The Use of Fog Generators in Integrated Vector
Transcription
The Use of Fog Generators in Integrated Vector
The Use of Fog Generators in Integrated Vector Control* * Al as k Thermal Fog & Cold Fog (ULV) Generators ly ou ev er wa nted to k now ab out fo g gin g, Prepared by LUCIEN SWILLEN w but as aid r f a to TABLE OF CONTENTS ChapterPage.Page 1Introduction 2 What is space spraying? 3Equipment 4 5 6 7 8 ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 1 .................................................................................................................................................................................... 2 ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 4 Air-shear droplet generators........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4 Rotary droplet generators.................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 4 Thermal foggers........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 5 Thermal foggers v’s Cold foggers ............................................................................................................................................ 6 Droplet life span.................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 8 Details on thermal foggers with regard to the operating temperature........ 11 Procedure, Timing and Frequency ULV Space Spray Operations................. 13 Vehicle-Mounted Fog Application with Thermal Fog Generators or ULV Space Spray Applicators................................................................................................................................................. 15 Fogging Techniques.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 15 Calculations................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 16 9 Portable Thermal Fogging ..................................................................................................................................................................... 19 10 Motorised Back-Pack Fogging (with or without ULV attachments)............. 27 11 Fogging with Hand Held Equipment................................................................................................................................ 31 Fogging Techniques.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 20 Calculations................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 26 Fogging Techniques.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 27 Calculations................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 30 Fogging Techniques.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 31 12Annexes: ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 32 1 Preparation of Spray Solution to kill adult mosquitoes during DHF outbreaks........................................................... 32 2 Safety Precautions and Other additional safety instructions and accident prevention....................................... 33 3 Directions for determining the droplet size of Malathion/Maldison non thermal aerosols........................... 35 13 Selected References 14 Abbreviation References 15Acknowledgements Cover photo acknowledgement: Swingtec .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 41 .............................................................................................................................................................................. 42 ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 43 1 INTRODUCTION In this manual, the writer will explain about thermal foggers, cold foggers, and mist blowers, as well as application techniques, space spraying, fogging aerosol spraying. The writer will also explain the clear distinction between the different applicators, and application techniques to avoid confusion. Fogging or space spraying is only possible with: • thermal fogging machines (either mobile mounted or hand carried) • truck mounted Ultra Low Volume (ULV)u space spray applicators. • special hand carried ULV machines and • special ULV backpack space spray machines The standard backpack mist blowers produce a droplet spectrum which is much larger than the ULV applicators. Droplets stay airborne only for a very short time while the reach of the spray cloud is rather limited. Also the droplet spectrum and the reach of mist blowers which are equipped with so-called ULV attachments cannot be compared with the droplet spectrum and reach of real ULV space spray applicators and thermal fogging machines that produce appropriate particle sizes. It is only with either thermal fogging machines, truck mountable or special ULV space spray applicators, that real fog or space spraying applications are possible. Fog or space spray application require a droplet spectrum with a Volume Median Diameter (VMDv) of less than 30 µm, and an application rate in the range of 0.5 to 6 Litres per hectare. According to the latest scientific data, droplets between 10 - 15 µm (µm = micronw) are estimated as ideal for adult mosquito control, while mosquito larvae stages require droplet size >50 µm. These types of droplets stay airborne for a long time and dependent on wind conditions, target distances of 50 to 100 meters, can be achieved. This result is not possible with mist blowers with or without ULV attachment. Footnote: uULV: Ultra Low Volume is generally defined as using very low volumes of spray per unit area compared to conventional spraying with hydraulic nozzles (generally less than 5.0 L per hectare). vVMD: Volume Median Diameter, expressed in µm. 50% of the droplets are smaller than the VMD and the rest are in larger droplet sizes. A few large droplets can significantly change the VMD. The value of the VMD does not indicate the range of droplet sizes. Sometimes referred to as MMD (Mass Medium Diameter). wµm: Micron where a µm = 1/1,000 mm. 1 | The Use of Fog Generators in Integrated Vector Control: Thermal Fog & Cold Fog (ULV) Generators 2 WHAT IS SPACE SPRAYING? A space spray, technically an aerosol, is a liquid insecticide launched into the air in the form of hundreds of millions of tiny droplets, ranging from 1-30 µm VMD. Modern Ultra Low Volume applicators are designed to deliver optimum droplet size of 8-20 µm VMD. This may be generated by either Thermal Fogging (where a thick fog is produced) or by Ultra Low Volume (ULV) generator where the droplets are produced by an aerosol generating machine (no fog cloud). To avoid developing resistance to the insecticide during the space spraying, it is desirable to discourage long term treatment of dengue fever and malaria. It is important to understand that adult control of both vectors is difficult due to daytime activity cycle for dengue vector and resting area for malaria vector. Treatment at an interval of 1-2 weeks with vehicle-mounted applicators, (which are used for huge open space areas) and portable fogging applicators, (for areas where the vehicle mounted units access is impractical), could give some valuable results. Space spraying with insecticides should be considered an epidemic contingency measure. Total coverage should be focused to treating houses and in places where high vector densities have been recorded. Space spraying should be implemented in a compact community and should be within a radius of 400-500 meters of the affected houses. EFFECTIVE SPACE SPRAYING IS DEPENDENT UPON THE FOLLOWING SPECIFIC PRINCIPLES: Target insects are usually flying through the spray cloud (or are less often impacted whilst resting on exposed surfaces). The efficiency of contact between the spray droplets and target mosquitoes is therefore crucial. This is achieved by ensuring that spray droplets remain airborne for the optimum period of time and that every fog droplet should contain the lethal dose and the correct size for a mosquito adult. These two issues are largely addressed through optimizing the droplet size. • If droplets are too large they fall on the ground too quickly and don’t penetrate vegetation or other obstacles encountered during application (limiting the effective area of application). If one of those large droplets impacts an individual insect then it is also ‘overkill’ since a high dose will be delivered per individual mosquito, wasting insecticide. Of course this does not refer to thermal fogging machines and genuine ULV space spray applicators. These machines do not produce large droplets if correctly adjusted. • If droplets are too small they may not hit a target mosquito (no impaction) due to aerodynamics or they can be carried upwards into the atmosphere by convection currents or wind. 2 | The Use of Fog Generators in Integrated Vector Control: Thermal Fog & Cold Fog (ULV) Generators OBJECTIVE: ADULT STAGE AND ITS CONTROL: The objective of space sprays (thermal fogging and ultra-low volume aerosol sprays) in vector control is to achieve a rapid knockdown and mortality of the adult Aedes or Anopheles vectors especially under epidemic conditions. They should be employed in situations of emergency for Aedes or Anopheles control to suppress and interrupt an on-going dengue or malaria epidemic or to prevent an expected dengue or malaria outbreak from occurring. Adult Aedes or Anopheles vector densities, especially the older and potentially infected populations, should be reduced to sufficiently low levels to prevent or interrupt transmission. Some mosquito species prefer an indoor habitat where they rest during the day and attack at night. Other mosquitoes remain outdoors. Desirable spray characteristics include: • a sufficient period of suspension in the air • suitable drifts characteristics and, • penetration into target areas with the ultimate aim of impacting on adult mosquitoes. WHY USE SPACE SPRAYING? Only the female adult mosquito can transmit vector born diseases. Space spraying is recommended in situations where habitat source reduction has failed to limit the production of mosquitoes and the risk of disease transmission is high. The objective is to reduce the adult female population as quickly as possible. The resting areas of the dengue vector (i.e. Aedes aegypti) are a bit different from the ma;aria vector. The dengue vector will rest in any shaded place and under any surface to give them protection from desiccation and predators as well as from physical harm. Normally and contradictory to the malaria mosquito, the dengue vector rests up to a certain height. Once this height is known it’s unnecessary to spray above this border line. However the eaves, which are sometimes situated above the mentioned border line, but which are perfect resting places for mosquitoes, should be also treated. Correct space spraying techniques must able to get to some of those protected spaces. • INDOOR ADULT MOSQUITOES: Indoor resting mosquitoes are easily controlled using a volatile fogging insecticide formulation combined with the small fog generator, equipped with a nozzle system providing extremely small droplet sizes. Droplets < 10 µm have the advantage remaining airborne for longer periods and can penetrates in protected locations like corners and cracks where mosquitoes rest. Such fogging applications does not result in wet or humid surfaces. For example: writing paper on a desk remains dry and does not attract dirt. Volatile biocide formulations applied with small droplet sizes have a shorter period of efficacy. There are formulations available to prolong the efficacy of such active ingredients (eg: encapsulated formulations). • OUTDOOR ADULT MOSQUITOES: These types live near their breeding habitat in shadowy and humid areas, where they rest during the day. While indoor treatments require “dry” fog with ultra-fine droplets to avoid stains on sensitive surfaces, outdoor applications against flying mosquitoes require slightly larger droplets up to 20 µm, which are less sensitive to air dispersal, less volatile and which ideally should carry in every droplet volume the lethal dose for one mosquito. Fogging equipment provides the appropriate nozzle sizes to produce these larger droplets. (Source: Information on Adult mosquito control courtesy of pulsFOG) 3 | The Use of Fog Generators in Integrated Vector Control: Thermal Fog & Cold Fog (ULV) Generators 3 EQUIPMENT There are several different types of application equipment. A short summary of the three types of applicators follows: 1. ROTARY DROPLET GENERATORS: 2.AIR-SHEAR DROPLET GENERATOR: This generator makes use of a disk or mesh cage, revolving at high speed. The liquid flows from the centre to the periphery of the rotating surface, where it is discharged to form small droplets through the action of aerodynamic forces of the surrounding air. The air-shear nozzle creates the droplets by passing the liquid in a very thin film over a surface. The wind, created by the blower, and the rotation of the disk, will shear the droplets off from the liquid at the edge of the disk. Wire mesh gauze produces spray droplets AIR FROM MISTBLOWER Adjustable fan blades determine speed and droplet size This picture, of a Rotary Droplet Generator, represents the side view of a spinning nozzle and the strings of liquid coming through the small holes in the sleeve, breaking up into small droplets. The picture above shows the droplets from an air-shear droplet generator. 