Modern standards of child-making require not just visible purity, but deep disinfection and elimination of odors at the molecular level. This is where the stage comes in. fog-stuffIt has become an indispensable tool for deckling centers and car cleaners around the world. This technology allows you to penetrate into the most inaccessible places of the cabin, where it is impossible to reach by vacuum cleaner or steam generator, providing complete sanitation.
Unlike traditional washing methods, dry fog generators create an aerosol with a microscopic particle size that stays in the air for a long time and is effectively deposited on surfaces. This allows you to destroy bacteria, viruses and persistent smells of tobacco smoke or burns without indiscriminate interior. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to choose a device, what chemistry to fill it with and what mistakes should be avoided during operation.
The market offers many solutions, from compact hand-held models to powerful stationary installations. Understanding the principles of work ULV generators Ultra Low Volume helps you not overpay for unnecessary features and choose the perfect tool for your business or personal use. It is important to note that the quality of the result directly depends on the calibration of the equipment and the correctness of the selected chemistry.
Principle of operation and physics of the process
Dry fog generators work on the principle of liquid crushing into microscopic particles of 5 to 50 microns in size. This is achieved through high-speed airflow or ultrasonic vibration, depending on the type of device. The resulting "fog" behaves like a gas, filling the entire volume of the cabin and penetrating into the pores of the upholstery, air conditioning ducts and under the skin.
Key parameter Here is the dispersion. If the particles are too large, they will quickly settle on horizontal surfaces before reaching their target. If they are too small (less than 1 micron), they can evaporate before reacting with the contaminant. Therefore professional equipment Always have a precise air and pressure setting.
The disinfection process does not happen instantly. The fog must be confined for a certain time to react with organic pollutants. That is why it is important to seal the car before the procedure, closing all windows and doors.
⚠️ Note: Using household humidifiers instead of specialized generators will not give the effect of dry fog. They create a water suspension that is too large, which will wet the cabin and can cause corrosion of electronic components.
The physics of the process also implies that the fog particles have an electrostatic charge (in some models), which causes them to “stick” to surfaces, providing uniform coverage on all sides. This is especially important for vertical surfaces such as door maps and body racks.
Generators: Electric, Pneumatic and Thermal
The choice of equipment begins with the definition of the engine type and the principle of spraying. The market today is dominated by three main categories of devices, each with its own advantages and limitations. Electrical ULV generators They are the most popular due to their mobility and ease of service.
Pneumatic models require a connection to the compressor, which makes them bulky, but they do not depend on the power grid and can work in explosive atmospheres if made of appropriate materials. Thermal generators, which create fog by heating liquids, are more often used to process large volumes or streetwork, as hot steam can damage some types of car leather or plastic.
- 🔹 Electrical: quiet, compact, ideal for work inside the cabin, require a 220V outlet.
- 🔹 Pneumatic: reliable, do not warm, but require a powerful compressor and make noise when working.
- 🔹 Thermal: They give very fine fog, but can be dangerous to sensitive cabin materials.
For most tasks, the car-disinfection The best choice is electric models with cold spraying. They are safe for all materials, including alcantara and natural leather, and allow for precise doses of chemical consumption.
Criteria for the selection of professional equipment
When buying a device, you can not rely only on the price or brand. There are a number of technical characteristics that determine the efficiency and durability of the device. First, pay attention to performance, measured in milliliters per minute (ml/min). For the processing of passenger cars, the optimal range is considered 30–80 ml/min.
The second important parameter is the size of the tank. Too small a capacity will cause you to constantly interrupt for refueling, which will disrupt the technological process. The optimal volume of the tank is from 2 to 5 liters. It is also worth assessing the quality of the body materials and internal components, as dry fog chemistry is often aggressive.
Don't forget the ergonomics. If you plan to handle large SUVs or minibuses, the weight of the machine and the length of the hose matter. Lightweight models With a comfortable handle, reduce the load on the operator during long-term work.
| Parameter | For passenger cars | For commercial transport | For mobile dry cleaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Productivity | 30-50 ml/min | 80-120 ml/min | 40-60 ml/min |
| Tank volume | 2-3 liters | 5-8 litres | 2-4 litres |
| Weight. | 4kg | 8kg | 3.5 kg |
| Nutrition | 220B | 220V / 380V | Battery / 12V |
It is also worth paying attention to the presence of a flow regulator. The ability to change the intensity of the fog supply allows you to adapt one device for different tasks: from rapid deodorization to deep antibacterial treatment.
