Fogging Machine (Fogger)
What is a fogging machine and how does it work?
The fogging machine, or fogger as it is sometimes called, is a versatile piece of equipment that uses a fine spray to apply a chemical solution, often used for pest control, restricting the growth of mould or for odour control. It is becoming increasingly popular as a means of sanitising surfaces.
The fogger uses pressure to create a fine mist (or fog) which is applied to the targeted area, the spray density typically being moderated by a manual valve to ensure the optimum effect. Depending on the type of fogger being used, it is possible to spray up to 12 metres, enough to cover a large room. The fine fog can reach into corners and difficult areas and may also penetrate porous surfaces.
Chemicals should be used with care though, as the spray or mist can linger in the air, so time should be allowed for the solution to settle and do its work. Keeping an area clear of people when treatment is underway protects any operatives from inhaling any unpleasant chemicals.
Using fogging machines for sanitation – Coronavirus protection
Foggers are effective for sanitising, something which has become a massive requirement as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020.
By using an appropriate formula such as the V2 Antiviral Disinfectant, fogging can kill a wide range of pathogenic viruses in under 5 minutes, leaving surfaces clean and safe for human contact, and is safe to use in hospital and medical environments and food preparation areas.
Other uses for fogging machines
Food industry fogging
Foggers can be used inside or outside in a variety of situations in agriculture or the food process industry where sanitizing is a vital element. Chemical foggers are particularly important in environments such as the dairy industry (milking parlours), the pig industry (weaner sheds) and hatcheries for the chicken business, where any pollution of the workplace would be costly in time and money. Fogging machines are also crucial in sanitizing high risk food preparation areas where food, either processed or fresh is about to go to market and where the appropriate level of cleanliness is essential.
Insect control fogging
Insect control is an increasing problem inside and outside where, due to climate change, we are seeing a wider variety of unwanted creatures. Chemical fogging machines can apply insecticide using the ultra low volume (ULV) method which creates extremely small droplets (to such an extent that they may not be visible to the naked eye) of concentrated insecticide to ensure full coverage and effective insect control. A fogging system can be used against a variety of bugs and is useful as a mosquito fogger, a flea fogger or even a bed bug fogger amongst many insecticide applications.
Fogging machines for hospitals and doctors’ surgeries
Foggers are used by many hospitals and medical environments for infection control, particularly for decontamination of reusable medical equipment and as part of a process to clean and disinfect vacated wards and rooms. Sanitising has been a key principle in medical environments for many years, but has become even more essential in light of Covid-19, so foggers can assist medical and hospital cleaning teams as part of their new measures to protect the NHS, it’s staff and patients. Because fogging is a relatively quick process, it is suitable for regular application and the treated areas and equipment can be brought back into service straight away.
Other applications
Foggers can also be used for humidifying in greenhouses or other areas where high humidity is required, to deodorise areas such as sewage treatment plants or for dust control in industries like mining to prevent airborne pollutants. In wet areas, where the presence of mould is likely, a fogger can be used to kill the airborne mould spores to prevent growth.
Fogging Machine Types
Fogging machines can be portable or static, automatic or manual and have various designs suitable for particular applications. They vary in size depending on the operation required and normally have the chemicals or disinfectant contained within the body of the unit, however some units can be fixed directly on to a drum of insecticide or other chemical solution, for large scale operations. There are also centralised automated systems electronically controlled for larger facilities.
We supply a range of fogging machines, hand pump sprayers and ULV foggers, all of which are easy to use and cost effective.
We often have special offers on Foggers, so click the link below to find out more, or call us, we’re happy to offer advice.
Article updated by Ian Hodkinson 14th May 2020