4 | The Use of Fog Generators in Integrated Vector Control: Thermal Fog & Cold Fog (ULV) Generators 3.THERMAL FOGGERS All thermal fogging machines were originally developed for the application of oil-based fogging mixtures for vector and pest control measures. Following this, they were adapted for plant protection use in greenhouses, as well as outdoors on agricultural crops. A thermal fogger is a device that uses the hot exhaust gas of the engine as the mechanism to produce a fog without degrading the active ingredient. Thermal foggers using oil-based products produce a range of droplet sizes including a large number of very small droplets. A spectrum of droplets is generated between 0 - 40 µm, with 80 to 90 % of all droplets in a range of 10 to 25 µm depending of the nozzle size and the formulation used, e.g. low viscosity formulationsu. The “highly visible fog” is only produced when oil based products such as diesel fuel or kerosene are mixed as a carrier for the pesticide, or if water based products with a minimum content of 30% glycol is used. In cases where water based chemical preparations are used, they have to be mixed with clean water. The fog produced from water based formulations is not very visible and can be compared with the fog of a ULV space spray applicator. The Street fogging (vector control) increased visibility of the fogging cloud can help the operator to monitor the fog and ensure thoroughness of application. There are many types and brands of thermal fogging machines on the market. The first brands were created in Germany and USA at the end of World War II. Thermal aerosol fog applicators generally use lower concentration than ULV or cold foggers. The use of greater volumes of fog is to ensure the correct active ingredient amount is dispersed in the designated area. The same actual amount of active ingredient per unit area is used irrespective of whether it is cold or hot fogging. Applications can be made from a vehicle, or by a manual operator. It is recommended that a rate of 1.5 - 2.0 litres of carrier oil/ha or a dilution concentration of less than 5% for the control of mosquitoes and other small flying insects. The ULV spraying is a mixture of mineral oil and a specially formulated insecticide of higher concentration to make it possible to use less total product mixture in each application. As already previously mentioned the ULV fogging generators are generally vehicle-mounted, in order to cover a large area within a limited time frame. Water based fog in greenhouses Fogging Bacillus thuringiensis on oil-palms using BIO technology ULV cold fogging machine using pre-formulated oil-based or water based pesticides for vector control. These machine types are generally very expensive due to the fact that an 18 hp 4-stroke engine, a high performance air compressor and a chemical resistant metering pump are required Source: pulsFOG (all above photos) Footnote: uViscosity: Resistance of a fluid to flow. (refer to page 26) 5 | The Use of Fog Generators in Integrated Vector Control: Thermal Fog & Cold Fog (ULV) Generators 4THERMAL FOGGERS V’S COLD FOGGERS (ULV) Both of these devices can be effective in mosquito control and meet ULV standards: application quantity less than 5 litres/ha with a corresponding droplet range up to 50 µm. As previously mentioned a desirable VMD should be between 8 to 15 µm. Table 1. Comparison between Cold Fog, (ULV) and Thermal Fog spectrums THERMAL FOG GENERATORS COLD FOG GENERATORS Advantages Advantages • Short application time due to higher flow rate (L/hour) • No traffic hazards because fog cloud is nearly invisible • Dense, visible fog, therefore perfect observation of fog distribution and fog drift • Little or no quantities of carrier substances • Lower concentration of the active ingredient • Therefore reduced volume of output (L/ha, but not of active ingredient) • Psychological effect on people (something is happening) • Little or no smell caused by carrier substances • People can escape direct contact with the fog cloud • Lower noise level Disadvantages Disadvantages • Cost of carrier substances • Strong smell of oily carrier substances, where diesel fuel is used as a carrier. Where kerosene or white mineral oil is used as a carrier there is no smell (except for any odour associated with the pesticide used) • Possible traffic hazards through dense fog • High noise level of the machines • Operation requires some experience • Requires longer application time • Fog is hardly visible, therefore observation of fog distribution and fog drift is difficult • People cannot easily avoid the fog cloud • Lesser psychological effect (nothing can be seen) • Higher concentration of active ingredient (Source: Swingtec) Thermal fogging consists of a mixture of between 1.5 - 2 litres max of diesel or kerosene/ha plus insecticide. The formulating dose will depend of the type of insecticide used, and the dosage rate as per the label. In most cases between 3 to 5% of the volume will be the insecticide formulation. ULV spaying is a mixture of mineral oil and a specially formulated insecticide. Until recently, the use of diesel oil or kerosene was the traditional method for thermal fogging as well as for ULV space spraying. However with the increasing need to reduce environmental contamination with hydrocarbon solvents, and also to reduce a possible fire hazard in hot climates, the use of water or of a water/ oil-emulsion as a fogging carrier should be given preference in thermal and cold fogging. Note: Table 1 discusses a number of generalised comparisons between ULV (Cold fogging) versus Thermal fogging. There are always exceptions to general observations and experienced operators will note: 1. Thermal fogging generators do require a higher output (combined volume 3. Under certain conditions, ULV operations can be conducted much quicker of insecticide plus the carrier). than Thermal fogging operations. Speeds of up to 36 Kph may be possible for ULV machines under some conditions. With Thermal fogging, a speed of 2. As the result from a Thermal fogging generator is immediately visible 8 Kph is rarely exceeded. (fog cloud), this can result in a tendency to speed up the application by Source: Personal Communication: Practical Vector Control, USA. inexperienced operators and thus under apply the insecticide. 6 | The Use of Fog Generators in Integrated Vector Control: Thermal Fog & Cold Fog (ULV) Generators ULV spraying, where diesel fuel is not used as the carrier, may be relatively more environmentally friendly, as well as safer, than thermal fogging. However, ULV applications may be somewhat less effective in heavy vegetation than thermal fogs because of reduced penetration due to the larger droplets. Control of the droplet size is important to insure proper drift and to prevent car spotting, which can occur with some insecticides due to the corrosive properties of the undiluted active ingredient in larger droplets. There are major differences between the vehicle mounted and portable applicators. For example: The capacity of the combustion chamber in portable thermal foggers ranges between 13-19 kWu (approx. 17-25 hpv) whereas the capacity portable cold fogging ULV applicators is normally under 1.5 kW (approx. 2 hp). In motor vehicle mounted devices, performance ranges between 35-75 kW (approx. 47-101 hp) for thermal foggers and between 6-13 kW (approx. 8-18 hp) for cold foggers. The output capacity and the ability to produce a correct spectrum of ULV droplets (<30 µm) is directly dependent on the power of the output machine and the formulation characteristic of the used pesticide. In particular the nozzle efficiency determines the amount that can be properly atomised. Thus the output of droplets ranging less than 30 µm is: Approx 3 litres/hour with portable cold foggers, up to 25 litres/hour for vehicle mounted cold foggers (ULV); and with up to more than 100 litres/hour vehicle mounted thermal foggers. Note: Adjustments for appropriate vehicle speeds has to be adapted, and for the pesticide concentration need to be considered. Notes on conversions: The performance data, kilocalories, kilowatt and horsepower are calculated from the fuel consumption of a thermal fogging machine including the loss of radiated heat energy, based on physical formulas. As an example we can take a thermal fogger having a fuel consumption of two litres per hour. The medium calorific value of fuel is 8,050 kcal per litre = 16,100 kcal per hour to be divided by 860w = 18. 7 kW For the conversion into horsepower, kW has to be multiplied by 1.36 For this calculation it will be 18.7 kW x 1.36 = 25.4 hp. (Source: Swingtec) Footnote: u kW: kilowatt is equal to one thousand (103) watts and indicate the output power of an engine v = Horse Power w kcal: kilocalories 1 kcal = 0.001163 kWhrs. = 859.845227859 x kcal = 860 kWhrs. 7 | The Use of Fog Generators in Integrated Vector Control: Thermal Fog & Cold Fog (ULV) Generators 5 DROPLET LIFE SPAN 1. DROPLET EVAPORATION CONSIDERATIONS It is important to understand that the effectiveness of a pesticide is influenced by the size of the droplets and the equipment that is used for the application. The smaller the target (insect), the smaller the droplet size required. Water droplets evaporate completely in a couple of seconds depending on the temperature as well as the relative humidity. If the droplets of ULV fog were to behave in a similar way, the application would be completely ineffective. It is important to keep the aerosol droplets active as long as possible so they can do a perfect job. When a drop of water falls on a hot surface it dances for a long time before evaporating quickly. This is a result of the creation of a fine vapour layer that surrounds the droplet upon encountering such heat. This vapour layer acts to insulate the droplet from further evaporation. Water droplets evaporating 2.EQUIPMENT DEVELOPMENTS IN THE APPLICATION OF WATER-BASED MIXTURES Most ULV formulations are oil based and contain additives which greatly inhibit evaporationu. Certain additives can increase this effect significantly, thus preventing the evaporation of even the smallest aerosol droplets for a longer period. For water based formulations, a glycol component will do the same job like the oil component for oil based formulations. Using a glycol component as an evaporation inhibitor may require the addition of a 3% surfactantv to some formulations. (eg: any biodegradable non ionic surfactant is suitable)w. There is almost no difference when water-based chemical mixtures are applied with a ULV fog generator. However things are completely different when water-based chemical formulations are applied with a thermal fog generator, because of the higher surface tensionx of water; hence the need for the High Performance Fogging Tubes. For environmental reasons, water-based ULV formulations have become more available over the last few years. These formulations contain substances which prohibit rapid evaporation. All droplets which are larger than 50 µm will not remain airborne and quickly fall to the soil in the immediate area surrounding the applicator. Up to 30% of the fogging liquid could be deposited in the immediate vicinity of the fogging machine. Thus is wasted (refer following photos). With standard thermal fog applicators, the droplet spectrum varies from very small droplets up to large droplets of 200 µm and more, dependent to the dosing nozzle installed. Footnote: u Evaporation is the conversion of the liquid into a vapour or a gas. vSurfactant is an abbreviation for SURFace ACTive AgenT. These are used to help in the creation of correct droplet sizes and in improving penetration and spread of the product on to the vector. wDifferent countries would use different trade names. Please check the label for appropriate biodegradeable non ionic surfactant available in the country of operation. These products are used as aides in dispersing the active ingredient. xSurface tension is a natural phenomenon that prevents the even spreading of a water based pesticide formulation on a target organism or surface. Surfactants are used to minimize surface tension. 8 | The Use of Fog Generators in Integrated Vector Control: Thermal Fog & Cold Fog (ULV) Generators Nozzle 1.2, 50 Seconds Nozzle 1.2, 60 Seconds Nozzle 1.2, 120 Seconds The reasons for such losses are due to: • the size of nozzle used in the fogging machine; • all thermal fogging machines are not capable of handling high output quantities of water-based fogging mixtures to form a suitable droplet type. • the much higher surface tension of water compared with the surface tension of oil (diesel oil or kerosene). The result is that the large droplets do not remain airborne for a long time. As already mentioned, when water-based mixtures are applied with a standard thermal fogging machine, droplets in a range between 0 and 200 ++ µm with a rather large portion of large droplets are generated. Unfortunately large droplets, which are too heavy, do not remain airborne for a sufficient period of time to be effective in controlling the vector. Depending on flow Nozzle 1.2, 90 Seconds Nozzle 1.2, Detail 120 Seconds rate between 20 to 30 % of the fogging mixture (and the active ingredient) are lost and wasted. The only way to avoid those kinds of losses is by the use of a High Performance Fogging Tube. The High Performance Fogging Tube was specifically designed for the application of water-based fogging mixtures. With this piece of equipment, an excellent droplet spectrum is achieved with no large droplets. The droplet spectrum is comparable with that achieved with oil-based fogging mixtures. The wide droplet spectrum which is generated by all standard fogging machines when using water based mixtures, does not meet WHO specifications (< 30 µm VMD). These specifications can be met with Swingfog machines equipped with the Swingtec high performance tube. eg: The Swingfog SN50 with the high performance tube will achieve the correct spectrum with water based chemical mixtures when used at a flow rate of up to 27 L/hr. (Source: Swingtec) 9 | The Use of Fog Generators in Integrated Vector Control: Thermal Fog & Cold Fog (ULV) Generators 3.FORMULATION DEVELOPMENTS IN WATER-BASED MIXTURES With the exception of a few chemical formulations, such as the Bayer Products Aqua Reslin®, Aqua K-Othrin®, and Aqua Py®, most water-based pesticide preparations do not contain an anti-evaporation agent. When such chemical formulations are applied it is a must that an anti-evaporation agent (such as 10% glycol accompanied with 2-3% biodegradable non ionic surfactant) is added to the total mixture. The use of an innovative spray