Kalis: Cooling Comfort, 100% Dry
Kalis: Cooling Comfort, 100% Dry
PPE users performing heavy work in hot and humid conditions face risks of reduced concentration, productivity, and safety. The main factors contributing to heat stress are weather conditions, work intensity, clothing, and individual characteristics. There are also non-visible factors that can contribute, such as safety culture, company OSH management, and worker training.
Heat stress can result in prolonged illnesses or injuries, and more severe heatstroke can even be fatal if symptoms are not treated promptly.
Cases of heat-related illnesses among PPE users have been increasing worldwide and are likely to continue rising due to climate change, especially for outdoor workers with high workloads.
Until recently, wet cooling systems were the possible solution to equip workers with additional head protection against heat, humidity, and direct sunlight.
The less expensive methods of wet cooling involve wetting the equipment (e.g., a pad or fabric), squeezing it, and then using it while the water evaporates. The more expensive products use ice or cooling tubes for the effect. However, in general, wet cooling systems present problems because they involve being immersed in water and can never be 100% dry, creating discomfort for the user and posing risks of bacterial contamination.
Moreover, the available wet cooling systems are generally not very compatible with certain types of PPE.
Work at a Good Pace Even under Very High Temperatures
The requirements for a cooler, cleaner, and more durable solution led Centurion to partner with Inuteq in developing the innovative KALIS Dry Cooling System.
Designed to be comfortable, durable, and antibacterial, the KALIS Dry Cooling System keeps the user up to 15°C cooler than the ambient temperature and completely dry for long periods. It is compatible with different types and brands of helmets and has been tested with all Centurion helmets.
The Kalis cooling pouch for the helmet liner is activated with 50ml of water, weighing only 40g, providing enhanced cooling for up to 3 days without recharging and does not require submersion, refrigeration, or freezing like other cooling products. The technology keeps the fabric dry to the touch, eliminating the discomfort of wet fabric on the skin while cooling up to 15°C below ambient temperature, even in humid environments.
Wet Cooling VS Dry Cooling
Wet Cooling
- They are immersed in water, giving a wet feeling directly on the skin, causing discomfort.
- They provide cooling for only a few hours (depending on humidity)
- Can only be activated 100 times*, so if reactivated twice a day, it only lasts approximately 2-3 months.
- They provide only between 6-12°C of cooling to the user.
- They are usually specified to be hand washed (with a brush and soap).
- They are generally not antibacterial, so they can become contaminated and dirty.
*Depending on the brand used
Dry Cooling
- The KALIS Dry Cooling System is 100% dry and therefore comfortable for the user.
- Dry cooling lasts up to 3 days thanks to its internal and external membranes.
- It can be activated 750 times, lasting up to 5 years, depending on how often it is reactivated.
- It can provide up to 15°C of cooling for the user.
- It can be machine washed.
- Antibacterial solution.
Work at a Good Pace Even under Very High Temperatures
The requirements for a cooler, cleaner, and more durable solution led Centurion to partner with Inuteq in developing the innovative KALIS Dry Cooling System.
Designed to be comfortable, durable, and antibacterial, the KALIS Dry Cooling System keeps the user up to 15°C cooler than the ambient temperature and completely dry for long periods. It is compatible with different types and brands of helmets and has been tested with all Centurion helmets.
The Kalis cooling pouch for the helmet liner is activated with 50ml of water, weighing only 40g, providing enhanced cooling for up to 3 days without recharging and does not require submersion, refrigeration, or freezing like other cooling products. The technology keeps the fabric dry to the touch, eliminating the discomfort of wet fabric on the skin while cooling up to 15°C below ambient temperature, even in humid environments.
Wet Cooling VS Dry Cooling
Wet Cooling
- They are immersed in water, giving a wet feeling directly on the skin, causing discomfort.
- They provide cooling for only a few hours (depending on humidity)
- Can only be activated 100 times*, so if reactivated twice a day, it only lasts approximately 2-3 months.
- They provide only between 6-12°C of cooling to the user.
- They are usually specified to be hand washed (with a brush and soap).
- They are generally not antibacterial, so they can become contaminated and dirty.
*Depending on the brand used
Dry Cooling
- The KALIS Dry Cooling System is 100% dry and therefore comfortable for the user.
- Dry cooling lasts up to 3 days thanks to its internal and external membranes.
- It can be activated 750 times, lasting up to 5 years, depending on how often it is reactivated.
