Fog Systems Fogging Systems Outdoor Cooling Fog System FOG SYSTEMS Fog systems have been in use for decades as an economical and efficient means of environmental control. Fog system applications include outdoor cooling, humidification, special effects, dust and odor control, and humidification. Each of these different applications has its own specific design requirements for the fog system depending on the desired results. In some cases, the fog system will surround the area and in other cases, it will be a single line run down the center of the area. Properly designed fog systems should include special attention to area and required results of the system. What is a Fog System A fog system is defined as high pressure water that is run through a specialized fog nozzle which produces fine droplets that float in air and evaporate. This will result in a filtering of the air when designed as a dust control system and reduced temperatures when designed as an outdoor cooling system. By definition, a fog system will require pressures of at least 1000 psi to be used to produce the micron sized droplets required to provide the desired results. Requirements for Fog System Design One of the original uses for fog systems was for animal cooling in the 1950’s. The systems provided an economical method of cooling poultry and cattle. Fog systems were later used in the swine industry as well. The properties of the fog system made them ideal for controlling the environment in an outdoor application and reduced temperatures by as much as 35 degrees. This temperature reduction reduced the stress level for the animals and lead to improved milk and egg production as well as increased meat production. Similar results were obtained for the swine industry. These results meant that a dairy or poultry farm could increase their production capacity without having to add additional animals. The cattle and poultry were maintained at a lower temperature than the surrounding area due to the evaporative characteristics of the fog system. This meant improved profitability for the commercial operation solely due to the introduction of the fog system. Fogging systems were used throughout the Midwestern United States and areas of the Middle East for decades before they were ever considered as a possible means of cooling for restaurant or residential patios. In Phoenix Arizona, fog systems were first introduced for people cooling in the 1980’s. The results were favorable and the response to these fog systems was immediate acceptance. Although the fogging systems were similar to the industrial systems, they did require special attention to design and the inclusion of new concepts and improved equipment. For residential and restaurant patio cooling, the fog systems design requires the placement of a high pressure fog line around the perimeter of the area to be cooled. As the fog evaporates, the temperature of the surrounding area is reduced. The fog system lines should be placed on the outer area of the patio at a height that will allow for complete evaporation. Fog line and nozzle spacing should be set depending on the specific conditions of the area to be cooled. When properly designed and installed, the results can be dramatic. All of the water from the fog system will evaporate and the outside temperatures will be reduced without the need for traditional air conditioning. Cooling fans can also be included if additional air circulation is required. When a covered patio is not available but area cooling is still required, the fog systems cooling capability may be diminished but effective cooling is still possible. In this case, the fog system is simply laid on the ground and allowed to spray directly upwards. The amount of evaporation from the fog system will determine its cooling capability. In most cases, the temperature reduction will still be in the 20 to 25 degree range. As long as a high percentage of the fog is allowed to evaporate, the required cooling will take place. Because a high pressure fog system provides such small droplets of water, it is a very effective means of humidification for enclosed areas. These may include wineries, waste treatment facilities, and greenhouses. Several key factors in the design and application for these types of fog systems include the relative humidity, the ambient temperature, and the existing air exchange within the facility. Other humidification uses for fog systems include increasing humidification for textiles plants and wood processing facilities. Fog systems are also effectively used to improve the curing process for concrete. In all these cases, the final product being produced is significantly improved by the fog system and the commercial operation will experience improved financial benefits all at a fraction of the cost of other methods of humidification. In most humidification applications the purpose of the fog system is to create and maintain an established level of humidity without regard to the outdoor conditions. This environment control allows for the production of a more consistent product for many different commercial operations. It therefore also allows for a higher quality of goods and a higher profit margin. Although the ideal humidity level for each different application may vary, the capability of the fog system is now well established. The environmental control provided by a properly designed and installed fog system has makes them an ideal addition when humidity control is required. As with all fog system applications, humidification projects should first include careful consideration of the area to be humidified to ensure proper design of the fog system. The initial concern is always to avoid moisture fallout. This will adversely impact the area being humidified by the fog system. In some cases the inclusion of fans for added air circulation may be required. Fog systems used for humidification applications will usually require the use of the smallest fog nozzle orifice and careful placement of the fog nozzles and fog lines. As with animal cooling, properly designed and installed fog systems will provide improved product results. Textiles mills can produce stronger fabrics with less equipment problems and maintenance. Wood processing plants have less scrap and straighter lengths. Wineries will loose less wine through evaporation. Overall, commercial operations can be dramatically improved leading to increased profitability. Each application will vary and each project has specific requirements so the system design is a key to fog system efficacy. For help or input or your fog system design contact Fogco at 800 607 6478 or visit us on the web at http://www.fogco.com This Page is about Outdoor Cooling Fog System, Fogging Systems, Fog Systems Fogco Systems, Inc. 600 South 56th Street Suite #9 Chandler, AZ 85226 Phone: (480) 507-Mist(6478) Fax: (480) 838-2232 E-mail: info@fogco.com Fogco Systems, LTD. 60A South Nelson Road South Nelson Industrial Estate Cramlinton Northumberland NE23 1 WF UK Phone: 44 (0) 1670 735404 Fax: 44 (0) 1670 733406 E-mail: ianb@fogco.co.uk © 2005 Fogco Systems, Inc. Mistscaping, Desert Fog, Fogco, and the encircled spray pattern are registered trademarks of Fogco Systems, Inc. We specialize in Misting Systems, Mist System, and Fog Mist Systems Home | Fog Mist System | Fog System | Fog System Features Mist Systems | Pool Water Features |