Misting Systems: Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQ )

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What is Misting?

Misting systems incorporate a spray nozzle along with a high-pressure pump system (800 – 1000 psi) designed to produce water droplets smaller than 10 micron (about 1/10^th the diameter of a human hair). When water droplets this small hit the surrounding warm/hot air they "flash evaporate", taking the energy in the form of heat out of the air to convert from liquid to gas reducing the surrounding temperature as much as 35 degrees Fahrenheit. This scientific principle is known as thermal dynamics.

I live in a humid climate. Will a misting system work for me?

Absolutely. The concept behind misting systems and evaporative coolers works any time you are able to achieve evaporation. The faster and more complete the evaporation, the more effective the system will work. For areas with humidity above 80%, temperature reductions will be as high as 10 degrees. For humidity levels between 40% and 80%, temperature reductions will be as high as 20 degrees. Below 40% humidity, the temperature reductions may be as much as 35 degrees.

Examples

City, State	Relative Humidity %	Temperature Drop at 95°F
Baton Rouge, LA	Upper 50's	12°F
St. Louis, MO	Lower 50's	16°F
Phoenix, AZ	Upper 10's	25°F
Philadelphia, PA	Mid 50's	14°F
Orlando, FL	Upper 50's	12°F

Air Temperature	Temp. drop at 40% RH	Temp. drop at 50% RH	Temp. drop at 60% RH
80°F	18°F	14°F	11°F
85°F	19°F	16°F	11°F
90°F	20°F	15°F	11°F
95°F	21°F	16°F	12°F
100°F	19°F	16°F	11°F

How much water does a misting system actually use?

High pressure misting systems with our standard .008" orifice nozzles will use approximately .022 GPM or 1.4 gallons of water per hour per nozzle. For example, a 50 linear foot system with 24 inch nozzle spacing has 25 nozzles; this system will consume approximately 35 GPH (1.4 GPH per nozzle x 25 nozzles = 35 GPH system usage).

Can existing fans be retrofitted for a misting system?

Yes, your existing fans can be fitted with misting rings to turn them into a very effective cooling system as well as being effective air movers. We call these systems Fan Retrofit Kits. With the addition of a high pressure pump unit (1000 PSI) and an array of high pressure manifold hoses a warehouse or arena can be turned into a cool and productive area for work and/or play. Aquality also has a full line of Complete Mist Fan Systems where we provide you with everything you need for a full misting fan system … right out of the box. The manifold lines can be run along I-Beams, rafters, and walls. They can even be attached to steel cable so that they stay out of the way of forklifts, preventing trip hazards for personnel. Send us a “bird’s eye” view schematic of your area and fan specifications (size and cfm rating) and we can design a mist cooling fan system to work for your specific needs.

How does Aquality Mist Cooling compare to other cooling alternatives- air conditioning and/or “swamp coolers”?

Air conditioning is your best bet for small, insulated, interior spaces, but it is not cost effective for large, expansive areas.
“Swamp coolers” take up floor space and require significant maintenance. The standing water that serves as the cooling base is prone to fouling, if not changed regularly or used in a dusty environment. This, in turn, leads to frequent cleaning and changing of dripping pads.
By comparison, Aquality Cooling systems use about 25% of the energy used by an air conditioning unit and can be wall mounting to avoid any loss of working area. Since water is continually driven through the system there is no chance of foul water or odor problems.

Will my misting system get me wet?

No. If the mist system is designed properly and run when temperatures are high enough and humidity is in moderate ranges, the mist evaporates before it ever reaches the ground. In addition, Aquality Misting Fan Systems can be designed to have staged amounts of mist. This way you can match the cooling offered with the current conditions.

How much cooler can a mist system make an area?

Aquality Mist Cooling Systems will drop temperatures between 10 and 35 degrees F depending on initial ambient temperatures and relative humidity.

Why high pressure vs. low?

Many companies sell misting systems that use water pressure directly from the tap or hose. While these systems are very inexpensive, they also lack the key element that makes misting so effective. Without high pressure, the water cannot be atomized to suitably small droplets. Low-pressure systems are prone to “spraying” versus truly misting an area. Even among high pressure misting systems, Aquality is an industry leader. Standard systems of other companies run 500 psi to 1000 psi while Aquality Systems run at 1000 psi to 1200 psi! This ensures the driest and most effective cooling possible!

Are there any other benefits to Aquality Misting Systems?

The biggest benefit is environmental. A misted area has less dust and fewer insects. This is ideal for enjoying outdoor areas, previously unusable due to intolerable heat!

What type of maintenance is required for a misting systems?

Misting systems typically require a minimal amount of maintenance, outside of periodic cleaning or changing of nozzle heads. Oil changes are required after the first 50 hours of use and then every 500 hours after the initial change. The number of filter changes in the equipment depends upon the water quality being introduced into the misting pump. Regardless of water conditions, filter cartridges should be changed a minimum of once per year or cooling season. Supplemental water conditioning is available for areas of very hard water to reduce nozzle failures. If potential freezing conditions may exist where the system is located, the system (pump, manifold, misting lines, and filter cartridges should be drained and/or purged with air to reduce the potential for damage to equipment.

 What is Heat Index and how does it affect me?

Heat Index as a function of :

TEMPERATURE °F (vertical bar) and  PERCENT HUMIDITY (top bar)

What does Heat Index Tell Us?

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