Blog posts tagged with 'swine ventilation'

Hog Slat’s launch of AirStorm fiberglass fans continues our commitment to reducing the price swine and poultry farmers pay for production equipment. Manufactured at our facilities in Iowa and North Carolina, AirStorm fans offer dependable performance at very attractive prices. Here is a look at several key features illustrating the quality designed into AirStorm fans.

Quality starts with Resin Transfer Molded (RTM)  fiberglass housings. Fiberglass parts produced by a RTM process have two finished surfaces and high glass-to-resin ratio. The result is a very finished looking product with high weight-to-strength characteristics. A direct side-by-side comparison of competitive brands shows AirStorm housings to be noticeably thicker. Polyethylene discharge cones reduce weight and cost. 

True airfoil vanes on the PVC shutters reduce air drag to improve fan delivery. Full-length spring steel rods, instead of short endpins, keep the vanes securely mounted into the frame.

Heavy-weight, stainless steel motor mounts, and hardware offer more protection from rust and corrosion than comparable aluminum mounts. Stainless Steel (36″ & 54″) or composite (24″) props outlast plastic or aluminum and stay “in-balance” through actual on-farm conditions. High service factor motors provide protection against varying line voltages common with rural power sources. 

The lower purchase price of AirStorm fans results from a different type of distribution model. The traditional marketing channel for ventilation equipment consists of a manufacturer selling fans to a local dealer who marks the price up before selling to livestock producers. The cost of AirStorm fans is lower because we manufacture and sell directly to the end user. Hog Slat controls the distribution chain from start(manufacturing and sourcing) to finish (sale to the end user) and can limit the amount of “stacked margins” in the final purchase price. (See more about Margin Stack) Our network of local stores provides service at a cost lower than typical dealer distribution systems.

For pricing and ordering information go to Airstorm Fans

We spoke with Hog Slat engineers, Tyler Marion and Tim King about the differences between using a jet or submersible pump to fill evaporative cooling systems. Here’s a quick synopsis of our discussion.

1) Jet pumps are more reliable because they can run dry for a period of time. For instance, if you discover during morning chores a leak occurring overnight had drained the system, a jet pump would still be working.   A submersible pump that runs that long without water will need to be replaced.

2) Jet pump repairs are less costly. The impeller and motor are two individual components; a bad motor can be replaced separately. Submersible pumps are a single unit.

3) Jet pump repairs and service are easier. A jet pump system is all above ground…a submersible pump must be pulled from the sump for repairs. A drain plug on the GrowerSELECT jet pump allows easy access for service and winterizing.

4) The integrated trash basket on a jet pump protects the pump from debris.

5) Submersible pumps are designed to move waste water from underground applications; low volumes with high head pressures. Jet pumps are a better choice for evaporative cooling applications as they move larger volumes of water at reduced head pressures.

6) One of the advantages cited for using a sump/submersible pump system is the sump acts as an extra reservoir for the system. The bottom trough of an 80′ long system holds about 300 gallons of water. A typical sump only holds about 30 gallons; really an insignificant amount. The main purpose of a sump area is to provide a place where a submersible pump can run in water so it doesn’t burn up. (see 1.)

To order go to jet pump