UPDATES

 

CASE HISTORY

 

Mushroom Research Center (MRC)

Pennsylvania State University

University Park, PA 16802

May 2002

 

Ultimix™ Fogging Nozzle Technology Introduced For Humidification at the MRC by Hart Environmental, Inc.

 

In May of 2002, Hart Environmental, Inc. (HEI) installed an Ultimix Nozzle in one of the rooms used to produce shiitake at the MRC in cooperation with Penn State University employees.  The Ultimix nozzle quickly created a dense fog that covered a large area.  One nozzle is capable of humidifying a volume of 2700 cubic feet, up to 100% rH within general ambient temperature ranges.  The advantage of Ultimix nozzles is that they produce ultra-fine droplets in the range of 1-2 microns in size.  The liquid droplets remain in suspension until they evaporate into the air, and do not fall to the floor or wet the mushrooms.  There is considerable flexibility with Ultimix because it allows the capability of creating a spray (wet or dry) as required for growing conditions simply by regulating the water and air supply pressures.

 

HEI also utilizes a Non-Drip Water Valve that shuts off the water flow immediately without any excess dripping of liquid that remains in the line when the air is turned off.  Typically, the humidistat will achieve its desired level of humidity, which shuts off the air and stops the nozzle from fogging.  This insures that the humidity level will not increase, which can be detrimental to growing requirements.  Then, once the humidity level begins to drop, switching back on is instantaneous because the water is at the valve port ready to spray again.  

 

                                                                           

Fig. 1. Ultimix nozzle and non-drip valve in operation (commercial farm).

 

To date, Ultimix Fogging Nozzle Technology is considered a success in providing excellent atomization for humidity control and months of clog-free operation, leaving the nozzles virtually maintenance free.

 

In this time, it has been reported that the Ultimix nozzle is still clog-free and performing exceptionally better than previously used nozzles.

 

The photographs demonstrate two methods for humidification as follows: Fig. 1 shows the nozzle centrally located in a commercial-sized room and in Fig. 2, the nozzle is duct-mounted (MRC).

 

 

 

 

 

Fig. 2. Humidification of a shiitake production room at the MRC using one Ultimix nozzle.

 

HEI Ultimix Fogging Nozzle Technology has a proven track record in humidification of mushroom production rooms with over 3000 Ultimix Nozzles operating in Europe.

 

Hart Environmental, Inc. gratefully acknowledges the support of everyone involved at The Pennsylvania State University.

 

For more information, please contact Brian Hartshorn of HEI at (570) 476-5588.

 

 

                            mailto:hartenv@ptd.net