In a post-pandemic world, keeping large areas clean and safe has taken on a new level of importance. It's a tall order to maintain schools, warehouses, healthcare facilities, manufacturing plants, offices, factories, and more to be efficiently cleaned–that's where industrial fogging machines come in.
Fogging machines, or foggers, dispense chemicals by turning the liquid into a vapor or dense fog for various applications. They are typically used to disperse insecticides in agriculture and treat mold and mildew. Adding an industrial fogger to your equipment lineup will help you tackle just about any job, thanks to the extensive range of coverage in distributing chemicals. They are commonly used in gardens, warehouses, gyms, schools, storage spaces, small greenhouses, and other indoor or outdoor spaces for pest control, agricultural spaces, mold, odors, disinfectant, and more.
But, with so many different fogger models currently available, it's important to note what features to prioritize and which you can compromise. In this Industrial Fogger Buying Guide, we look at some key information so you can choose the best fogging machine for your needs.
- Types of Industrial Foggers
- Key Factors to Consider
- Top Industrial Fogger Brands
- Operation and Maintenance Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions
Type of Industrial Foggers
ULV Foggers
An Ultra-Low Volume (ULV) fogger, also known as a cold fogger, uses a large amount of air at a low pressure to turn the disinfecting liquid into tiny droplets in the air. The “ultra-low volume” term means that only a small amount of liquid is necessary to create a fog cloud large enough to cover wide spaces like factories and warehouses. Since they use pressure to form the vapor, these appliances are perfect for indoor spaces and sensitive areas.
Thermal Foggers
Also known as “hot” foggers, thermal fogger machines heat the disinfecting liquid to make it a vapor, producing a dry fog of small droplets that can travel a long distance. Because of the heating element, these are ideal for outdoor use for pollution, odor, and pest control applications. However, since the droplets are so tiny, you may need to fog the same area at least twice to ensure complete coverage.
Check out our article, Thermal Foggers vs ULV Cold Foggers, for more information about both types of machines, including benefits, considerations, and best applications.
Key Factors to Consider
Tank Size and Fogging Range
The larger the tank, the longer you can go without stopping and starting. Smaller tanks can usually cover indoor spaces, but outdoor areas or warehouses will need larger tanks to cover more space. Thermal foggers usually have larger tanks, ranging from under 2 gallons to up to 40 gallons, while ULV foggers are typically smaller, holding under 5 gallons.
Similarly, the distance of the fogger spray range makes a difference in the application and usage it is good for. Short-range foggers are ideal for classrooms and offices, whereas long-range foggers are better suited for parking lots, gardens, and other outdoor areas. ULV foggers can reach anywhere from 20 to 40 feet out, making them versatile for indoor and outdoor applications.
Adjustable Flow Rate and Droplet Size
By controlling the vapor released, you can limit wasted chemicals and ensure the spray matches the intended task. Heavy-duty sanitization or pest control calls for a higher flow rate, while sensitive areas like hospitals require a low flow rate.
Adjusting the chemical fogger's droplet size helps you get more for your money, as different-sized droplets are ideal for different applications. Larger droplets coat specific surfaces thoroughly and are great for mold control, disinfection, or spreading insecticide in a targeted area. Smaller droplets cover larger areas when carried by air currents and wind.
Power Source and Portability
The most common power source is wired electricity, which delivers reliable operation but can be limiting depending on the length of the power cord. On the other hand, gasoline-powered foggers are more mobile but operate for shorter periods and need refueling, which is an added cost. Plus, they are not recommended for indoor applications because of combustion risk and smoke emissions. Battery-powered foggers offer the same mobility without an additional cost, although runtimes may vary.
Safety Features
Handy safety features like automatic shut-off, childproof design, and non-toxic materials ensure safe operation with less risk of accidents.
Top Industrial Fogger Brands
XPOWER
The versatile cold foggers made by XPOWER are lightweight, compact, and equipped with a powerful motor. Known for their reliable and durable products, XPOWER's fogger line-up is no different than what is now expected from the brand. Choose from various sizes, budget-friendly options, and convenient battery operation or traditional plug-in models to apply chemicals in commercial, industrial, and agricultural applications. The XPOWER F-16B ULV Battery-Operated Cold Fogger delivers a 200 ml/min flow rate thanks to a 135 W Lithium Ion battery, which can give up to 32 minutes of use on a single charge.
Vectorfog
Vectorfog's range of fogging products includes various capacities and sizes to meet the rigorous demands of daily use in multiple industries, including agriculture, pest control, healthcare, and restoration.
Their thermal foggers are built for durable and long-lasting operation, including patented Dual-Point technology that allows you to switch between water-based and oil-based fogging without additional equipment. Optional steel tanks are also important when working with more corrosive chemicals. The Vectorfog ULV cold foggers are ideal for pesticides; the C Plus line is even FDA-listed for medical disinfecting purposes.
