Education - Mosquito Control

The “Suraksha” Fogging Machine operates on the principle of valved pulse jet engine. It has one-sided open (fog outlet) jet-tube (resonator) with a valve at the air inlet side (carburetor). The pulse jet system operates without any moving parts, consisting of carburetor, Inlet Tube, Combustion Chamber and Resonator.

Close to the end of the resonator, fogging solution is injected in the hot air stream emerging at high velocity, and is dispersed into the finest aerosol droplets and distributed into the atmosphere as suspended fog.

The temperature of the solution at the point where the fogging solution is fed is in the range of 40º- 60º C. The solution is exposed to heat for not more than 4-5 milliseconds. Therefore, there is almost no rise in the temperature of the solution & there could be a substantial reduction in its temperature as the solution comes in contact with atmosphere if the ambient temperature is less. Therefore, heat sensitive substances can also be used for thermal fogging.

The machine runs on fuel like gasoline and does not need any external trigger to ignite during regular running. It is only during starting of the machine that an external spark is provided using a spark plug. The vacuum created during each cycle (about 100 cycles per second) pulls the air and petrol continuously to keep the machine running on its own.

1. FAQ about Fogging

    

    

   1. Does Fogging Lead to Pollution?

   No, Thermal Fogging has been approved by WHO* as a non-polluting disinfection process. There is a complete or near complete burning of fuel vis-à-vis an internal combustion engine, wherein burning is incomplete to a larger extent, leading to higher CO which is dangerous.

    

   2. Is Thermal Fogging Safe?

   Absolutely, provided we prescribed chemicals are used and we follow the safety instructions by the chemical manufacturers. Thermal Fogging is essential to fight insects like mosquito, flies, etc. Therefore, by default, the sprayed solution is harmful for them. Hence, following the chemical manufacturer’s instructions is essential. It is recommended that especially children and aged persons must be kept away from heavy fog.

    

   3. Why should one carry out Thermal Fogging?

   Thermal Fogging is the only process wherein droplets of less than 20 microns are produced. Smaller the droplet longer is the time span for which it remains in air, higher is its reaction power (due to increased surface area for a given mass) and therefore consumption of chemicals is substantially reduced. In addition, thermal fogging is the only process whereby 100% coverage is guaranteed for massive areas.

    

   4. Is Local government permission required for Fogging?

   No. However, some local government may ask to submit the names and restrict or monitor the chemicals being sprayed. Therefore, it is suggested that the buyer confirms from the local health department.

    

   5. How frequently should I carry out Fogging?

   Thermal Fogging is normally carried out twice/once in a week. However, depending on the menace of the insects, one may decide to do it more often. Higher fogging frequency is normally required in the beginning when you start fogging after a long gap.

    

   6. Is Thermal Fogging Effective?

   The effectiveness of a pest control process depends upon the sprayed liquid particle size, the target size, sprayed particle density, the target density, used chemical’s effectiveness for the purpose of thermal fogging and multiple such factors. The thermal fogging process exactly fulfils most requirements like no other application process. Renowned manufacturers like Bayer, Aventis, Novartis, Syngenta, etc. manufacture insecticides exclusively for thermal fogging & understandably it is a very effective pest combat technique.

    

   7. Can I Fog an enclosed room/ chamber?

   Thermal Fogging creates a very dense fog; hence, due care should be taken while fogging a room. The fog is 99% diesel and therefore inflammable. Any electricity arcing or smoking may lead to fire hazard. Due care is a must along with knowledgeable operator

Safety First

Before use, operators must have read and/or understood completely the safety measures.

During operation, never leave the machine unattended.

Smoking or exposure to flame/ electric arc is strictly prohibited during working or non-working of the machine.

Before operation, make sure the appliance is fully and correctly assembled, no damage and leaks, the sealing is in order

Always re-assemble safety devices if provided, after repair work is completed

Wear protective clothing (protective overalls, gloves, head cover) to protect the skin from exposure to chemicals. Wear ear protection against noise.

When working in closed areas, wear breathing mask with combination filters against solvents.

Follow the chemical suppliers’ safety instructions while handling the chemicals.

When filling the petrol be sure that the tank is cool and there is no spillage.

Outdoors, fogging should be done in the wind direction. Indoors, fogging must be restricted to avoid loss of visibility and operator must start from the most interior area towards the exit of the area.

