Evaporative Cooling

Evaporative cooling is environmentally-friendly and easy on your pocketbook...

Tuesday, October 17, 2006

The new Port-A-Cool® 16-inch variable speed models are here joining the top selling variable speed 24 and 36-inch fan blade sizes already a staple in the Port-A-Cool® lineup.

Producing more air than any previous 16-inch model, the variable speed units crank out 4,000 CFM of delivered air. Plus, the new units accomplish the higher airflow rating by utilizing a 1/3 hp fan motor that draws only 2.9 amps of power.

These new units from Port-A-Cool® are available in two models. The new 16” variable speed model has a three-gallon built-in reservoir and it can be attached to a 3/4-inch garden hose for a continuous water supply. Like the other 16-inch Port-A-Cool® units, it is available with an optional accessory cart with casters or can be used on a tabletop or workbench. The 16” variable speed model with filler cart comes mounted on a roll around cart with casters and a 22-gallon water reservoir that eliminates the need for a garden hose or other outside water source.

In addition to being manufactured of durable, rust and leak-proof polyethylene plastic, all Port-A-Cool® portable evaporative cooling units are still the only units that are UL listed – not just the motor or the pump, but the entire unit.

For more information on either of the new 16-inch variable speed units, or to locate a distributor near you, call 1-800-695-2942 or 936-598-5651. Or, you can visit us online at www.port-a-cool.com.

Tuesday, August 01, 2006

Numerous improvements have been made to the outstanding line of Port-A-Cool® units, including the 48 inch model. The venturi has been redesigned, allowing more air delivery. Formerly delivering 17,000 CFM, the unit now delivers 20,000 CFM, increasing the cooling area from approximately 3,500 to a generous 4,000 square feet.

The Port-A-Cool® unit works simply by pulling hot, ambient air through water-soaked evaporative cooling media located in the back of the unit. The evaporation process takes place within the cooling media, creating cool air that is dispersed by a fan located in the front of the unit. The Port-A-Cool® evaporative cooling unit consistently lowers the air temperature 18-26°F in testing.

The one-piece rotomolded housing for the Port-A-Cool® unit is rust and leak proof, making the unit sturdy and immune to the perils of outdoor use. Each unit is shipped completely assembled and ready to operate right out of the box. Port-A-Cool® units are built with the end-user in mind and the product is backed by a 12-month limited warranty. The entire Port-A-Cool® unit is approved by Underwriters’ Laboratory, not just the components. The 220v/50hz units carry CE and SASO/KSA approval in addition to UL certification in the U.S. and Canada.

Port-A-Cool® units can make activities more comfortable and enjoyable in spite of summer heat or warmer than comfortable working conditions. Other applications for Port-A-Cool® units include spot cooling in greenhouses, pool areas, gyms, garages, kennels, barns and tent events. Four available fan sizes increase the variety of uses for the Port-A-Cool® unit and the list of uses are virtually endless. Since Port-A-Cool® units require only 110 volts and tap water to operate, a unit can be placed almost anywhere and be moved easily on casters.

For more information, call 1-800-695-2942 for a distributor near you or visit www.port-a-cool.com.

Thursday, June 08, 2006

Evaporative cooling and heat stress

Heat stress can occur in people, animals and even equpiment. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and other agencies, employees required to work in high temperature environments should be allowed frequent breaks in a cool place to avoid symptoms of heat stress including nausea, dizziness, cramps, confusion, unconsciousness, seizure and even death. High temperature environments are generally referred to as those over 87˚F for light work, over 82˚F for moderate work and over 78˚F for heavy work.

According to the “Journal of Dairy Science”, across all animal classes, the estimated national annual losses to heat stress are estimated at $2.4 billion. In cattle, heat stress reduces fertility and milk production in cows and can cause udder infections and even mortality during the hot summer months. Heat stress is also to blame for a high percentage of piglet and poultry mortality.

Evaporative cooling units, like Port-A-Cool®, can lower the ambient temperature an average of 20˚F, turning a restrictive 90˚F area into a comfortable 70˚F area.

For more information, visit www.port-a-cool.com or call 936-598-5651.
Will it save me money?

Evaporative cooling is also up to 50% cheaper to install and three times cheaper to run than refrigerated cooling.

Typically, the cost for water and electricity for a 36” unit for eight hours of operation is less than $1.00. Smaller units will operate for longer periods for the same amount of money.

That’s approximately three times cheaper than traditional air conditioning.
Is it good for the environment?

