Are Misting Systems Safe?

Misting systems can provide a variety of benefits for athletic events, for industry and for the general public. They help keep players cool during football games or other outdoor athletic events. They cool patrons at outdoor restaurants and provide outdoor patio cooling for homeowners during hot days and nights. Misting systems can help control dust for certain manufacturing applications as well as provide humidification for others. Are Misting Systems safe?

What’s important to know, especially as we come out of the global pandemic is that there are some misting systems that can be detrimental to users’ health. These substandard systems provide the ideal environment for algae growth, viruses, toxins and even Legionnaires Disease.

To ensure your misting fans are safe, the following components are recommended:

• Tankless water supply from a hose with a direct water source.
• High pressure misting pumps that operates between 800 and 1000 psi. (These pumps produce smaller droplets which evaporate quickly).
• Use only non-corrosive stainless-steel components for misting rings, misting nozzles and other parts.

Systems should meet the recommended safety standards of the ASHRAE*

The American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers are a globally recognized environmentally conscious organization that has established standards for misting systems. It was founded in 1894 and has monitored heating and cooling devices since its inception.

Industry Standards

ASHRAE develops and updates industry standards for Direct Evaporative Air Coolers, Misters (Atomizers), Air Washers, and Humidifiers and has asserted:

“Misters produce an aerosol by use of ultra-sonic devices, spinning disks, or spray nozzles. Normally these devices use fresh, cold, potable water directly from the building water systems, where the water temperature is usually below a temperature favorable to the growth of Legionella (77°F [25°C]); however, some systems contain a reservoir. If the mister is fed from a reservoir or tank, the reservoir or mister piping is exposed to heat, or the cold-water supply exceeds 77°F (25°C), conditions can become favorable for the growth of Legionella. These systems can produce droplets of varying size, including droplets less than 5 mm in diameter.”

For more information on ASHRAE Standards visit – https://www.ashrae.org/.

Visit bigfogg.com to learn more about Big Fogg’s superior Misting Systems, or Contact Us to learn more and discuss your system requirements.