Cohen, Robert S.

Tanksley, Jr., T. D.

English

Texas A&amp;M Repository

b-/7-~L-2075_~!!BI---------------.. ltl2COOLING THE SWINE HERD WITH ATHERMOSTAT-TIMER CONTROLLEDSPRINKLING SYSTEMRobert S. Cohen and T. D. Tanksley, Jr.*When temperatures reach 80 to 85 degreesFahrenheit (F.), pigs must be cooled to obtain max-imum performance and to prevent death loss. The pigcools its body by four methods - conduction, radia-tion, convection and evaporation. Conduction is theloss of heat by the pig to a solid that is cooler than thepig's body temperature, such as occurs when a pig islying on the ground or concrete. Radiation is the lossof heat waves to objects that have temperatures lowerthan the pig; the pig radiates heat to these objects inthe same manner as the sun radiates heat to the earth.Convection is the loss of heat to cooler air or a coolerpool of water. Evaporation is the loss of heat by thedrying of a wet surface, such as the inner surface of apig's lungs or when a pig's skin becomes wet andsubsequently dries.As the ambient temperature (temperature of sur-rounding air) increases above 70 degrees F., evapora-tion becomes the most effective method ofcooling thepig (see Figure 1). When temperatures approach 100degrees F., cooling by conduction, radiation andconvection are ineffective because the air and objectssurrounding the pig are nearer his body temperature(102.5 degrees F.).When the ambient temperature approaches 85degrees F., hogs begin experiencing heat stress. Atthis temperature they eliminate body heat initially byevaporation of moisture from their lung surface*Extension swine specialist, Texas A&M University AgriculturalResearch and Extension Center at Lubbock; and Extensionswine specialist, College Station, The Texas A&M UniversitySystem.34.10through more rapid breathing. Wetting the pig's skinresults in skin surface evaporation and greater com-fort when ambient temperatures are high. To securemaximum cooling, the water must be evaporatedfrom the body surface; therefore, periodic wetting ofthe animal followed by evaporation should give max-imum cooling efficiency. This intermittent wettingcan be done most economically with an automatic"sprinkler" system.~ I] Evaporation~ IIIIm Convection~ 50 E83QJ Radiation:r:>. [] Conduction~~AMBIENT TEMPERATUREFigure 1. Heat lost from body of57- to 81-pound pig.An automatic sprinkler system includes severalcomponents (see Figure 2). The system is automati-cally "turned-on" by a thermostat (at a temperatureselected by the operator) and a timer controls asolenoid valve permitting the sprinkler to operate 1 or2 minutes (optional up to 9 minutes) out of 10. Thisresults in greater cooling efficiency, less water usageand less deterioration of buildings and equipment asTexas Agricultural extension Service. The Texas A&M University System. Zerle L. Carpenter, Director. College Station, Texascompared to a "fogger" system that sprays continu-ously.Figure 2. Schematic diagram ofthermostat-timer con-trolled sprinkler system.Cycle RepeatTimerTo Sprinkler(s)Line Solenoid ValveStrainer ~====~oThermostatWater LineFuse ProtectedSwitchThe information given herein is for educational purposes only.Reference to commercial products or trade names i,s made withthe understanding that no discrimination is intended and noendorsement by the Cooperative Extension Service is implied.Figure 3. Wiring and components diagram for sprin-kler system.• Adjustable thermostat 120V, 60 cycle, ~O to 100degrees F. range, such as a Honeywell, ModelT631C-II03.• Cycle repeat timer, 10 minute cycle, 120V, 60cycle clock motor, switch capacity V2 hp, such asa Paragon Percentage Type, Model JW 10-0.• Pilot operated solenoid valve, diaphragm-type,normally closed, 120V, 60 cycle, V2 inch pipebrass body, such as an Asco 810D2.• Inline "Y" strainer with 40 to 50 mesh screen, V2inch pipe inlet and outlet, iron, bronze or plasticbody adequate for local pressure, such as SarcoY strainer, AT or BT.• Spray nozzles solid cone 60 to 90 degrees spraypattern, brass tip and strainer assembly (50mesh), such as Delavan nylon eylet # 10001, lf2inch, with strainer and BC-5-70° tip.This system will turn itself off when it gets belowthe set temperature at night, and will turn itself onagain when it gets warmer the following day. It willoperate mostly unattended throughout the summerexcept for lime plugged tips and strainers. However,because the strainer and solenoid are especially vul-nerable to breakage from freezing, it is necessary toprevent freeze damage. Some types of lime pluggingcan be cleaned by boiling the tips and strainers invinegar.PowerSupplyTimerSolenoid Valve ~PrinklerII," I \ NozzleI : \\LineStrainerWaterSourceElectricalPower Source........Some guidelines for using sprinkler systems in-clude the following:• Use sprinklers that deliver 2 to 3 gallons ofwaterper hour per nozzle (the spray should wet boththe hogs and the floor).• Set the timer so the sprinkler is off long enoughfor the floor or ground to visually appear drybefore it sprinkles again (use 1 to 2 minutes onand 8 to 9 minutes off, initially).• Set thermostat at 80 degrees initially and adjustto fit cooling needs.• Locate sprinklers 3 to 4 feet above the floor orground. Place nozzle on opposite end of penfrom feeder to keep feed from getting wet.Sprinklers located over dirt should be placed inthe sun to prevent mud holes.• Allow at least 1 nozzle per 20 pigs.• Adequate air movement must be provided formaximum efficiency.• Sprinklers are not suitable for young pigs (under30 pounds).The various components plus the specifications forthose illustrated in the display (see Figure 3) aregiven below. This is not a recommendation for anyspecific brand name since a similar component withsimilar specifications from any other company wouldbe equally satisfactory.• Fuse protected switch 120V, 60 cycle, such as aFusetron Box cover for a handi-box. Use 1 ampscrew in fuse.Educational programs conducted by the Texas Agricultural Extension Service serve people ofall ages regardless ofsocioeconomic level, race,color, sex, religion, handicap or national origin.Cooperative Extension Work in Agriculture and Home Economics, The Texas A&M University System and the United States Department ofAgriculture cooperating. Distributed in furtherance of the Acts of Congress of May 8, 1914, as amended, and June 30, 1914.5M-3-83 AS7

Cooling the Swine Herd With a Thermostat-Timer Controlled Sprinkling System.

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Cooling the Swine Herd With a Thermostat-Timer Controlled Sprinkling System.

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Cooling the Swine Herd With a Thermostat-Timer Controlled Sprinkling System.

Abstract

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Texas A&amp;M Repository

Texas A&M Repository