Archive for 2009

Keeping Cool with Outdoor Misting Systems

Misting systems are a form of evaporative cooling that can cool any given area through the evaporation of water particles. Our body naturally cools itself through perspiration – as it evaporates, our body is cooled. Evaporative coolers such as outdoor misting systems mimic this natural process, and can effectively cool outdoor areas that are sometimes left at the mercy of the brutal summer heat.

How do misting systems work? Basically, these systems spray a fine mist a by using a high pressure pump and tubing to force water through tiny nozzles that are usually made of brass, ceramic or stainless steel. The nozzle itself has an orifice of only about 5 micrometers – a really small hole (about the size of a human hair) that turns the water into a very fine mist. The water droplets that are produced are so small that that they evaporate instantaneously. This evaporation then cools the surrounding air, lowering it by as much as 35 degrees Fahrenheit in just seconds.

Outdoor misting systems can be used for a variety of purposes. They can be installed around the perimeter of patios, where they can turn the area from an unusable hot space in the summer to a more resort-like sanctuary. Other uses include keeping a greenhouse with orchids or other plants much cooler so that they can grow at optimum conditions. These misting systems can also keep family pets and livestock cool and refreshed, preventing them from dehydrating or suffering heat strokes. Outdoor misting systems can also control insects and odors, and are commonly used in zoos and farms.

Outdoor misting systems are extremely popular in both humid and dry climates, and are less expensive to install and operate than traditional air conditioning. Many industrial facilities are choosing to install misting systems in worker break areas, to keep employees happy and refreshed while also lowering heat stress levels and making the work environment safer at the same time.

If you’re looking for a way to cool your patio, greenhouse, livestock, restaurant or bar effectively, then you should consider getting outdoor misting systems.

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Cooling Off With Water Misting Fans

Water misting fans are a viable alternative to air conditioning as a means of cooling various spaces. These misting fan systems utilize the process know as evaporative cooling, and can lower temperatures as much as 35 degrees.

These misting fans are similar to humidifiers in how they work. This means that they basically work by increasing the humidity or the amount of moisture in the air in a particular area, such as a room. The fan blows a very fine mist of water into the air to achieve this. This moisture then evaporates, and absorbs the heat from the air, effectively cooling the area. The hotter the area, the quicker the evaporation occurs. This is the result using up more heat by the energy exchange process, meaning the misting fans can cool even faster. That even in a very hot area, the fans can cool the place very quickly.

Water misting fans are effective in both humid and dry climates. Having a dryer air level will ensure that the cool mist that the fans spray, evaporate quicker and therefore will cool an area faster. The misting nozzles on each one of these fans have extremely small orifices. In turn, each fan produces water droplets so small, that when blown by the fan, instantly evaporate leaving only a cool and refreshing breeze.

Water misting fans can be used both outdoors and indoors. Many industrial facilities are starting to see the benefits these water misting fans provide for their employees. Residential and commercial clients often use them to cool greenhouses, patios, outdoor restaurants, worksites or areas where sporting events are held. The fans not only cool the area but can help clear dust and repel odors and flying insects, especially during hot, stuffy evenings.

If you’re looking for a great way to keep refreshed on hot days, consider getting water misting fans to stay cool.

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Outdoor Cooling Systems: Do You Need One For Your Business or Home?

If you have ever sat outside on a hot, sticky day, you know how unpleasant it can be. If you are an owner of a restaurant or pub, summer time often translates into big bucks. Summer business is especially critical if you have a patio or deck, but all it takes is one bad heat wave to empty your patio and drive your clients away. If this sounds all too familiar, an outdoor cooling system can help keep money in your pocket and stop this from happening.

An outdoor cooling system works by pumping an ultra fine mist into the air. The heat in the air works as energy to evaporate the mist. Because of this process of using heat energy to evaporate the water, the air becomes cooler. In less humid areas, the cooling effect is greater but even humid conditions can benefit from having a cooling system that let customers enjoy the outdoors. There are a number of manufacturers and re-sellers that offer outdoor cooling systems. While there are many subtle differences between most systems, the majority tend to work in the same manner. All it takes is a little bit of research in order to find the best system for your application. Smaller systems can be found which utilize a 120-160 PSI booster pump or sometimes only require hose pressure. Larger systems tend to include numerous misting fans and often run all off the same 1000 PSI high pressure pump unit.

Different kits are available for cooling everything from animal runs to patios to athletic and outdoor events. All misting kits generally work under the same principle. Most of them use a mid-pressure or high pressure pump unit which attaches to a garden hose and usually contains an inlet filter. The water is then carried through 1/4″ or 3/8″ tubing to each misting nozzle. Many people choose to use a fan in addition which helps evaporate the mist and propels it into the air. Many fans allow you to adjust the height and angle at which they are positioned.

Wind is an important factor that you need to consider when you cool an outdoor area. If winds are strong, the cooling effect will not be as good, because wind sometimes has a tendency to blow the cool mist away and never reach the intended area.

When purchasing a cooling system, it is always advisable to evaluate and do homework due to the wide range of products now available online. Be sure to closely read specifications, descriptions and articles about each product. Many companies offer highly popular do-it-yourself kits that allow consumers to build your own system. Most of these kits come with replacement parts and accessories for the first year of usage and saves any additional headaches such as having to order additional parts.

If you want to turn your deck or patio into a relaxing oasis during the excruciating heat of summer consider an outdoor cooling system. Outdoor cooling systems can turn a sticky situation into a way to attract customers to your establishment and make outdoor life in general much more comfortable.

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Keep Your Cool With Outdoor Misting Fans

Outdoor misting fans can drop the temperature on your patio by twenty degrees or more. The great news is that the warmer the temperature, the better these fans work.

An outdoor misting fan combines the cooling power of an outdoor misting system with a fan. Perhaps you have visited a theme park and walked through one of their misting systems. No matter how warm it is, you immediately feel cooler. This is due to the science referred to as thermal dynamics, or flash evaporation. The amount of actual cooling that can take place on your patio depends on two things. The first is the actual temperature of the air outside and second is the relative humidity of the air. Most people report about a twenty degree drop in temperature on their patio, but in industrial settings, outdoor misting fans have actually shown a 55 degree drop in temperature in the dry heated air of a copper smelter.

Imagine the outside temperature being 100 degrees. Let’s face it, hardly anyone wants to be outside in that type of weather. Imagine being able to walk outside and activating a misting fan system where all you have to do is turn on the power to the fans, and click the remote control to fire up the high pressure pump unit. While everyone on your block is trapped inside their homes due to the heat, you are able to enjoy dining on the patio at a comfortable eighty degrees.

An additional benefit of these fans is that they repel insects, flies and pesky mosquitoes and sometimes even work better than bug zappers, citronella, and yard sprays. Many garden enthusiasts also love having the added ability to work in their garden during the warmest of days. Simply position each fan in the direction you are working and the cool air is delivered your way. If dust or pollen are present, the water vapor will settle them down in just a few minutes.

Outdoor misting fans also work very well to keep your pets cool when they want to play. If you need to work in your garage or shop, set a portable misting fan in an open door or window, turn it on and watch the temperature drop.

As a reminder, be sure that any outdoor misting fan is plugged into a GFI rated outlet just to be extra cautious. This is important since you are mixing water and electricity.

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