Chemistry for dry fog: composition and compatibility
The equipment is only half the success. The second half is the right one. dry-mist chemistry. The use of inappropriate liquids can lead to failure of the generator (clogging of nozzles, corrosion) or damage to the interior of the car. The basis of quality compositions is usually water, alcohol or glycol, in which the active substances are dissolved.
To remove odors, formulations with enzymes or oxidants are used that break down odor molecules. For disinfection, means based on quaternary ammonium compounds (HAC) or hydrogen peroxide are used. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding concentration and exposure time.
Always check the compatibility of chemistry with the materials of the cabin. Aggressive oxidants can whiten the fabric or damage the glossy plastic if the concentration is exceeded.
Never use oily solutions, thick emulsions or large-particle products in dry fog generators. This is guaranteed to bring the device down. Specialized chemistry It has the necessary viscosity and degree of cleaning.
⚠️ It is strictly forbidden to pour pure alcohol, gasoline, solvents or chlorine-containing agents (type "Belizeny") into the generator without the special permission of the manufacturer. This can cause fire, explosion or irreversible damage to seals.
Technology of processing of the cabin: step-by-step instructions
The process of processing the car with dry fog requires adherence to a strict sequence of actions. A disruption of technology can cause the smell to not go away, or worse, mold will appear in the cabin due to increased humidity. Before the start of work, it is necessary to conduct a thorough cleaning of the cabin with a vacuum cleaner.
Remove all personal items, mats and removable items. If the car has electronics that are sensitive to moisture (such as open media boards), it is better to cover them with film, although properly configured fog should not be wet.
☑️ Preparation for processing
Next is the direct spraying phase. Start the generator, set the desired performance and place the hose inside the cabin. The door should be tightly closed and the hose fixed. The operating time depends on the volume of the cabin and the concentration of the smell, usually 10-20 minutes.
After the work is completed, do not open the car immediately. Let the fog "work" in a closed volume for another 30-60 minutes. Then open the doors and ventilate the car until the visible fog and chemical smell are completely gone.
What to do if after processing there is a smell of dampness?
If after ventilation you smell damp, it means that the technology was broken: either too much liquid was used, or the cabin was not sufficiently warmed before processing. In this case, you need to dry the cabin with a fan and repeat the procedure with a lower dosage of chemistry, making sure that the air conditioner filter is replaced.
Maintenance of the device and typical errors
Anybody fog-stuff It requires regular care. After each shift or at the end of the working day, clean water should be washed. This will prevent the crystallization of chemical residues inside the pump and injectors, which is the main cause of breakdowns.
A common mistake for beginners is to ignore the replacement of filters. At the air inlet to the compressor part, there are often filters that are clogged with dust. Dirty filter reduces pressure and worsens the quality of spraying. Check their status monthly.
- 🔸 Wash the tank and hoses with water after each use.
- 🔸 Lubricate the moving parts of the mechanism according to the instructions (if required).
- 🔸 Keep the device in a dry place, avoiding extreme temperatures.
Also often mistaken with the choice of the place of installation of the hose. Do not direct the fog stream directly onto the seat or dashboard at point-blank range. The fog should fill the volume evenly. It is better to place the end of the hose in the center of the cabin or on the floor.
Regular prevention (water washing) increases the life of the generator by 3-4 times and guarantees a stable quality of fog at each procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is dry fog safe for children and animals?
The process itself is safe if certified chemistry is used. However, during the operation of the generator and during the exposure period (while the fog is in the cabin), it is absolutely impossible to be inside the car. After careful ventilation, the salon is completely safe for children, animals and allergies, as the chemistry breaks down into safe components.
Can a generator be used to treat insects?
Yes, dry fog equipment is effectively used for disinsection. However, this requires special insecticide drugs that are approved for use in confined spaces. The usual “smell chemistry” of insects will not kill.
How often should I change the nozzle?
With proper operation and use of high-quality chemistry, the nozzle lasts a long time. However, if you notice that the fog has become wet or is flowing, and cleaning with water does not help, then the caliber of the nozzle has changed due to wear or corrosion. On average, in intensive operation (5-10 cars per day), the nozzle is changed every 6-12 months.
Does dry fog kill the COVID-19 virus?
Yes, if disinfectants with proven virulicidal activity are used (e.g., based on HAC or peroxide). It is important to observe the concentration of the solution and the exposure time specified by the chemical manufacturer. Mechanical spraying of water without an “asset” virus will not destroy.