- It can provide up to 15°C of cooling for the user.
- It can be machine washed.
- Antibacterial solution.
Future Outlook: Five-year Costs
The improvements of the KALIS Dry Cooling System over competing wet cooling technologies were designed to go beyond comfort and performance.
Certain advantages of KALIS, such as four times longer cooling and overall performance up to five times greater, can bring significant benefits to companies from an investment perspective.
It is possible to halve the cost per use with dry cooling.
The data illustrates why dry cooling is an attractive value proposition:
The improvements of the KALIS Dry Cooling System over competing wet cooling technologies were designed to go beyond comfort and performance.
Certain advantages of KALIS, such as four times longer cooling and overall performance up to five times greater, can bring significant benefits to companies from an investment perspective.
It is possible to halve the cost per use with dry cooling.
The data illustrates why dry cooling is an attractive value proposition:
How Does the KALIS Dry Cooling Technology Work?
Water is a vital ingredient in both wet cooling and the KALIS Dry Cooling System, but with very different results. Due to water’s propensity to evaporate in hot environments, KALIS can achieve maximum cooling performance lasting up to three days, compared to just five to ten hours with wet cooling.
The KALIS Dry Cooling System is designed for environments where cooling is desired and resources are limited. To activate the technology, the user applies a limited amount of water inside the pad. The water is then stored between two membranes: the outer layer is semi-permeable and allows water vapor to pass through, while the inner layer is impermeable to protect the user’s skin and keep it 100% dry.
Water vapor flows through the porous material and evaporates, cooling the user.
Kalis technology membranes
More specifically, the KALIS system is a “heat sink” activated by the propensity of water to evaporate when combined with energy (heat) from the local environment. Water is also safe, environmentally friendly, and generally available, so the KALIS Dry Cooling System can be easily replenished without additional costs.
When water is added to KALIS, the rate at which it cools the user depends on two factors. The first is the size of the holes (or pores) in the semi-permeable membrane, which acts as a “gate”. Larger holes mean that water vapor can move forward more quickly and provide faster cooling for the user.
The second factor is how the relative humidity in the environment reacts with the airflow over the product. When the difference between the interior of the block (retaining 100% relative humidity) and the ambient atmosphere (including how fast the air moves) is greater, this, in turn, creates a greater driving force for evaporation and will increase the cooling rate. Kalis will perform better in ventilated helmets.
The KALIS Dry Cooling System helps improve worker concentration and performance, reduces perspiration and sweat, and prevents symptoms of heat stress. By ensuring comfort, the likelihood of the worker wearing a helmet is greater, which is an added safety factor. Additionally, its compatibility with most helmets is unmatched.
How Does the KALIS Dry Cooling Technology Work?
Water is a vital ingredient in both wet cooling and the KALIS Dry Cooling System, but with very different results. Due to water’s propensity to evaporate in hot environments, KALIS can achieve maximum cooling performance lasting up to three days, compared to just five to ten hours with wet cooling.
The KALIS Dry Cooling System is designed for environments where cooling is desired and resources are limited. To activate the technology, the user applies a limited amount of water inside the pad. The water is then stored between two membranes: the outer layer is semi-permeable and allows water vapor to pass through, while the inner layer is impermeable to protect the user’s skin and keep it 100% dry.
Water vapor flows through the porous material and evaporates, cooling the user.
Kalis technology membranes
More specifically, the KALIS system is a “heat sink” activated by the propensity of water to evaporate when combined with energy (heat) from the local environment. Water is also safe, environmentally friendly, and generally available, so the KALIS Dry Cooling System can be easily replenished without additional costs.
When water is added to KALIS, the rate at which it cools the user depends on two factors. The first is the size of the holes (or pores) in the semi-permeable membrane, which acts as a “gate”. Larger holes mean that water vapor can move forward more quickly and provide faster cooling for the user.
The second factor is how the relative humidity in the environment reacts with the airflow over the product. When the difference between the interior of the block (retaining 100% relative humidity) and the ambient atmosphere (including how fast the air moves) is greater, this, in turn, creates a greater driving force for evaporation and will increase the cooling rate. Kalis will perform better in ventilated helmets.
The KALIS Dry Cooling System helps improve worker concentration and performance, reduces perspiration and sweat, and prevents symptoms of heat stress. By ensuring comfort, the likelihood of the worker wearing a helmet is greater, which is an added safety factor. Additionally, its compatibility with most helmets is unmatched.