Avoid touching hot parts to prevent burns. After operation, allow reasonable time for the machine to cool down.

Do not direct the fog against a wall or fixed objects.

Do not fog if the unit is not running perfectly.

Do not transport the unit in closed vehicles while it is still warm.

Do not allow any living or non-living item to come in front of the machine for about half a meter, as there is a possible risk of flames from the exhaust tube.

Care

  i.  Due to transportation regulations it is possible that the Battery Cells might have been removed, Please reinstate in the correct position as per the product maual.

    ii.       Separate the machine from the packaging material as most packaging material are prone to fire.

The following are the normal operations to be ensured before starting the machine for 1^st time & always

1^st Time

a)  There is no damage or air/ fuel leakage in the machine

b)  The spark plug & its wire are duly connected

c)   The battery  is assembled with correct polarity and working

Always

d)  There is no fuel or solution spillage during filling, that could catch fire

e)  The machine outlet is minimum, 2 ft away from any obstruction

f)     The battery, if rechargeable, is fully charged

g)  Adequate amount of fresh fuel and fresh solution are filled into their respective tanks. It is a good idea to fill half a tank in the beginning few weeks till the operator understands the machine fully.

h)  The Caps of both the tanks are secured firmly

i)     Pump only if, the S/Plug switch is ON & its sound is Good

j)     The fuel cock is in the OFF position initially, and then you turn it ON

Ensure Pumping is stopped as soon as the Machine Starts.

Ensure Spark Plug Switch is turned off after the Machine starts. If left ON, battery will require drain out and you will have to replace them with a new battery set. If the battery is kept on only at the time of starting, it will last about a year.

Starting the Machine

1.   Remove old petrol from the petrol tank. Fill the tank with undiluted, oil-free, fresh petrol only. Close the Tank Cap tightly.

2.   Remove old diesel/kerosene from the bigger chemical tank. Clean the tank with kerosene. Fill the tank with diesel or kerosene duly mixed with proportionate quantity of insecticide/ pesticide, and close the cap tightly.

3.   Ensure that the Fuel Cock and Solution Control Valve (at the chemical tank outlet) are closed.

4.   Ensure Rechargeable Battery is charged fully, if present in your model.

5.   Turn the Spark Plug Switch ON, Check the prominent sound of the spark plug. If the switch is OFF or does not have a prominent sound (weak batteries) your machine will not start & FLOODING will occur.

6.   (Pump/ Press Start) the machine until you hear the “phat-phat” sound. Upon hearing the “phat-phat” sound, open the fuel cock. (In 1-3 strokes or Slight Pressing of Auto  Button) the machine shall start. Stop pumping/ pressing the Auto Button, immediately to avoid excess fuel flow leading to FLOODING. Turn off the Spark Plug Switch (If not turned off, battery shall be discharged).

7.   Allow 1-2 minutes for the machine to gain stability.

Starting Fogging

1.   Ensure that the cap on the chemical tank is tightly fitted.

2.   Subsequently, open gradually the Solution Control valve for fogging. The Solution Control valve must not be opened more. It shall lead to excess diesel consumption & therefore un-burnt & ineffective discharge.

Stopping Fogging

1.   Once you have completed fogging, turn off the Solution Control Valve. It shall stop any solution passing into the resonator pipe of the machine. Ensure that the engine is still running.

2.   To release the pressure in the Solution Tank, open the cap of the solution tank safely. This will release the pressure and any possibility of fogging solution accidentally reaching the hot tube inside silencer is eliminated.

Stopping the Machine

1.   Ensure that fogging is not on, when you wish to stop the machine. Turning the fuel cock off during fogging may lead to fire hazard due to diesel remaining in the passage.

2.   The machine shall stop functioning as soon as the fuel cock is turned off.

After using the machine for fogging, open the caps of both tanks. Allow the pressurized air in the tanks to escape. Close the caps again. In case the machine is not going to be used for a period more than 15 days, remove the petrol & solution, dry the machine and store.

Safety First

      i.          Do not store the machine when it is hot. Allow it to cool and then store it.

    ii.     Ensure that the Solution Tank and Fuel Tank Caps are opened to release any pressurized air in them before storing the machine.

  iii.     Before storing for a long period of time empty the fuel and Solution tanks.