technology called FFAST (Film Forming Aqueous Spray Technology) which reduced the need for use of solvents in space spraying application. FFAST formulations are primarily waterbased, are diluted with water and achieve optimal efficacy. These formulations are now widely used in many countries. That refers as well to thermal and ULV space spray applicators. The amount of anti-evaporation agent should be no less than 5% of the total fogging mixture. Under conditions of high temperature and low relative humidity, this amount has to be increased up to 10%. The anti-evaporation agent ensures that the tiny aerosol droplets will not evaporate too quickly and that the life span of the droplet is considerably extended. In thermal fogging generators, the anti-evaporation agent will also slightly increase the visibility of the water-based fog. By adding more than 10% (up to 30%) of an anti-evaporation agent, a good visible fog cloud can be achieved. The use of more anti-evaporation agent will not improving the result of the application, but will improve the visibility and the lifespan of the fog. Refer to Annex 3 for a detailed explanation on the determination of droplet sizes. (Source: Bayer Towards Sustainable Vector Control) STAGES IN THE FORMATION OF A STABLE ‘AQUA’ DROPLET Extracted from Bayer Publication ‘Aqua-K-Othrine’ (2010) STAGE 1 STAGE 2 Continuous aqueous phase Rapid evaporation of water Rapid evaporation of water Continuous aqueous phase Oil phase Oil phase STAGE 3 STAGE 4 Evaporation of water at reduced rate Long chain alcohol forms a complete stable film at the droplet surface Migration of long chain alcohol forming a stable film at the surface Surface film comprising closely packed long chain alcohol molecules hindering the diffusion of water molecules OH group Hydrocarbon tail Time scale from atomination to surface film formation: < 1 second Table 2. Some examples of FFAST formulations (from Bayer) PRODUCT ACTIVE INGREDIENT CHEMICAL CLASS FORMULATION RATE OF ACTIVE INGREDIENT* Aqua Reslin Super Permethrin, Piperonyl butoxide, S-bioallethrin Pyrethroid Refer specific label directions for the relevant area Aqua K-Orthrine Deltamethrin Pyrethroid 0.5 - 1.0 g ai/ha * Note that this rate may vary according to the country of registration and use. Extracted from Leading water-based space-spray technology for the control of mosquitoes and flies, 0410 Edition ©2010 Bayer Environmental Science 10 | The Use of Fog Generators in Integrated Vector Control: Thermal Fog & Cold Fog (ULV) Generators 6THERMAL FOGGERS AND OPERATING TEMPERATURES It is often suggested that in thermal fogging, the temperature of the hot gas flow or “the open flame” destroys a portion of the active ingredient. This is not the case with high-quality devices which have been properly adjusted and certified by WHO Cooperation Centres. With a correctly adjusted quality device, fuel combustion should take place in the combustion chamber in the back section of the resonator achieving nearly 100% combustion. The flame should end in the middle section of the resonator tube and should never reach to the point where the fogging mixture is injected. In some foggers, the fog solution socket (nozzle) is not installed at the end of the resonator tube, but considerably closer to the combustion chamber. pulsFOG offers both versions: injection at the end of resonator (for the use of wettable powders (WP)u in greenhouses) and in a hotter area nearer to the combustion chamber (for the use of all other water-based and oil-based pesticides). The result is a better use of the exhaust energy leading to a narrower angle of droplet spectrum and providing a higher flow rate when using the injection point in a hotter area. The use of WP formulations with a thermal fogger causes blockages or choking problems if the distance between the injection point and the end of the resonator is too far apart. The time that the insecticide is injected in the hot gas flow, and the time that the insecticide is transformed into fog is very short (according to a research report of the university of Berlin: 0.05 to 0.1 seconds), so that there is no chance to destroy the insecticide. This is very important and a question which is always raised by people with little knowledge on how a thermal fogger works. SHUT-OFF DEVICE: It is recommended that all thermal foggers which make use of combustible preparations be fitted with an automatic formulation shut-off device. Should the machine be incorrectly used or stop unexpectedly due to lack of fuel, the shut-off device prevents the pressure in the chemical tank from feeding the fluid into the extremely hot combustion chamber, where it could ignite (fire hazard). Restriction nozzle conduit valve Chemical tank pulsFOG automatic shut off device: heat, acid and chemical resistant The following pictures show some automatic cut-off devices on some fogging machines. Automatic cut-off device for the fogging mixture by means of an electro-magnetic valve Automatic mechanically acting cut-off device for the fogging mixture (Source: Swingtec) (Source: Swingtec) Footnote: Automatic cut-off valve as a safety device for the application of inflammable fogging solutions with the thermal fogger (Source: pulsFOG) uWettable powders (WP) 11 | The Use of Fog Generators in Integrated Vector Control: Thermal Fog & Cold Fog (ULV) Generators Table 3. Insecticides used for cold aerosol or thermal fog application against mosquitoes INSECTICIDE CHEMICAL DOSAGE OF ACTIVE INGREDIENT(g/Ha) COLD AEROSOLS THERMAL FOGS WHO HAZARD CLASSIFICATION OF ACTIVE INGREDIENT Fenitrothion Organophosphate 250-300 250-300 II Malathion Organophosphate 112-600 500-600 III Pirimiphos-methyl Organophosphate 230-330 180-200 III Bioresmethrin Pyrethroid 5 10 U Cyfluthrin Pyrethroid 1-2 1-2 II Cypermethrin Pyrethroid 1-3 - II Cyphenothrin Pyrethroid 2-5 5-10 II d,d-transCyphenothrin Pyrethroid 1-2 2.5-5 NA Deltamethrin Pyrethroid 0.5-1.0 0.5-1.0 II D-Phenothrin Pyrethroid 5-20 - U Etofenprox Pyrethroid 10-20 10-20 U LambdaCyhalothrin Pyrethroid 1.0 1.0 II Permethrin Pyrethroid 5 10 II Resmethrin Pyrethroid 2-4 4 III Notes: Class II - Moderately hazardous class Class III - Slightly hazardous class U - Unlikely to be an acute hazard under normal usage NA - Not applicable Source: Extracted from several WHO publications. 12 | The Use of Fog Generators in Integrated Vector Control: Thermal Fog & Cold Fog (ULV) Generators 7PROCEDURE, TIMING AND FREQUENCY FOR THERMAL FOGGING AND ULV SPACE SPRAY OPERATIONS BASIC STEPS: The objective is to spray in the vicinity of all houses, animal shelters and covered drains along open roads and foot paths in the selected area (all areas where mosquito vectors are likely to be present). Droplets drift ten or more meters downwind, depending on obstacles in their way. The following steps are recommended in carrying out the space spraying of the designated area: • The street maps of the area to be treated must be studied carefully before the fogging operation begins; (prior planning is critical to the success of a fogging program). • The area covered should be within a radius of at least 400 to 500 meters from the house where the dengue/malaria case was located. • Residents should be warned in advance before the operations so that food is covered, fires extinguished, and pets are moved out together with the occupants. • Ensure proper traffic control when conducting outdoor thermal fogging, since it can pose a traffic hazard to motorists and pedestrians. • Wind force and down wind speed is especially important for making the most of air currents for the distribution of fog. Street fogging. Source: pulsFOG 13 | The Use of Fog Generators in Integrated Vector Control: Thermal Fog & Cold Fog (ULV) Generators The following Table 4 lists various wind forces and their corresponding wind speeds in keeping with the Beaufort scale. The observation of visible signs in the area contributes to the correct evaluation of wind conditions. Effective swath widths, which depend on wind speed, are also listed. Swath width is particularly crucial for calculating and adjusting the output (litres/ hour) of the device and walking or driving speed. No wind, or low wind speeds only allow for small swath widths up to 50 m. At a wind force of 2 or 3 (up to 20 km/h), greater swaths of up to 150 m and even more are possible. Better saturation of vegetation and higher impact also result. This is especially desirable for the contact effect of flying pests in adult vector control. Table 4. Application in open space (Wind force /wind direction/swath width) WIND FORCE DESCRIPTION OBSERVATIONS Force 0 Force 1 Force 2 Force 3 calm light draft light breeze soft breeze Force 4 smoke rises vertically observable drift of smoke rustle of leaves leaves and twigs are moving constantly Moderate breeze movement of small branches, whirl of dust and paper WIND SPEED m/s 0.0 – 0.2 0.3 – 1.5 1.6 – 3.3 3.4 – 5.4 km/h 0.0 – 0.7 1.1 – 5.4 5.8 – 11.9 12.2 – 19.4 5.5 – 7.9 19.8 – 28.4 EFFECTIVE SWATH WIDTH / IN mu ULV 25 -50 35 - 70 50 - 100 75 - 150 ULV - Plus 20 -40 25 - 50 35 - 70 50 - 100 LV 15 - 30 20 - 40 25 -50 30 - 60 Application possible with certain reservationsv Fogging in sewage plant. (Photo source: Swingtec). Fogging should always be conducted travelling across the wind from downwind to upwind i.e. preventing the spray operator from being in the fog as much as possible. Photograph above; fogging technique with vehicle mounted fog applicator will give the reader a clear indication on how fogging should be conducted. Footnote u Effective swath width = total swath width / overlap (approx. 30%) vApplication is only recommended under certain conditions at wind force 4, as the fog clouds swirl too strongly, reducing their effectiveness. Should application nevertheless take place under less than ideal conditions, a higher total application volume (more carrier substances with the same amount of active ingredient) must be used and walking or driving speed reduced to compensate for the lower concentration of the active ingredient. 14 | The Use of Fog Generators in Integrated Vector Control: Thermal Fog & Cold Fog (ULV) Generators 8VEHICLE-MOUNTED FOG APPLICATION WITH THERMAL FOG GENERATORS OR ULV SPACE SPRAY APPLICATORS As already mentioned in a previous chapter those generators/ applicators are used to treat large spaces. With thermal foggers and with genuine ULV backpack space applicators, as well as with truck mounted ULV fogging generators an effective swath width of at least 40/50 meters can be obtained. With a little wind assistance swath widths of up to 100 meters can be achieved (refer to table 4). Fogs are dispersed as aerosols through thermal fog or ultra-low volume sprayers (cold foggers). Because of the small size, these aerosols generally are not suitable for the distribution of Larvicidesu. However they are very effective for flying insect control, because the individual droplets do not settle to the ground rapidly. Temperature inversion helps to hold the material below the upper, warmer thermal layer of air and consistent light wind (8 to 16 km/h) serves as a propellant, which propels the through the habitat. Those generators, used in mosquito control programs, produce an insecticide fog that moves across open spaces, killing mosquitoes in flight, as air currents move the fog cloud. Thermal fogging requires a large vehicle to accommodate the volume of diesel that will be mixed with the insecticide. The maximum road speed is between 8 and 15 km/h. Because of the high cost and possible environmental impact of the petroleum products, used in thermal fog application, the popularity of thermal fogging with oil has changed in recent years. FOGGING TECHNIQUE: Doors and windows of houses and buildings in the area to be sprayed should be opened. Recommendations for vehicle fogging: • The vehicle is driven at a steady speed of 8-15 km/hr along the streets. Spray production should be turned off when the vehicle is stationary. Street fogging. Source: pulsFOG Footnote: u Thermal fogging machines with a special design (pulsFOG BIO) provide the necessary larger droplet spectrum for larvicides such as Bacillus thuringiensis var.israelensis 15 | The Use of Fog Generators in Integrated Vector Control: Thermal Fog & Cold Fog (ULV) Generators • Always spray downwind to upwind. If possible, drive the vehicle at right angles to the wind direction. In areas where streets run parallel as well as perpendicular to the wind direction, fogging is only done when the vehicle travels upwind in roads parallel to the wind direction. • In areas with wide streets with houses and buildings far from the roadside, the spray head should point at an angle to the left side of the vehicle (in countries where driving is on the left side of the road) or on the right side (in countries where driving is on the right side of the road). The vehicle should also be driven close to the edge of the road. Some people neglect this suggestion, thinking that it’s enough that the wind moves the droplets. • In areas where the roads are narrow, with houses close to the roadside, the spray head should be pointed directly towards the back of the vehicle. • Driving into dead-end roads, the fogging is done only when the vehicle is driving out of the dead-end, not while going in. • The spray head should be pointed at a 45° angle to the horizontal to achieve maximum throw of the droplets (only with ULV machines). • Vector mortality downwind increases as more streets are sprayed upwind in relation to the target area. Figure 1. OVERLAPPING SWATHS Diagram illustrating how to apply an insecticide fog to control adult mosquitoes in a target area. (Swath should be 60 to 150 meters wide with about a 30 meter overlap.) Resume fogging Swath 4 Stop fogging Resume fogging Swath 3 Stop fogging Swath 2 Swath 1 Target Area for Adult Mosquito Control Always direct the fog to go with the wind direction. Resume fogging End of fogging operation Approximately 