Sprinkling a small amount of mineral oil onto the floor area in a livestock building has been demonstrated as an effective method to reduce dust concentration. The objective was to evaluate mechanical properties of different types of oils sprinkled at different temperatures and pressures. Six biological oils (purified canola, crude canola, corn, sunflower, flax, and soyabean) and one mineral oil (baby oil) were evaluated at temperatures between 10 and 40degC (50 and 104degF). Density and viscosity of the oils were measured using a viscometer. Sprinkleability in terms of droplet diameter and uniformity was measured under different pressures using a computer image processing system and a microscope. Oil mist at the animal and human breathing levels (0.1, 0.8 and 1.6m [0.33, 2.62, and 5.25 ft] above floor) were examined during, and 10 seconds after, oil sprinkling. Proper oil sprinkling should be carried out at a pressure and temperature that produces oil droplets smaller than an upper threshold diameter (UTD) to ensure good sprinkleability, but larger than a lower threshold diameter (LTD) to avoid producing oil mist. Optimum ranges of temperature and pressure for each type of oil are recommended.
Product Details
- Published:
- 1995
- File Size:
- 1 file , 2.7 MB
- Product Code(s):
- D-17282