Refrigerated cooling makes the air dry and uses refrigerants which may harm the environment. Evaporative cooling, however, is based on a totally natural process of air cooled by water which means it won't dry out the air, irritate your skin, throat or eyes, or affect the environment.

Evaporative cooling is the healthiest way to cool because it replaces stale air with clean, fresh air many times an hour — remember, you keep your doors and windows open. The air is never re-circulated which means smells and airborne germs are expelled.
Evaporative cooling vs. traditional air conditioning

Evaporative coolers and central air conditioners both serve the same important purpose: keeping us cool. But these two systems operate very differently. Understanding the difference can help get the most out of any system and minimize wasted energy.

Evaporative coolers cool air by filtering it through water, thus lowering the air’s temperature. Evaporative coolers produce humid air because the air absorbs water during the cooling process. These systems work best when a small amount of outside air circulates into the space where the evaporative cooler is employed. This also introduces fresh air into the environment and reduces the risk of poor indoor air quality.

Central air conditioners, on the other hand, work by taking humidity out of the home. These systems produce cold, dry air and work best in an airtight home.

The major advantage of an evaporative cooler is that its operating costs are typically one-third those of a central air conditioner. The initial equipment cost is also lower than air conditioners. Along with lower operating costs and simple installation, evaporative cooling can be a perfect, ozone-friendly alternative to traditional air conditioning.

To find out more, visit www.port-a-cool.com or call 936-598-5651.
Evaporative cooling ... what is it?

Remember the chill after swimming on a hot, dry day, then getting out of the water and feeling the wind hitting your wet skin? Or simply try dipping your finger in a glass of water, then blowing air across your finger and feeling the cool sensation as the water evaporates. That’s evaporative cooling.

Try the same thing when there is no wind or no air moving. The surrounding air is quickly saturated with moisture, there is no evaporation and the cooling effect is gone.

Evaporative cooling units create this naturally occurring process and provide a constant flow of cool, refreshing air into a hot, uncomfortable environment.

How does it work?

The heart of an evaporative cooling system is the pad where the water evaporates and the air passing through the pads is cooled.

Evaporative cooling pads, like Küül® pads, are manufactured of fluted cellulose sheets that are glued together. This material is chemically impregnated with special compounds to prevent rot and ensure a long service life.

A special water distribution system spreads water over the surface of the pad, ensuring a uniform supply of water to keep the entire air contact surface thoroughly wetted.

Fans create a negative pressure, causing air to be drawn through the pads.

Evaporation results from contact between air and water. A control system operates the water pump and the fan distributes the cool air.

The relative humidity is lowest in the afternoon when the temperature is at its highest. And the lower the humidity, the better the evaporative cooling effect. In other words, the cooling effect is best when you need it the most.

For more information, visit www.port-a-cool.com or call 936-598-5651.

Friday, April 21, 2006

Evaporative Cooling

Port-A-Cool

Friday, April 14, 2006

Numerous improvements have been made to the outstanding line of Port-A-Cool® units, including the 48 inch model. The venturi has been redesigned, allowing more air delivery. Formerly delivering 17,000 CFM, the unit now delivers 20,000 CFM, increasing the cooling area from approximately 3,500 to a generous 4,000 square feet.

The Port-A-Cool® unit works simply by pulling hot, ambient air through water-soaked evaporative cooling media located in the back of the unit. The evaporation process takes place within the cooling media, creating cool air that is dispersed by a fan located in the front of the unit. The Port-A-Cool® evaporative cooling unit consistently lowers the air temperature 18-26˚F in testing.

The one-piece rotomolded housing for the Port-A-Cool® unit is rust and leak proof, making the unit sturdy and immune to the perils of outdoor use. Each unit is shipped completely assembled and ready to operate right out of the box. Port-A-Cool® units are built with the end-user in mind and the product is backed by a 12-month limited warranty. The entire Port-A-Cool® unit is approved by Underwriters’ Laboratory, not just the components. The 220v/50hz units carry CE and SASO/KSA approval in addition to UL certification in the U.S. and Canada.

Port-A-Cool® units can make activities more comfortable and enjoyable in spite of summer heat or warmer than comfortable working conditions. Other applications for Port-A-Cool® units include spot cooling in greenhouses, pool areas, gyms, garages, kennels, barns and tent events. Four available fan sizes increase the variety of uses for the Port-A-Cool® unit and the list of uses are virtually endless. Since Port-A-Cool® units require only 110 volts and tap water to operate, a unit can be placed almost anywhere and be moved easily on casters.

For more information, call 1-800-695-2942 for a distributor near you or visit www.port-a-cool.com.