150 meters Start of fogging operation Wind direction velocity under 6 km/hour (4 mph) Stop fogging Resume fogging Stop fogging Approximately 300 meters CALCULATING THE OUTPUT RATE: The device’s flow rate in litres/hour is determinate by following parameters: • Speed of the vehicle (1.0 km/hour = 1,000 m/hour). • Effective swath width according to Table 4 (in meters). • Quantity of the chemical formulation as per manufacturer label (litre/hectare = litre/10,000 m2) including any carrier substances. It is calculated using the following formula: Speed (meter/hour) x Swath Width (meters) x Quantity (litres/hectare) = Output amount to be set at the flow meter (L/hr) For example: Driving speed: 10 km/hour = 10,000 m/hour Effective swath width: 50 m Dosage: 0.5 L/ha (L /10,000 m ) 10,000 m x 50 m x 0.5 L 50 x 0.5 L = 1.0 ha x 10,000 m hr 2 2 = 25 L/hr The calculation shown above is typical for the application of an undiluted chemical formulation used in ULV mode. (Source: Swingtec) Hint: If formulations are to be applied with carrier substances, the quantity of the additional carrier substance is to be added to the quantity of formulation. Quantity of chemical formulation needed in accordance with the manufacturer’s label (L/ha) + quantity of carrier substance (L/ha) = total chemical preparation (L/ha) 16 | The Use of Fog Generators in Integrated Vector Control: Thermal Fog & Cold Fog (ULV) Generators Table 5. Comparison of backpack mist blower and vehicle mounted ULV ground equipment OPERATIONAL CONSIDERATIONS VEHICLE MOUNTED ULV BACKPACK MIST BLOWER Performance per day of 4 hours • 16 km/h or 16,000 m/h • 64,000 m per 4 hours per day • 3 minutes per house or 20 houses/ hour/team of 3 sprayers • 80 per 4 hours/day/machine/team Swath • 150 meters swath width • 10 meters swath width Optimum droplet size • 20 µm • More droplet density • Same as vehicle mounted ULV equipment Safety to the operators • Only 2-3 operators, less handling of concentrate • More work • 40 machines x 3 man team Cost • Equipment cost • 2-3 spray men to operate • Vehicle cost • Cost of 40 machines and 120 spray men Insecticide droplet • Poor penetration to reach most indoor resting sites • Better penetration • Likely to reach indoor target sites (Source: WHO/WPRO) DETERMINING DRIVING SPEED: It is rarely possible to maintain a constant vehicle speed, which result in an over-dosage of chemicals when the vehicle is moving slower than required and an under-dosage when it is moving too fast. Some new spray generators contain a sophisticated metering system having a flow rate per kilometre calculation which automatically adjusts the output of the insecticide. When the vehicle has stopped, fogging will stop. When the speed of the vehicle increases, the output will increase and when the speed is reduced, the output will be reduced automatically. An application in L/km compensates the variations of the speed and guarantees always the correct output and coverage. The driving speed can be calculated as follows: • Effective swath width according to Table 4 (in meters). • Quantity of the chemical formulation according to manufacturer’s label in Litres per hectare including any carrier substances • Area (in m2) • Output rate (in litre/hour) The following formula is used: Area (m2) x Output rate (litre/hour) = Quantity per ha (L) x Swath Width (m) Driving speed (km/hour) For example: Area: 10,000 m2 Effective swath width: 50 m Quantity per ha: 0.5 L/ha Output rate: 25 litres/hour 10,000 m2 x 25 L 250,000 m = = 10,000 m/hr = 10 km/hr 0.5 L x 50 m x hr 25 L/hr (Source: Examples supplied by Swingtec). 17 | The Use of Fog Generators in Integrated Vector Control: Thermal Fog & Cold Fog (ULV) Generators HOW TO CALCULATE THE DAILY TREATMENT DETAILS USING VEHICLE MOUNTED ULV GROUND FOGGING EQUIPMENT Calculate the sprayed areas as Hectares treated: • If vehicle speed = 8 kph (as an example). • Then 8 km x 1,000 m = 8,000 m per hour • 8,000 m x 100 m swath width = 800,000 m2 per hour • Let 10,000 m2 = 1 ha • 800,000 m2 divided by 10,000 = 80 ha x 4 hours of operation/day = 320 ha/day. Insecticide Required: • If flow rate = 88.7 mL/minute. (This example is based on a flow rate of 3 US fluid ounces per minute = 3 x 29.57 mL = 88.7 mL). Then one hour of operation: 60 minutes x 88.7 mL = 5,322 mL per hour. • For one day of operation, 4 hours x 5,322 mL (or 5.3 litres) = 21.29 litres of formulated insecticide. (Source: WHO/WPRO) Volume: 3 US Fluid Ounce Time: 60 min Hours worked per day: 4 hr Note: US Fluid Ounce = Imperial Fluid Ounce = 3 Fl Oz x 29.57 mL x 60 min x 4 hr 21.29 L = 1000 mL 29.57 mL 28.4 mL 18 | The Use of Fog Generators in Integrated Vector Control: Thermal Fog & Cold Fog (ULV) Generators 9PORTABLE THERMAL FOGGING A SHORT HISTORY OF PORTABLE FOGGING UNITSu The development of the technology goes way back to the beginning of last century. A Chronicle of the Pulse-Jet Resonator Engine (brief Translation of German publication in 1948*) The first functional pulse-jet built by Caravodine in 1906 and Marconi in 1908 (Wikipedia) is an aero resonator jet having neither piston nor crankshaft and is referred to simply as a “stovepipe”. Its front end is closed off by moving flaps (valves). Petrol injected into the pipe combusts rhythmically at a rate of 50-100 explosions per second. The combustion gas generates thrust as it streams out. The Germans, P. Schmidt and Reynst, continued the development of Marconnet’s resonator in the 1930’s. A steam generator was also proposed. In 1941 the inventor Dr. Gunther Dietrich finds the key to improving the starting and running characteristics of the engine culminating in the series-production of a simple jet engine: The first automatically controlled cruise missile launched in great numbers in World War II. This jet engine is also manufactured in Friedrichshafen and Überlingen on Lake Constance until the factories were destroyed by Allied air raids. Flap valve Air intake Fuel tank under pressure Spark plug Air pressure bottle Combustion Fuel 1941 DIEDRICH-ARGUS: Aero Resonator Air intake 1941 DIEDRICH: Resonator Dampfaustritt Brennstoff Zundkerze Uberleitungsrohr Luft 1909 MARCONNET: Resonator Modellgerat ohne Einlaßventil Abdeckblech Example of a combustion chamber without diaphram for the control of air intake Gasverteilring Venturitrichter Luft Gas Luft Wassermantel Wassereintritt Vergaser Zundkerze 1930 REYNST: Resonator Verpuffungstopf als Dampferzeuger Luft Brennstoff 1909 MARCONNET: Resonator Modellgerat mit Einlaßventil und Vergaser Example of a combustion chamber with controlled air intake using a diaphram u (Source: History and pictures of basic fogging unit operation, provided by pulsFOG.) 19 | The Use of Fog Generators in Integrated Vector Control: Thermal Fog & Cold Fog (ULV) Generators The first thermal fog generator to reach the market was a Swingfog which was using the engine principle of the first cruise missile, the V-1. All other thermal fog generators which are nowadays available in the world market are originating from this basic invention. Shortly after the basic invention, with Dyna-Fog, USA a second thermal fogging machine was introduced, using the same engine principle. Later on, 1968 Dr. Stahl founded the trademark pulsFOG with new patents for the starting device. In 1982 Igeba was founded by a former salesman of Swingfog. Those four above mentioned brands, were the only products playing a role on the world market for many years. In recent years, some thermal fogging machines, mainly originating from Korea and China were introduced, but these machines have had little international usage to date. FOGGING TECHNIQUE - PORTABLE FOGGERS: As already mentioned in a previous chapter those generators/ applicators are used to treat smaller, more confined areas. Doors and windows of houses and buildings in the area to be sprayed should be opened. The techniques recommended for portable fogging are principally the same as those for vehicle mounted foggers detailed in chapter 8. There will be, of course, considerations given to the smaller scale of the operation. • Do not enter the house. House fogging, is fogging in the vicinity of the house, the exterior surfaces of the house as well as under the house and eaves. • Stand three to five meters in front of house and spray for 10 to 15 seconds directing nozzle towards all open doors, windows and eaves. If any side of the house is longer than about 20 meters, the spray operator will have to move over about 10 meters and spray from two positions on the same side of the house. If appropriate, turn away from house and standing the same place, spray the surrounding vegetation First experimental fogging device (in 1947) using pulse jet engine. First prototype of a pulse jet thermal fogger 1948 launched by Dr. Stahl (Co-founder of Swingtec in Überlingen/Germany) for 10 to 15 seconds. Proceed to left, rear and side of the house and repeat as above. • If it is not possible to stand 3 meters from the house due to closeness of houses and lack of spray space, nozzle should be directed towards house openings, narrow spaces and upwards. • While walking from house to house hold nozzle upwards so that particles can drift through. Do not hold nozzle towards ground. This to avoid direct contamination of the soil. • Spray particles drift through the area and into houses to kill mosquitoes which become irritated and fly into the particles. The settled deposits can be residual for several days to kill mosquitoes resting inside houses and on vegetation not exposed to the rain. • This technique permits treatment of a house with insecticide ranging from 1 to 25 grams in one minute. The dosage depends on discharge rate, concentration of insecticide applied, and time it takes to fog the house. (Source: WHO/WPHO) Portable Fogging 20 | The Use of Fog Generators in Integrated Vector Control: Thermal Fog & Cold Fog (ULV) Generators Figure 2 Basic design of a thermal fogging machine Fuel/air mixture Fogging mixture Combustion 1000/1100 °C Inert exhaust 900 °C 800 °C 700 °C 600/550 °C 50/60 °C (Source: Swingtec) FUNCTIONING DETAILS: Some fogging machines run with regular grade petrol/gasoline (unleaded or leaded). The unit works according the pulse-jet principle without any mechanical moving parts. When starting the generator, using the pump the primer or an electric starting button, a fuel/air mixture is produced in the carburettor, blown to the combustion chamber and ignited by a spark plug in the combustion chamber. This action produce a column of gas in the resonator tube, having 80 to 90 oscillates (explosions) per second. The action is controlled by an air diaphragm valve and a fuel adjustable screw in the carburettor. A small amount of the clean exhaust gas is automatically fed back into the fuel and spraying tank to build up constant pressure to convey the fuel into the carburettor and to convey the fogging mixture to the resonator tube. Electrical energy is requires only for starting the generator. Once the unit is running, electrical energy is not needed any longer. The electric energy is supplied by 4 dry batteries 1.5 V each. The peak temperature in the combustion chamber is approximately 1,100°C. The temperature gradually decreased in the resonator pipe and where the solution is introduced the hot exhaust gas stream has a temperature of 500 to 550°C only, this depending on the environmental temperature. When the fogging solution is injected into the resonator pipe through the solution nozzle, the liquid absorbs the heat immediately. Each of the tiny droplets starts to evaporate and thus absorbs the heat, but the loss by evaporation is quite negligible because each of the tiny droplets is developing a gaze cover which protects the inside of the droplet from total evaporation. The liquid partially vaporise and converts into a visible fog. 21 | The Use of Fog Generators in Integrated Vector Control: Thermal Fog & Cold Fog (ULV) Generators The temperature at the entry point of the fogging mixture is approximately 600-550°C (depending on the carrier substance and output rate), and this for a dwell time of 4 to 5 milliseconds only. Temperature in the fog measured just after leaving the resonator is between 50 and 60°C, and the fog needs only 4 milliseconds to get out of the resonator and is dispersed into fine aerosol droplets immediately to the environment by creating a dense fog. For this reason, temperature-sensitive substances can be used without suffering any damage. As already mentioned the system has, with the exception of diaphragms, no moving parts and, therefore, little wear and tear. The engine will continue to operate as long as fuel is supplied through the carburettor. The standard four D size batteries also provide electrical power to operate the fogging mixture cut-off device. Some manufacturers use pneumatic energy from the carburettor to operate the cut-off device. Pneumatic energy is created by a compression force of air, or gas in a confined space. Figure 3. Technical Description Air valve Pulse-jet engine Fuel Quick start carburettor with direct fuel injection from pulsFOG Enlarged picture of the combustion chamber (see previous page) showing the carburettor set up. 22 | The Use of Fog Generators in Integrated Vector Control: Thermal Fog & Cold Fog (ULV) Generators Adjsutable direct fuel injection 1 Double cooling jacket 1200 - 1400 °C Combustion chamber Cooling air intake pulsFOG BIO system: Water injection for pre-cooling and cleaning. May be used additionally for pesticide injection to increase the unit output or flow rate 1000 °C 500 °C Resonator (exhaust pipe) 2 1200 - 1400 °C 1000 °C 500 °C 3 1200 - 1400 °C 1000 °C 500 °C Summary of different features in fogging machines. 