Humiform™ Frequently Asked Questions
Question: How do I set up my new HumiForm?
Answer: Fill reservoir with distilled water and a cap-full of 3% hydrogen peroxide for Mini's, or two cap-fulls for standard size reservoirs, using either a funnel and measuring cup, or a squeeze bottle until water level is about 1/8" below lid. Do not overfill, as this may cause leakage. Alternatively, a 50:50 mix of Propylene Glycol and Distilled Water may be used. Due to high moisture content and extended periods between refills, some form of anti-microbial solution is recommended. See videos.
Answer: Fill reservoir with distilled water and a cap-full of 3% hydrogen peroxide for Mini's, or two cap-fulls for standard size reservoirs, using either a funnel and measuring cup, or a squeeze bottle until water level is about 1/8" below lid. Do not overfill, as this may cause leakage. Alternatively, a 50:50 mix of Propylene Glycol and Distilled Water may be used. Due to high moisture content and extended periods between refills, some form of anti-microbial solution is recommended. See videos.
With filament loops protruding from both sides of the tee, insert the open filament ends into the reservoir thru the rubber grommet, and then insert stanchion into the grommet with a gentle twisting motion. If humidor is already seasoned, we recommend setting loops where less than 1" of filament extends from each side of tee. If humidor is not yet seasoned, see next topic below. Place inside humidor and close lid, monitor relative humidity, and adjust filament as needed.
Less is More - Since HumiForm is capable of emitting considerable water vapor quickly, it's recommended to start with low RH and increase by slowly exposing more filament. If humidor becomes over saturated, it may be necessary to leave lid partially open until RH decreases to desired level.
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Question: How do I season my Humidor using HumiForm?
Answer: Place a filled HumiForm inside new humidor with about 4" (2" on each side of tee) of filament exposed plus a calibrated hygrometer. Monitor the relative humidity until it achieves RH target (typically 70%), and reduce filament exposure until humidity level stabilizes. In one study of a humidor initially at 49%, it took 2 days to reach desired relative humidity plus another day to stabilize. In another study, we observed humidity achieve 72% RH and stabilize in the first 3 days - while the wood moisture content continued to increase for the next few days. By day 4, the wood should be seasoned adequately to begin inserting cigars. Reduce or increase the amount of exposed filament as needed to maintain desired final relative humidity.
Answer: Place a filled HumiForm inside new humidor with about 4" (2" on each side of tee) of filament exposed plus a calibrated hygrometer. Monitor the relative humidity until it achieves RH target (typically 70%), and reduce filament exposure until humidity level stabilizes. In one study of a humidor initially at 49%, it took 2 days to reach desired relative humidity plus another day to stabilize. In another study, we observed humidity achieve 72% RH and stabilize in the first 3 days - while the wood moisture content continued to increase for the next few days. By day 4, the wood should be seasoned adequately to begin inserting cigars. Reduce or increase the amount of exposed filament as needed to maintain desired final relative humidity.
Study 1 Comparing HumiForm Mini to 84% RH Seasoning Pouches and 72% RH Pouch.
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HumiForm Mini with filament exposure at low setting
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Question: How do I adjust the humidity level inside a humidor?
Answer: Adjustments literally take a few seconds to increase or decrease the amount of exposed filament. Once the humidor reaches moisture equilibrium, it may be necessary to adjust the filament so that loops are barely protruding from the tee. See photos. In some cases, it may not be necessary to have any filament protrusion.
Answer: Adjustments literally take a few seconds to increase or decrease the amount of exposed filament. Once the humidor reaches moisture equilibrium, it may be necessary to adjust the filament so that loops are barely protruding from the tee. See photos. In some cases, it may not be necessary to have any filament protrusion.
Approximately 6" (3" per side) of exposed filament for generating maximum water vapor
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3" to 4" (1.5" to 2.0" per side) of Exposed Filament
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0 to 1/2" (0 to 1/4" per side) of exposed filament for generating minimum water vapor
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Question: How much humidity variation should I expect to have inside my humidor using HumiForm?