The Vectorfog H200SF-SS Thermal Fogger, a flagship Vectorfog product, holds 1.7 gallons of chemicals and disperses the fog with a directional valve, allowing you to use either oil-based or water-based solutions with a simple change of the valve.
ProRestore
As a brand under the LegendBrands umbrella, ProRestore has made high-quality and high-performing products for remediation and restoration projects for over 25 years. The ProRestore Thermogen VF Fogger is a gas-powered thermal fogger workhorse compatible with a variety of water-based and solvent-based chemicals. ProRestore also offers multiple products for just about any remediation or odor control job, including smoke neutralizers.
Operation and Maintenance Tips
When using any kind of fogger, it's essential to wear proper PPE (personal protective equipment) as outlined in the instructions of the chemical you're using. This includes but is not limited to gloves, masks, eye protection, respirators, and full-body suits. Also, ensure the room is adequately ventilated and that no other people or animals are in the room while using the fogger machine to prevent cross-contamination.
Not all chemicals are compatible with foggers, so read all chemical product labels and instructions thoroughly and carefully before adding them to a fogger machine.
Regular cleaning is recommended for optimal results; especially for thermal foggers, which continuously use the heating element for operation and leave residue behind. Check the owner's manual for further instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Industrial Fogger Machine?
Fogging machines are appliances that convert liquid chemicals into a dense fog or vapor for disinfection, pest control, odor control, pollution control, sanitization, and more.
How do Industrial Fog Machines Work?
Using either pressure or heat, a fogger machine converts liquid into vapor or fog to evenly, efficiently, and thoroughly disperse chemicals into an area. That fine mist is directed through a nozzle to pinpoint the areas you want to treat.
What are the Different Types of Foggers?
Thermal and Ultra-Low Volume (ULV) foggers are the two most common types. Thermal foggers use a heating element to change liquid to vapor, while ULV foggers use pressure.
Electrostatic sprayers have a slight positive charge added to their fine mist of chemicals, so the droplets seek out and cling to surfaces with purpose. They are available as a third option for fogger machines but aren't as popular as thermal and ULV foggers. Read more about how electrostatic sprayers work.
Where can an Industrial Fogger Machine be used?
Since they use pressure to change the liquid to vapor instead of heat, ULV foggers are recommended for indoors and in sensitive areas like hospitals, schools, gyms, and more. They are especially effective for sanitization and pesticide applications, and are versatile enough for outdoor use as well.
The heating element in a thermal fogger makes it a little risky for indoor use, since they operate at high temperatures of at least 1500 degrees F, so it's more useful for pest control outdoors and odor or smoke remediation.
What is the difference between a dry fogger and a regular fogger?
The size of droplets is the difference between a regular fogger and a dry fogger. For comparison's sake, human hair measures about 70 to 100 microns in diameter.
Droplets from a dry fogger measure 10 to 15 microns in diameter on average, which is small and light enough to float along air currents and disperse over larger outside areas.
ULV or cold foggers create larger droplets averaging 20 to 30 microns in diameter, forming a wetter mist that coats surfaces thoroughly and applies the chemical solution better.
What is the Difference Between a Fogger and a Mister?
While similar in many ways, the difference between a fogger and a mister is the size of the water droplets each emits. A mister disperses larger water droplets, 50 to 100 microns, making it suited for outdoor-only applications. However, foggers create smaller droplets, generally 50 microns or less in size, which is why they are often used for indoor applications. Compared to the average size of human hair, which ranges from 70 to 100 microns in diameter, the droplet size of a fogger versus a mister is quite different.
Do you have to wash all your clothes after using a fogger?
Most, if not all, foggers require suitable protective clothing, including a protective suit or coverall, gloves, respirator, eye protection, and rubber boots. Due to the chemicals that may be used and for your safety and the safety of anyone else working around you, it is recommended to wash any contaminated clothing before reuse.
How long do I have to remain out of a room before I can re-enter it safely after using a fogger machine?
While it typically takes 2 to 4 hours to let the chemicals settle, you should check the label of the chemicals you are using for complete safety and timing information.
Do I Need an Industrial Fogger?
If you're looking to improve efficiency in distributing chemicals for cleaning or other applications while ensuring full and even coverage, then an industrial fogger is an excellent choice to make your job easier. Whether you are looking for a cold or thermal fogger, these machines provide a way to control pests inside and outside, disinfect indoor areas, and more, thanks to their versatile design.
Still trying to decide which fogging machine is best for you? Call our product experts toll-free at 1-800-934-9194. We want to help you choose the right machine for your needs.