1.pulsFOG BIO: Two injection points of the fogging liquid in series allow the separated supply of pesticide and carrier liquid with the aim to combine both liquids at the end (outlet) of the resonator. The separate carrier liquid (e.g. water) is heat resistant and absorbs most of the produced heat energy resulting to a very even droplet spectrum. The pesticide is parallel injected at the end of resonator and confronted with a much lower temperature leading to the following features: •Heavier droplets with a regular droplet spectrum can be produced for the application of larvicides. •The separately injected carrier liquid has a cleaning effect and avoids choking and blocking of the outlet. •Elimination of any fire hazard with oil-based fogging solutions even under unexpected conditions. 2.Model for Applying WP Formulations: With the fogging injection point at the end of exhaust pipe it will retard choking and clogging with wettable powder formulations is 100 °C Venturi effect attracts cooling air Carburettor with diaphragm air intake valve Pesticide injection Figure 4. Schematic diagram showing basic features of three different fogging machine models 40 °C Mixing area 60 °C 100 °C 60 °C avoided. These types are used for plant protection purposes in greenhouses. Only non-inflammable water-based fogging liquids are allowed to use. 3.Model for Applying Oil-Based Formulations: With an injection point towards the middle of the resonator provide more heat energy for the fogging process with the aim to produce an extremely dry fog (droplets <15 µmu). These units are designed to avoid ignition of combustible liquids with a flash-point > 70°v and are preferred for the use with oil based formulations and indoor disinfectants (eg Formalin). ADVANTAGES: With a minimum quantity of chemical preparation, an optimal coverage is achieved. In comparison, the portable thermal foggers with conventional methods achieve approximately 90% labour savings when treating small areas. There is no soil contamination by dripping losses and any chemical residues are reduced. Footnote: u < = smaller than; > = larger than. v Flash point of a volatile material is the lowest temperature at which it can vaporize to form an ignitable mixture in air. It is a measure of flammability measured under strict laboratory conditions. 23 | The Use of Fog Generators in Integrated Vector Control: Thermal Fog & Cold Fog (ULV) Generators FOGGING TECHNIQUE: • Thermal fogging with portable thermal foggers is done from house to house, always fogging from downwind to upwind. • All windows and doors should be shut for half an hour after the fogging to ensure good penetration of the fog and maximum destruction of the target mosquitoes. • In single story houses, fogging can be done from the front door or through an open window without having to enter every room of the house provided that adequate dispersal of the insecticide droplets can be achieved. All bedroom doors should be left open to allow dispersal of the fog throughout the house. • For large single-story buildings, it may be necessary to apply the fog, room by room, beginning at the back of the building and working towards the front. • In multi-story buildings, fogging is carried out from upper floors to the ground floor and from the back of the building to the front. This ensures that the operator has good visibility along his fogging path. • When fogging outdoors, it is important to direct the fog at all possible mosquito resting sites, including hedges, covered drains, bushes, and tree-shaded areas. • The most effective type of thermal fog for mosquito control is a medium/dry fog, i.e., it should just moisten the hand when the hand is passed quickly through the fog at a distance setting so that oily deposits on the floor and furniture are reduced to about 2.5 - 3.0 meters in front of the fog tube. Adjust the fog setting so that oily deposits on the floor and furniture are reduced; this is usually done by reducing the flow rate of formulation. • It is advisable to shut off all electricity at the master switch, prior to application; this is to avoid any possible electrical problems. (Source: WHO/WPRO) Figure 5. Recommendations for manual fogging techniques This diagram illustrates how to apply an insecticide fog to control adult mosquitoes in a target area. Swarth width should be 40 m wide. Always direct the fog to go with the wind direction. < 10 m > Swarth width Wind direction Direction of travel Source: Swingtec Start fogging FREQUENT ASKED QUESTIONS: Q 1) Is it possible to use heat sensitive chemicals with thermal foggers? Yes, products such as Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis), natural pyrethrum, even inhalation vaccines and juvenile hormones can be applied by a thermal fogger, without the active ingredient is destroyed, when the fogger is correctly adjusted. pulsFOG registered the BIO technology as a patent in the 1970’s. Basic research was done by the Technical University of Berlin. Benefits of the BIO system? The basic idea was to inject the pesticide and the water as carrier into the resonator of the machine separately, so these two components mix at the point where they are atomized. This has several advantages for a pulse-jet thermal fogger: • The water is injected into the resonator, at a point of higher temperature, and cools down the hot explosion gases to 100°C (evaporation temperature). The insecticide is injected at the cooler point of 100°C for a duration of 0. 05 – 0. 1 second. This leads to an even lower temperature, about 40°C, into the mixing area of “Venturi effect”.u Footnote: uVenturi effect is the reduction in fluid pressure that results when fluid flows through a constricted section of the pipe. It is effectively a drop in pressure caused by moving fluids 24 | The Use of Fog Generators in Integrated Vector Control: Thermal Fog & Cold Fog (ULV) Generators • The produced water vapour cleans the resonator exhaust pipe and avoids residues of the fogging solution at the end of the pipe. This is advantageous if wettable powder and flowable formulations have to be used. • The injection of water avoids any fire hazard. The pulsFOG BIO technology offers the fogging of highly sensitive active ingredients, the self-cleaning and the elimination of any fire hazard with fogging of hazardous liquids. With this system a heavy wet fog cloud, with a droplet spectrum < 100 µm with pure water based insecticides, can be produced and sprayed over water surfaces without loss to the environment (e.g. Bti products). With the separate water injection the BIO technology presents a cold fogging application system absolutely comparable with the expensive ULV machines. Normally thermal fogging is understood as a limited space treatment against flying pests, but the BIO system allows as well applications for pests living near the ground and also on lake surfaces. This is also important to control the larval stages in wet habitat e.g. in still or gently flowing water, where no or the least fish are living. Such control measures need to be well prepared to ascertain exactly the time period of breeding process. Q 2) Is it possible to use the thermal fogger for the distribution of wettable powder formulations? Yes, this can be done without having problems of choking and clogging the outlet of resonator with the above mentioned BIO system. Some old models of foggers have an air agitator or an electric mixing device keeping the mixture moving and in suspension. Q 3) Can we apply water-based chemical mixtures with a thermal fogger? Yes, this can be done by: • Replacing the standard fogging tube by a High Performance Fogging Tube for water-based fogging mixture. The use of such a device produces an excellent droplet spectrum. See photo below. • Use the BIO technology from pulsFOG. • Add to the water-based pesticide preparations, a antievaporation agent, such as a glycol formulation with a neutral surfactant such as biodegradable non ionic surfactant. Biological active substances based on Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis and sphaericus or methoprene combined with the right ground applicator, mounted on all-terrain vehicles or boats, are an efficient weapon against mosquito larval stage. Another benefit of the BIO system is that it can be used to apply pesticides that are highly flammable. New developments in the BIO system will allow the pesticide to be injected into the resonator from the pesticide container. High Performance Fogging Tube. (Source: Swingtec) Applying larvacides to a lake. (Source: pulsFOG) 25 | The Use of Fog Generators in Integrated Vector Control: Thermal Fog & Cold Fog (ULV) Generators APPLICATION IN CONFINED SPACES: Using the appliance, an area of approximately 1,000 m2 can be treated from one location. Larger areas are treated in sectors, each being approximately 1,000 m2. CALCULATION OF THE OUTPUT RATE FOR SHOULDER CARRIED FOGGING UNITS AND PORTABLE THERMAL FOGGERS: This is the same as for the vehicle mounted fog application. Only the walking speed, the swath width as well as the dosage is different. Example: Walking speed: 2 km/hr = 2000 m/hr Effective swath width: 40 m Dosage: 2 L/ha (2L /10,000 m ) 4,000 m x 40 m x 2L 2 x 4 x 2L = 2 1.0 ha x 10,000 m ha 2 = 16 L/ha The quantity of carrier substance must be added to the “quantity” parameter: Prepare in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions per hectare (litre) quantity of the chemical. + Carrier substance quantity (L/ha) = Total quantity (L/ha) CALCULATION OF THE WALKING SPEED: It is the same as for the vehicle mounted fog application. However the output rate in L/hr should be in accordance with the nozzle used. The formula used, for the vehicle mounted fog application, is the same. For example: Effective swath width: 40 m Quantity per ha: 2L Area: 10,000 m 10,000 m2 x 16 L 2 2L x 40 m x hr = 16,000 m 80 hr = 2,000/m/h = 2 km/hr Output rate (L/h), in accordance with the nozzle used 16 L CONSIDERATION FOR DIFFERING VISCOSITIES (CHECKING THE OUTPUT QUANTITY) The output quantities of the nozzles are correct when using fluids with the viscosityu of water, or fluids with a viscosity similar to water. For preparations or mixtures with different viscosity, the flow rate changes (higher viscosities reduce the flow rate, lower viscosities increase the flow rate). The correct output quantity for such fogging mixtures can be determinate following the guidelines depending to the type of fogger. Normally some guidelines on how to use and maintain the fogger are attached to each newly purchased unit and should be read before using the fogger. (Source: Text and examples supplied by Swingtec) Footnote: u viscosity; resistance of a fluid to flow (See page 5) For example: a highly viscous product like a heavy engine oil will have a higher resistance to flow than a low viscosity product such as water. 26 | The Use of Fog Generators in Integrated Vector Control: Thermal Fog & Cold Fog (ULV) Generators 10 MOTORISED BACKPACK FOGGING (WITH OR WITHOUT ULV ATTACHMENTS) Following the WHO specifications; the weight of the equipment, when both fuel and pesticide tanks are filled to the recommended level shall be not exceed 25 kg. The following guidelines/techniques are for the real genuine backpack ULV applicators. However the technique can also be used for the normal backpack mist blowers with or without so called ULV attachments. The guidelines/technique for fogging presented in this chapter must be adapted from country to country. Following WHO’s specifications, ULV applicators should emit a droplet spectrum with a VMD of below 30 µm, with a majority of droplets in the range of 10 to 20 µm. As was mentioned previously, a droplet range 8 to 15 µm is suggested as being ideal for mosquito control measures. BASIC POINTS: (For backpack spraying/ fogging units, with or without special ULV spray head) • Each spray squad consists of 4 operators and one supervisor. • Each operator sprays for 15-30 minutes and then is relieved by the next operator. He must not fog when tired or sick. • The supervisor must keep each operator in his sight during the actual fogging in case he/she falls or needs help for any reason. • Do not directly fog humans, birds, fish or animals that are in front of spray nozzles, less than 5 meters away. • Spray at full throttle. Some machines can run for about one hour on a full tank of petrol. Some of the applicators having a ULV attachment cannot meet these specifications and should NOT be used. Table 6. ULV comparison using Copper Salts (wettable powder formulations) HUDSON PORTA-PAK SOLO PORT 423 TANK CAPACITY 0.83 gal. (3.12 litres) 3 gal. (12 litres) DILUTION RATE 96 oz. to 5.5 gals. (20.82 litres) 4 oz. per gal. (3.785 litres) CHEMICAL IN TANK 14.4 ozs (0.4 kg per tank) 12.7 ozs (0.36 kg) per tank FORMULA OUTPUT 0.047 litres (1.6 ozs) per min 0.5 litres (16.9 ozs) per min 66 minutes 24 minutes WALKING SPEED/MIN 97 feet (29.6 meters) 97 feet (29.6 meters) SWATH LENGTH 50 feet (15.2 meters) 33 feet (10 meters) 7.4 acres (2.97 hectare) 1.76 acres (0.71 hectare) DISCHARGE TIME PER TANK AREA COVERED PER TANK 27 | The Use of Fog Generators in Integrated Vector Control: Thermal Fog & Cold Fog (ULV) Generators ANIMAL SHELTER FOGGING: Be sure ALL animals are removed from the shelter. GENERAL INFORMATION TO BE PROVIDED TO THE INHABITANTS OF AREAS TO BE FOGGED: Carefully fog outside shelter, particularly close to the ground, under the shelter and if possible fog surrounding vegetation. Note: The following information can be used for all the fogging done by non-vehicle mounted units. For outdoors shelters, fog all sides of the supporting structure. • time of the fogging (example 06:30 hrs to 10:00 hrs) • all doors and windows should be open • dishes, food, fish tanks, and bird cages should be covered • stay away from open doors and windows during fogging, or temporarily leave the house and/or the treated area until the fogging is completed • for those not leaving their housing area, they should remain indoors away from open door and windows. They must not stand outside their houses when the surrounding vegetation is also being treated • children or adults should not follow the fogging squad from house to house • remove animals from