMPS LABORATORIES INCORPORATED
P.O. Box 220 • Natural Bridge Station, VA 24579 • [540] 291-1111 • FAX [540] 291-2211 • www.deschamps.com
© 1998 Des Champs Laboratories Incorporated RHE-1098/10M
(SUPERCEDES RHE-896/5M)