Answer: Generally, the relative humidity will vary by 3% or 4% throughout the day depending on factors such as quality of the humidor and seal, dryness and quantity of cigars, how many times the lid is opened, temperature swings, etc. In our studies, we tend to open and close the lids frequently to test the humidor wood and cigar moisture levels. The graph here shows typical variation in a full 100 stick humidor with glass top and sides using a HumiForm 100 V. This amount of variation should have little to no effect on the wood or cigar moisture levels.
Answer: Generally, the relative humidity will vary by 3% or 4% throughout the day depending on factors such as quality of the humidor and seal, dryness and quantity of cigars, how many times the lid is opened, temperature swings, etc. In our studies, we tend to open and close the lids frequently to test the humidor wood and cigar moisture levels. The graph here shows typical variation in a full 100 stick humidor with glass top and sides using a HumiForm 100 V. This amount of variation should have little to no effect on the wood or cigar moisture levels.
Question: How often do I fill the reservoir?
Answer: estimated refills for the standard size HumiForm reservoirs is about every 6 to 10 months, depending on factors such as quantity and dryness of the cigars being stored and quality of humidor. The Mini version holds about 1/3 as much water, so lasts about 1/3 as long as the standard size. It is important that the filament not be allowed to dry out, as this tends to severely reduce the filament's ability to emit water vapor.
Answer: estimated refills for the standard size HumiForm reservoirs is about every 6 to 10 months, depending on factors such as quantity and dryness of the cigars being stored and quality of humidor. The Mini version holds about 1/3 as much water, so lasts about 1/3 as long as the standard size. It is important that the filament not be allowed to dry out, as this tends to severely reduce the filament's ability to emit water vapor.
Question: Would you please inform me on how it operates?
Answer: Distilled water is drawn from the reservoir through the filament and emitted as water vapor above the cigars. The bow-tie loop tees to the left and right to provide uniform water vapor release. Increasing the amount of exposed filament increases the amount of water vapor - and resulting relative humidity.
Answer: Distilled water is drawn from the reservoir through the filament and emitted as water vapor above the cigars. The bow-tie loop tees to the left and right to provide uniform water vapor release. Increasing the amount of exposed filament increases the amount of water vapor - and resulting relative humidity.
Question: What type of hygrometer is recommended inside my humidor?
Answer: We recommend a wireless type that allows you to monitor from your phone, especially until conditions inside the humidor stabilize.
Answer: We recommend a wireless type that allows you to monitor from your phone, especially until conditions inside the humidor stabilize.
Question: Can I purchase future orders from your factory?
Answer: Yes, please visit our online Store at https://www.origineer.com/store/p56/origineer.com.html
Answer: Yes, please visit our online Store at https://www.origineer.com/store/p56/origineer.com.html
Question: How much would you charge for local pick up?
Answer: Local pickup is free.
Answer: Local pickup is free.
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Question: What is the whitesh growth on the filament?
Answer: This is referred to as bloom or plume, and while not harmful, is easily removed using a paper towel. Due to the extended time between refills, it's suggested to use distilled water with a cap-full or two of 3% Hydrogen Peroxide, or to use a 50:50 blend of distilled water and Propylene Glycol. to prevent mold growth which may be harmful and permanently stain. |
Bloom on filament loop
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Bloom removed using paper towel
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Question: Is the bluesh oxidation on the copper tee normal?
Answer: Yes. The oxidation and patina develop normally over time. If you prefer to remove it periodically, we recommend using steel wool and rinsing the resulting dust with distilled water before reinserting the filament. We recommend cleaning tee fairly quickly and returning to service while filament remains moist, it is important that the filament not be allowed to dry out, as this tends to severely reduce the filament's ability to emit water vapor. |
Oxidation forming on tee
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Oxidation removed with steel wool
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