shelter and, if possible, secure them outside the housing area which is being treated • the drying of seeds on the ground and clothes on a line outside the house must be temporarily suspended and these items covered or brought inside the house For indoor shelters, carefully enter and stay in centre of room and fog towards all walls, taking care to thoroughly cover the lower portions. Sweeping horizontal spray motions should be used. If the places are not been properly prepared, attempt to fog only the areas where the animal is kept. FOGGING OF THE OPEN FOOTPATH: This should be done on both sides of the walkway. It should be done after the fogging of the house and animal shelter has been completed. The insecticide is dispersed as the operator moves at a normal walking speed, roughly 30 meters/minute. When moving from one place to another place the nozzle should be held slightly upwards, to avoid the contamination of the ground. This fog procedure is less difficult than house and animal shelter fogging and should be done last. TIMING OF APPLICATION: Table 7. Fogging is carried out only when the right weather conditions are present and usually only at a prescribed time. These conditions are summarized hereby following: MOST FAVOURABLE CONDITIONS AVERAGE CONDITIONS UNFAVOURABLE CONDITIONS Time Early morning (6:30am to 8:00am) or late evening (after 5:00pm or 6:00pm depending of the season). Early to mid-morning or late afternoon, early evening Mid-morning to mid-afternoon Wind Steady, between 3 - 13km/hr 0 - 3 km/hr Medium to strong over 13 km/hr Rain No rain Light showers Heavy rain Temperature Cool Mild Hot (Source: WHO/WPRO) For optimum fogging conditions please note: • In the early morning and late evening hours, the temperature is usually cooler. Cool weather is more comfortable for workers wearing protective clothing. Also, adult Aedes and Anopheles mosquitoes are most active at these hours. • In the middle of the day, under conditions of higher temperatures the fog will be carried into higher levels in the atmosphere due to convection currents, rendering the spray less effective. • An optimum wind speed of between 3-13km/hr enables the spray to move slowly and steadily over the ground, allowing for maximum exposure of mosquitoes to the spray. Air movements of less than 3km/hr may result in vertical mixing, while winds greater than 13km /hr disperse the spray too quickly. • In heavy rain, the spray generated loses its consistency and effectiveness. When rain is heavy, fogging should stop, and the spray head of the ULV machine and the thermal fogger should 28 | The Use of Fog Generators in Integrated Vector Control: Thermal Fog & Cold Fog (ULV) Generators be turned down to prevent water from entering the blower or the combustion chamber. • Fogging is permissible during light showers. Also, mosquito activity increases when the relative humidity reaches 90%, especially during light showers. (Source: WHO/WPRO) FREQUENCY OF APPLICATION: The commencement and frequency of fogging generally recommended is as follows: • Fogging is started in an area (residential houses, offices, factories and schools) as soon as possible after a DF/DHF case or malaria cases, from that area is suspected. • At least one treatment should be carried out within each breeding cycle of the mosquito (seven to ten days for Aedes). Therefore, a repeat fogging is carried out within seven to ten days after the first fogging. The time the dengue virus incubates (eight to ten days) in the mosquito is also important, but some adults will be infected from the egg and be ready to bite and infect as soon as they mature. Note that an area much greater than the target should be fogged to help protect reinvasion from adjacent sections. SOME SPECIFIC COMMENTS ON FREQUENCY OF OUTDOOR APPLICATION: 1 New set-up or no previous history of fogging at a site. •This assumes heavy population of mosquitoes from day 1. •Start off by fogging each day for the first 2 days. These two applications at a very short interval will have a tremendous impact in retarding further population build up due to the high likelihood of mortality to egg-laying females (gravidu) throughout this period. •Subsequent fogging on a seven (7) day cycle. •After several weeks/months of a weekly fogging regime, it would be appropriate for the operator to review the situation. If there is a noticeable drop in the mosquito population, a fogging of 10-12 days may be used. It all comes back to observation of the local population dynamics: if the mosquito population falls off dramatically, there is no need to keep on fogging, and it may be several months when no fogging is required. However, the management system needs to be aware that as soon as conditions change, and population start to build up, a fogging program needs to recommence immediately. 2 Epidemic situation (e.g. a site with many malaria or dengue cases). •Start off with fogging every day for the first 3 to 4 days. •After the fourth day, revert to a 7 day fogging cycle. Note: If the epidemic continues after being on a 7 day cycle, repeat step one before reverting back to weekly fogging’s. Once the epidemic is under control and the mosquito population is in decline, a longer cycle can be contemplated. As mentioned in option (1) above. These applications should not allow any Anopheles/Aedes in the area to transmit malaria/dengue. Note: The frequency of the applications will be the same for indoor fog application. EVALUATION OF EPIDEMIC FOGGING: Within two days after fogging during outbreaks, a parousv rate of 10% or less, in comparison to a much higher rate before the treatment, indicates that most of the mosquito population is newly emerged and incapable of transmitting the disease. This also indicates that the fogging was effective and greatly reduced transmission by killing the older infected mosquito population. A low parous rate after fogging can occur in the absence of a marked reduction in vector density. This can be attributed to the emergence of a new population of mosquitoes which escaped the fog, a relatively low adult density before fogging and adult sampling methods which show considerable variations in density in the absence of control. An effective fog programme also should be accompanied by a reduction in hospitalized cases after the incubation of the disease in humans (about 5 to 7 days) have elapsed. The fogging should be repeated at 7 days intervals to eliminate the possibility of infected mosquitoes. The time between two treatments can be changed due to the temperature, and sometimes an interval of 10 days will provide acceptable results APPLICATION IN CONFINED SPACES: Using the appliance, an area of approximately 500 m2 can be treated from one location. Larger areas are treated in sectors, each being approximately 500 m2. Footnote: u Gravid: Female mosquito carrying/developing eggs. v parous: term describing female mosquitoes that have oviparity (act of laying eggs) at least once. 29 | The Use of Fog Generators in Integrated Vector Control: Thermal Fog & Cold Fog (ULV) Generators CALCULATING THE OUTPUT RATE: The calculation of the flow rate is the same as for the portable thermal fogging unit. However as the walking speed, the swath width and the dosage are different so that the formula will be: Example: Walking speed: 2 km/hr = 2,000 m/hr 2,000 m x 30 m x 1 L Effective swath width: 30 m Dosage: 1.0 ha x 10,000 m 2 1 L/ha (1 L/10,000 m ) 2 60,000 L = 10,000 m2 = 6 L/hr CALCULATING THE WALKING SPEED: A similar calculation is done as for the thermal fogging unit, taking into consideration the changes of the swath wide, the quantity per ha and the output rate. As the area is the same no changes are made to the formula. Example: Effective swath width: 30 m Quantity per ha: 1L Area: 10,000 m2 10,000 m2 x 6 L 60,000 m = = 2000 m/hr=2 km/h or 30 - 35 m/min 1 L x 30 m x hr 30 hr Output rate (L/hr, in accordance with the nozzle used): 6 L/hr (Source: Above mentioned calculations courtesy of Swingtec) CONSIDERATION FOR DIFFERENT VISCOSITIES / CHECKING THE OUTPUT QUANTITY Please refer to the portable thermal fogging unit in the previous pages. CALIBRATION OF BACKPACK FOGGERS Space spraying operations with portable backpacked ULV machines can be accurately adjusted for droplet size and discharge rate. It is recommended that calibration of machines should be routinely carried out to ensure best performance of the machine. 1. Detailed Calibration Procedures •Perform procedure under ideal operating conditions. •Pour about one litre of oil/petrol fuel mixed into fuel tank (the mixture is dependant of the type of machine used. Read the instructions). •Pour one litre of test solution (recommended insecticide formulation used for the vector control program) into the tank. •Start the unit (according to manufacturer’s instructions) and allow running for three minutes. •Direct discharge horizontal. •Open solution tap and allow discharging for 10 minutes (record the discharge time). •Close solution tap and note elapsed time. •Shut off engine and close petrol tap. •Disconnect discharge tube and allow insecticide tank contents to drain into a graduated cylinder. 2. Working Example •Original contents: 1,000 mL •Balance: 720 mL •Amount discharged (10 minutes): 280 mL •Discharge per minute: 28 mL Repeat discharge operation two or three times and average the results. (Source: WHO/WPRO) 30 | The Use of Fog Generators in Integrated Vector Control: Thermal Fog & Cold Fog (ULV) Generators 11FOGGING WITH HAND HELD EQUIPMENT This method called RISSA (Residual Indoor Space Spraying Application) has proven to be more efficient, economical and effective than traditional thermal fogging procedures. While it is well known that thermal fogging and ULV sprays are not residual applications, researchers have developed a system in which a scientifically engineered formulation provides a residual wall spray as well as an airborne contact kills via ULV particles for indoor applications. In the beginning, alpha-cypermethrin was used, but this insecticide was very irritating to the applicant’s skin, eye and nose. However it was a high performance insecticide and a single residual application lasted a long time, does not build up in the environment and is extremely effective. The droplets contain crystalline particles that adhere to all types of surfaces. It has bi-modal action: it works as a contact kill via airborne aerosol particles expelled by the hand held sprayer, and through ingestion and absorption by the mosquitoes that are resting on different surfaces. FOGGING TECHNIQUE: Contrary to the other spraying operations, the entire house will not be treated. Only the places where the mosquitoes are hiding will be treated (dark areas, underneath heavy furniture, which can be hardly moved, cupboards, beds etc…) as well as the walls and resting surfaces. Despite that all precautions taken, to spray only the already mentioned surfaces, there will be some spray droplets flying and falling on other places. This is a normal fact and will not interfere with the expected results. The fogging of one room should take approximately 15 seconds. Typical thermal fogging applications, in a dengue emergency, occur every three days. In the beginning when the tests with RISSA were done, satisfactory results were seen for a period of up to 21 days. Now the residual effect must be longer so that such type of application is greatly reducing the cost of labour, fuel and chemicals as well as the inconvenience to the homeowner for evacuating their house. Using the right insecticide, knockdown and mortality occurs within 30 minutes. In the RISSA application, the mosquito is exposed to several particles while in flight and while harbouring in suitable resting spots within the house. 31 | The Use of Fog Generators in Integrated Vector Control: Thermal Fog & Cold Fog (ULV) Generators 12 ANNEXES ANNEXE 1 PREPARATION OF SPRAY SOLUTION TO KILL ADULT MOSQUITOES DURING DHF OUTBREAKS. The general formula is the same as for preparing solutions to treat mosquito nets. X = (A/B) - 1 Where: X = parts of water/solution to be added to 1 (one) part of the insecticide. A = concentration of the insecticide (%) B = required concentration of the final solution (%) a)Example: Assume a 1 % solution of permethrin (or other suitable pyrethroid) is to be prepared from a 25% concentrate and used in a back-pack sprayer with or without ULV attachments. X = (25/L) -1 = 24 Therefore 24 parts of water to 1 (one) part of concentrate are required. If the fogger has a capacity of 6 litres, there is a need of 250 mL (6 L = 6,000 mL: 24 = 250 mL) of concentrate to six litres of water or kerosene, e.g. 5750 mL of water or kerosene and 250 mL concentrate. b)Example A 1 % solution of permethrin or other suitable pyrethroid is to be prepared from a 10% concentrate and used in a back-pack sprayer with ULV attachments. X = (10/1) – 1 = 9 Therefore nine parts of water or kerosene to 1 (one) part of concentrate are required or 667 mL of concentrate to 6 litres of water or kerosene, or 600 mL to 5.4 litres of water or kerosene, better 5333 mL of water or kerosene and 667 mL of concentrate. c)Example A 4% solution of malathion or pirimiphos-methyl is to be prepared from a 50% concentrate and used in a hand-carried thermal fogger. X = (50/4) - 1 12.5 - 1 = 11.5 Therefore 11.5 parts of diesel oil to 1 (one) part of concentrate are required or 100 mL of concentrate to 1,150 mL of diesel oil. d)Example A 4% solution to be prepared from a ULV concentrate (98% technical) and used in a vehicle-mounted thermal fogger. X = (98/4) - 1 25.5 - 1 = 23.5 Therefore 23.5 parts of diesel oil to 1 (one) part of concentrate are required or 425 mL of concentrate to 10 litres of diesel oil. A ULV concentrate (95% technical) of Malathion (also know as Maldison in some countries) is to be used in a vehicle mounted ULV fogger. No dilution is necessary. (Source: WHO/WPRO) 32 | The Use of Fog Generators in Integrated Vector Control: Thermal Fog & Cold Fog (ULV) Generators ANNEX 2 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS: Please read and understand all product labels and relevant Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) before starting a fogging program. If unsure of any details, please seek advice from the project supervisor. Note: Safety measures in insecticide use are adopted to protect the health and lives of those applying insecticides. These measures seek to minimize the degree of poisoning by insecticides and the exposure to insecticides, prevent accidental poisoning, monitor sub-acute poisoning and provide adequate treatment for acute poisoning. These measures can be broken into four broad categories: • the choice of insecticides to be used • the safe use of the insecticides • the monitoring of insecticide poisoning • the treatment of insecticide poisoning What to know and what to do. 1 It is important to recognise of the symptoms associated with toxic levels of the individual pesticides used and what can be done to prevent exposure to these products. This concerns the indoor as well as outdoor fogging, and the use of all kind of units. The safety precautions for the ULV and/or thermal fogging must receive full attention. One operator, due to rotation, will not fog more than 40 to 60 minutes in one day but he will be in the spray area for several hours and thus be exposed to drifting droplets. 2 Certain basic rules must be observed: •treat all insecticides with care and attention and always follow the safety directions on the label on the insecticide packing. Always wear protective clothing, and ensure that the legs of the overalls are not tucked inside the gumboots. They must stay outside the gumboots. The same applies with the sleeves outside the gloves. Take particular care when using organophosphate products in fogging operations. •any spillage of the liquid concentrate onto the skin must be immediately washed off using soap and water. •all operators must always wear gauze masks and goggles. The goggles also protect against flying dust and other particles whilst fogging animal shelters. •the motor of the fogger must be switched off before petrol or insecticide are re-filled. •an operator who becomes accidentally contaminated with the liquid insecticide due to sudden leakage or breakage in a line or otherwise, must immediately change his uniform and wash with soap and water the contaminated area of his body. •a clogged nozzle tip will cause insecticide to drip into the large blower tube and this insecticide cannot be expelled forward, but will back up in the tube and drip through a small “safety” opening, When the latter occurs, the lower portion of the sprayer’s back will become contaminated. This important rear area of the sprayer should be periodically inspected and steps taken to ensure that the nozzle tip does not become clogged. 3 Symptoms of Poisoning The blood cholinesterase determinations for organophosphates or carbamates, after the first two rounds of fogging, and each of the next three rounds, will give an indication if any operator has had too much exposure to the insecticide, even though he may not show any toxic symptoms. However, it is good to know early symptoms of poisoning which include the following: •excessive sweating, •headache •blurred vision •dizziness •sick feeling (nausea) •vomiting •stomach pains •slurred speech •muscle twitching (convulsions may occur in later symptoms). 4 The supervisors should be informed and alerted regarding any possible poisoning so that first aid measures can be implemented. The drug (Atropine) used to stop some of the poisoning effects must be available and present in the area where fogging operation are taken place. The sick person and these drugs can be directly transported to the local health facilities, who already know how to treat poisoning cases. Bring also the insecticide label/packing to the health centre so that the medical staff can see what antidote must be given. 33 | The Use of Fog Generators in Integrated Vector Control: Thermal Fog & Cold Fog (ULV) Generators OTHER ADDITIONAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS AND ACCIDENT PREVENTION: • Read and understand the operating manual for each type of equipment first. • Never add fuel when the unit is hot (Fire hazard) • Never add fuel into the solution tank (Fire hazard) • Never touch the fogging pipe tip while the engine is running. Do not touch the protection jacket (cooling jacket) for 30 minutes after stopping the engine (danger of injury due to radiated heat). • Never let the unit run without supervision. • Do not transport hot units in closed vehicles. Never ship the unit with fuel or insecticide in the tank. If there is still fuel in the tank, the unit must be upright and secured against spillage. Remove the spark plug cap from the spark plug. Only remove or connect the spark plug cap from/to the spark plug with the fuel tank closed (because of the risk of formation of sparks). • When filling one of the tanks or when inspecting the carburettor, smoking is strictly prohibited in the immediate environment. • Do not fog any liquids with a flash point of less than 75°C. • After any repair work, reinstall the protection features on the unit. • Eliminate any leakage occurring on the unit without delay. • Check the functional safety of the unit each time before using it. For stationary operation, ensure safe standing for the unit. • Units which are permanently in use must be checked for compliance with the safety and accident prevention regulations whenever servicing or repair work is carried out in the customer service workshop or in the manufacturer’s servicing department. • Observe the instructions for use supplied by the pesticide manufacturers. • When fogging, use protective equipment such as protective clothing, gauze mask, protective gloves and ear protectors as applicable. The type and quality of the protective equipment to be used depends on the agent manufacturer’s instructions. The filter for the gauze mask (full-face musk) must meet the protection category A2B2-P3 as a minimum requirement. • Always wear ear protection equipment. 34 | The Use of Fog Generators in Integrated Vector Control: Thermal Fog & Cold Fog (ULV) Generators ANNEX 3 DETERMINING DROPLET SIZES Directions for determining the droplet size of Malathion - non thermal aerosols. Note: For this example, droplet determination for Maldison has been used. For other insecticides ,the methodology is the same, however check with the manufacturer for appropriate coated slides and spread factor. • Droplets that are too large (100 - 500 µm) will not carry well through the air and will not effectively reach the target insects. Also with droplets in this size range even when impingement occurs there is an overkill and waste of insecticide. • Droplets too small (less than a single µm) will flow over the target rather than impinge upon the body of the insect. • Correctly sized droplets make the necessary contact with target insects and effectively do the job of killing the target organism. Source: Micron Generation: Optimum Pest Control Through Optimum Sized Insecticide Droplets. Micro-Gen Equipment Corp. 1977 35 | The Use of Fog Generators in Integrated Vector Control: Thermal Fog & Cold Fog (ULV) Generators DETERMINATION OF DROPLET SIZE: Note: • The following information is based on the directions for determining the droplet size of Malathion non-thermal aerosols and the use of silicon-coated slides. • That the test method used for Maldison is applicable for other insecticides; however manufacturer recommendations must be adhered to. Important work in this area was done in the past by Dr. G.A. Mount. We can’t neglect that the droplet size plays a very important role in pesticide application by minimizing environmental contamination. Pesticides sprays are generally classified according the droplet size. When drift is to be minimized a medium coarse spray is required irrespective of the volume applied. (See Table 8). Droplet size is one of the principal factors affecting the efficiency of insecticide sprays or aerosols for the control of adult mosquitoes. CLASSIFICATION OF SPRAYS ACCORDING TO DROPLET SIZE. Table 8. Droplet size spectrum VOLUME MEDIUM DIAMETER OF DROPLET (µm) CLASSIFICATION OF DROPLET SIZE < 0.001 µm Vapours 0.001 - 0.1 µm Smoke and Fumes 0.1 - 50 µm Aerosols and Fogs 51 - 100 µm Mist 101 - 200 µm Fine spray 201 - 400 µm Medium spray > 400 µm Coarse spray Droplet size should be determined as frequently as necessary to insure that proper droplet size is maintained for each operation. It is suggested that droplet size determination be made: • every time the spray generator is installed on a vehicle • after each two months, thereafter every 50 hours (whichever is sooner) of operation • after any accident • random checking • if the spray generator remains idle for a month of more recalibration and droplet size evaluation are advisable. • following manufacturer’s instructions, on cleaning and maintenance must be followed to obtain proper droplet size. 36 | The Use of Fog Generators in Integrated Vector Control: Thermal Fog & Cold Fog (ULV) Generators OPTIMUM DROPLET SIZE RANGE: As a general recommendation the droplet size for ground fogging operations, should be in the range of 10 to 15 µm VMD. Within this general recommendation, there are a number of specific issues that need to be taken into consideration: 1.The VMD of the droplets SHOULD NOT exceed 17 µm. 2.Individual spray droplets SHOULD NOT exceed 32 µm in size. Three (3%) percent of the spray droplets (6 droplets in 200 droplets) can exceed 32 µm providing the VMD does not exceed 17 µm and no droplets exceeds a maximum of 48 µm. Larger droplets when transported by natural air currents, impinge more readily on objects in their pathway and will permanently damage automobile-type paints. 3.More than one half of the total spray mass must consist of droplets in the 6 to 8 µm range in order to achieve adequate dispersal over a 100 m (300 feet) swarth. 4.A minimum of 66% (preferrably 80%) of the total spray mass must consist of droplets NOT EXCEEDING 24 µm in size. (Source: Cyanamid Publication 1987) EQUIPMENT REQUIRED • Microscopes capable of 400 x power • Stage micrometer (200 divisions x 0.01 mm or 10 µm = 2 mm) • Eyepiece micrometers suitable for the available microscope •Counter • Slide: Different kinds of coated slides are available on the market. They have the same measurements as the normal microscopic slides 2.5 x 7.5 cm (1 inch x 3 inch). Silicon coated and magnesium oxide coated slides are accepted as being the method of choice for water-based formulations (Rathburn. 1970). Teflon coated microscope slides are recommended for collecting droplets where oil is used as a diluent, such as malathion and pyrethroid insecticides. Silicone coatings are miscible with oil formulations and will produce erroneous results. Teflon coated is recommended for collecting droplets where oil is used as a diluent such as fyfanon and pyrethroid insecticides. Teflon coated slides, are suitable for all sample applications, if silicon or magnesium coated slides are not available. CLEANING To clean a used Teflon coated slide we recommend using cotton moistened with acetone, xylene, alcohol or similar solvent. Do NOT use cloth or lens paper as this will scratch the surface of the slide. FACTORS WHICH AFFECT SPRAYS APPLIED FOR MOSQUITO CONTROL; A.Meteorological •Wind: intensity, directions turbulence •Temperature B.Humidity •Sunshine: promotes turbulence and thermal ascending currents, degrades photosensitive pesticides C.Formulation •Viscosity •Vapour pressure •Specific gravity •Spreading characteristics D.Toxicity •Toxicity to insects •Toxicity to man and warm blooded animals •Toxicity to plants E.Equipment factors or related characteristics •Droplet size •Nozzles employed •Air currents at time of fogging •Nozzle types, sizes position F. Liquid pressure INSTRUCTIONS PROCEDURE FOR DROPLET COLLECTION: To make a magnesium oxide; coated one, burn magnesium ribbon a few centimeters below the glass slide; two strips of magnesium ribbon, each about 10 cm long, will produce a deposit sufficiently thick for droplet diameters of up to 200 µm to be measured. A simply method of checking the uniformity of the coating is to view the coated slide from the back and against the light. The lower limit of droplet size that can be detected with a magnesium-oxide-coated slide is about 10 µm. There are several techniques which can be used. A.Laser-based techniques. •They are expensive and essentially laboratory-based instruments. B.Hot wire anemometry. •This is an electronic method that is both fast and convenient. The technique can be used to check the droplet spectrum produced by cold foggers, but is not suitable for use of thermal foggers. 37 | The Use of Fog Generators in Integrated Vector Control: Thermal Fog & Cold Fog (ULV) Generators C.Slide wave technique. • If modern equipment is not available, simple assessments can be made using the slide wave technique, using coated glass microscope slides. The technique can be done as follow: 1) Collect droplets under ideal operating conditions e.g. •no rain •no strong wind e.g. wind speed below 15 km (10 miles) per hour. 2) Start the spray generator and allow discharging for a couple of minutes. Once the motor is working, the flow rate can be eventually checked. 3) Contradictory to other treatment operations, the nozzle is more conveniently positioned parallel to the ground to discharge horizontally. 4) Stand behind the generator and move one step side warts and go than three to 4 meters away from the generator. 5) Once the sampler stands 3-4 meters behind the nozzle, just out of the spreading cloud of droplets, he/she swings the slide into the cloud and toward the nozzle against the direction of travel of the particles, horizontally and very quickly. The object is to swing the slide into the moving cloud and to get the most speed possible between the particles accelerated out of the nozzle and the slide being swung by the sampler. The higher the speed, between the particles and the slide, the better the sample because the smaller particles only hit and stick on the slide at higher speed. In sportive terms we can say “a baseball swing with the nozzle as pitcher”. 6) A sample of the aerosol is deposited on the slide by waving the side through the aerosol cloud. The slide velocity may be increased by attaching it to a 1.5 to 2.0 m (3 to 4 foot) stick by means of a spring paper clip or a rubber band. A single passage is generally sufficient to collect a representative sample. Stay 3 meters from the nozzle tip. It is advisable to take 2 slides; although in most of the programs only one single slide is taken. 7) If the slides aren’t examined locally, place the slides in a tight box and return them to the laboratory or office, where it must be stored in a cool place (refrigerator if possible) waiting to be examined. Avoid excessive heat during the transport, and prevent them from evaporation. FACTORS TO CONSIDER IN SELECTION OF DROPLET SIZE (USING MALATHION AS AN EXAMPLE). A.If droplet size is too large: •There will be fallout before the swath width of 100 m (300 feet) is reached. •Coverage is much reduced since fewer droplets are produced with the same amount of insecticide. •Droplets sizes larger than 17 µm, VMD may spot car paint, while those bigger than 25 µm, adhere more readily than small droplets and may be filtered out by vegetation and other objects. •With those larger droplets there will be a waste of insecticide and as more insecticide is used, there will be an increase in pollution and toxicity to non target organisms. B.If droplet size is too small: •All he droplets are subject to upward convection currents of turbulent air and they may not impinge on adult mosquitoes, although a flying mosquito will pick up more droplets than a resting one. •If the droplet size is less than 8 µm, a single droplet may not kill a mosquito. SLIDE EXAMINATION: • At least 200 droplets should be measured. This can be done on one slide. All the droplets from the edge of the slide to the other are counted as the slide moved across the field by the mechanical stage. Measurements should NOT be taken along the margins of the slide. • DO NOT put a cover glass on the slide, as it will distort the droplets. Focus at 100 x (times) or 200 x and then switch over to read the slide using 400 x power. • Reduce the brightness of the light below the slide if the light is variable, or put the piece of cloth between the slides containing the droplets and the light. • The droplets will form a dome shape on the slide and the spread factor is to correct for the spread of the droplet diameter due to the fact the droplet is of full size, but not a true sphere. • The height and the diameter of the droplet is used to calculate the spread factor. • Droplets are most conveniently measured in terms of the divisions of the eyepiece micrometer and afterwards converting the divisions into microns. In the example presented in Table 9 droplets were measured at 400 x magnification. At that magnification, each division of the eyepiece was calibrated to equal 3.5 µm. • The measurements converted into microns must then be corrected for the amount of spread factor that occurred on 38 | The Use of Fog Generators in Integrated Vector Control: Thermal Fog & Cold Fog (ULV) Generators the slides. Do not use uncoated slides as there will be no spread factor obtainable for them. The use of a spread factor in the calculations is absolutely necessary and is very different for each pesticide and formulation of that pesticide. The determination of a spread factor is very exacting and must be done with great care by a trained microscope operator. It should be available from the manufacturer of the pesticide but usually is not easy to obtain as it is not used often. The marathon ULV concentrate spread factor for silicone-coated slides is 0.5 (In Teflon coated slides the spread factor is 0.69). Therefore, in Table 9, each division of the eyepiece is 3.5 µm times the spread factor 0.5 µm or 1.75 µm which is the conversion factor. The measurements are arranged in order and processed as in Table 9. The maximum diameter is calculated by converting the diameter of the largest droplet measured into microns. In Table 9, the largest droplet measured had a diameter of 19 eyepiece divisions. Therefore the maximum diameter is 33.3 µm (19 x 1.75 = 33.3). To determine the Mass Medium Diameter (MMD), the accumulative percentages from the last column in Table 9 are plotted against the eyepiece divisions (D) on arithmetic probability paper as in Graph 1. Directly across from the 50 percent point on the line is the medium droplet size in eyepiece divisions which must be converted to microns. In Graph 1 eyepiece divisions times the conversion factor of 1.75 equals a Mass Medium Diameter (MMD) of 16.1 µm. Table 9. Calculated Data: Malathion Concentrate Aerosol Droplets Impinged on Microscope Slides EYEPIECE DIVISIONS (D)* NUMBER OF DROPLETS COUNTED (N) DXN % OF TOTAL DXN ∑(D X N) ACCUMULATIVE % 1 5 5 0.31 0.31 2 10 20 1.22 1.53 3 9 27 1.65 3.18 4 12 48 2.93 6.11 5 15 75 4.58 10.69 6 12 72 4.40 15.09 7 25 175 10.70 25.79 8 14 112 6.85 32.64 9 28 252 15.40 48.04 10 19 190 11.61 59.65 11 14 154 9.41 65.06 12 10 120 7.33 76.39 13 6 78 4.77 81.16 14 4 56 3.42 84.58 15 11 165 10.09 94.67 16 2 32 1.96 96.63 18 2 36 2.20 98.83 19 1 19 1.16 99.99 Total 199 1636 = ∑(D x N) * Measurements were taken at 400x magnification. Each eyepiece division equals 1.75 µm (3.5 µm x the 0.5 spread factor). 39 | The Use of Fog Generators in Integrated Vector Control: Thermal Fog & Cold Fog (ULV) Generators DIRECTION ON HOW TO MEASURE THE DROPLET SIZE PROVIDED BY THERMAL AEROSOLS: Thermal fog particle testing can be done adequately with the Maldison method if the spread factor is known for the formulation and the test is done before the solvent evaporates (Aqua Formulations and kerosene). Do not use uncoated slides as there will be no spread factor obtained for them. Thermal fog particle size is usually determined visually and it is suggested as a medium fog, not too wet and heavy or too dry and light. Note the action, does it hang or does go up and down. Thermal fog will always go up, but at the speed at which it goes up should be minimized. A relatively dense, relatively still a relativity vertically stable fog is what is desired. All the needed parameters as for ULV spraying, inversion, target insect presence, wind and speed below 10 mph (15 km) and not raining, are still required. Be informed that standard thermal fog generators, no matter which model is used, the droplet spectrum is reaching from very small droplets up to large droplets of 200 µm or more, depending to the nozzle used. Graph 1. Determination of the Mass Median Diameter (MMD). Redrawn from Malathion Insecticide for Adult Mosquito Control, Cyanamid 18 0.01 0.1 1 2 5 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 95 98 99 99.99 0.01 0.1 1 2 5 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 Accumulative Percentage 90 95 98 99 99.99 17 16 Corrected Eyepiece Divisions (1 Division = 1.75 microns) 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Percentage of the total volume of aerosol samples below each droplet size( from table 9). The MMD is determined from the 50% point on the line. The MMD equals 9.2 divisions x 1.75 equals 16.1 µm 40 | The Use of Fog Generators in Integrated Vector Control: Thermal Fog & Cold Fog (ULV) Generators 13 SELECTED REFERENCES Annex X: Guidelines for Chemical Space Spraying (SEARO). WHO Publication from SEARO (South East Asian Regional Office) Communicable Diseases Control, Prevention and Eradication WHO Pesticide Evaluation Schema (WHOPES) WHO publication (2003) Directions for determining the droplet size of Cythion or Malathion ULV nonthermal aerosols (Cyanamid 1987) Effective Disinfection with Thermal Fogging. DRAMM Publication (2011) Guidelines for Assessing the Efficacy of Insecticidal Space Spraying for Control of the Dengue Vector Aedes aegypti (World Health Organization 2001). Guidelines for Dengue Surveillance and Mosquito Control Second Edition (World Health Organization 2003). Manila. Second Edition 2003. Leading water-based space-spray technology for the control of mosquitoes and flies, 0410 Edition ©2010 Bayer Environmental Science Micron Generation: Optimum Pest Control Through Optimum Sized Insecticide Droplets. Micro-Gen Equipment Corp. 1977 Operating instructions portable thermal sprayer manual (pulsFOG). Regional Guidelines on Dengue/DHF, Prevention and Control (Regional Publication 29/1999). WHO publication Space spraying application of insecticides for vector control and public health pest control. A practitioner’s guide. Communicable Diseases Control Prevention and Eradication. WHO Pesticide Evaluation Scheme (WHOPES) The use of fog generators in Integrated vector Control: Thermal fog and cold fog (ULV) generators. (Swingtec). 41 | The Use of Fog Generators in Integrated Vector Control: Thermal Fog & Cold Fog (ULV) Generators 14 ABBREVIATION REFERENCE Bti = Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis – product C = Celsius (eg: 75°C) DF/DHF = Dengue Fever / Dengue Hemeragic Fever ha =Hectare hr =Hour hrs =Hours kcal =Kilocalories km =Kilometres kph = Kilometres per hour km/h = Kilometres per hour kW =kilowatt L =Litre LV = m =Metre m/s mL =Millilitre = Low volume Metre per second MMD = Mass Medium Diameter mph = Miles per hour RISSA = Residual Indoor Space Spraying Application ULV = Ultra Low Volume VMD = Volume Median Diameter WHO = World Health Organisation WP = Wettable Powder WPRO = Western Pacific Regional Office (Manilla) x =Times ÷ =Division µm = Micron (0.001 millimetre) NOTES: 1.The insecticide Malathion is known as Maldison in a number of different countries. Either name is applicable when referring to this insecticide. 2.MMD and VMD are synonymous and interchangeable. MMD is considered to be an older term and most recent technical literature tends to use the term VMD. 3.Before using any type of equipment, read the operator’s manual. 4.Prior to using any pesticide in a fogging program, read and heed the label. 42 | The Use of Fog Generators in Integrated Vector Control: Thermal Fog & Cold Fog (ULV) Generators 15 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Mr. Mario Valvasori (Southern Exports (Australia) Pty Ltd). Mr Terry Armstrong (Newtonian Consultancies) and Mr. Kern Walcher (Practical Vector Control (USA)), for revising the technical content of this manual. The assistance provided by Mr Bernd L Dietrich (Executive Shareholder of MOTAN Swingtec GmbH) and Mr Werner Stahl (pulsFOG, Dr Stahl & Sohn GmbH) is gratefully acknowledged. Both gentlemen provided valuable advice on many aspects of the technical details in this manual, as well as generously allowing the author access to their respective company information manuals and photographs/drawings. Ms Christelle Lepers, Mrs Elise Kamisan-Benyon, Ms Beryl Fulilagi and Mr Boris Colas, from the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC/ CPS) for providing invaluable assistance to the author. Mrs Christine Jackman, for assisting in the editing of the final manuscript. Mrs Elena Collins with formatting the manuscript prior to printing. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Lucien Swillen is a former World Health Organisation Technical Officer who has worked in many parts of the world. His 30 year career with WHO (1963 to 1993) was principally involved with the control of Malaria and Dengue Fever, as well as in programs to control such diseases as Trypanosomiasis and Schistosomiasis. His career at WHO took him to such diverse countries as: • The former Yugoslavia, Turkey and Algeria; • The former Republic of South Vietnam, New Hebrides (now Republic of Vanuatu), Solomon Islands and Laos. • Upper Volta (now Burkina Faso), the Republic of Mali and the Ivory Coast. Following his retirement from WHO, Mr. Swillen has based himself in the South Pacific region and has continued his interest in Malaria and Dengue Fever control, by continuing to work in these fields. He spent more than 10 years representing several international manufacturers of mosquito vector control equipment and other companies working in commercial vector control programs. Since 2006, Mr. Swillen has worked as a freelance consultant. He has helped organize and conduct workshops/courses for the WHO, Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) and HD Hudson in most of the countries of the Pacific Region as well as in Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, Iran, Timor Leste and the Philippines. In this time, he has been involved in numerous workshops where his particular expertise as a field operator has seen Mr. Swillen conducting “train the trainer” exercises in the correct techniques for Residual Indoor Spraying Programs and Space Spraying programs as well as passing on his wide-ranging expertise to a new generation of field officers involved with public health programs. Mr. Swillen currently resides in New Caledonia and continues his involvement in the control of Malaria and Dengue Fever; he is currently researching the early history of Malaria control in the Republic of Vanuatu since the islands were first discovered by European missionaries up until the country’s independence in 1980. The author may be contacted via: sinekci@lagoon.nc December 2013 43 | The Use of Fog Generators in Integrated Vector Control: Thermal Fog & Cold Fog (ULV) Generators NOTES 44 | The Use of Fog Generators in Integrated Vector Control: Thermal Fog & Cold Fog (ULV) Generators NOTES 45 | The Use of Fog Generators in Integrated Vector Control: Thermal Fog & Cold Fog (ULV) Generators NOTES 46 | The Use of Fog Generators in Integrated Vector Control: Thermal Fog & Cold Fog (ULV) Generators