BESS Tests Larger Livestock Ventilation Fans, Keeps Pace With Industry Trends
Posted: Mar. 24, 2008
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As buildings to house livestock continue to increase in size, there is a need for improved ventilation and larger and larger fans. Steven Ford is a research engineer and manager of the Bioenvironmental and Structural Systems Lab at the University of Illinois and is working to keep up with industry trends..
The Lab first opened in 1990 to provide unbiased engineering data to aid in the design, development and selection of efficient livestock ventilation fans. The lab tests ventilation fans sent to them by equipment manufacturers, or they can rent the lab for a day.
Ford says that companies bring their fans to the lab, along with one or two people to assist with the set-up..
Ford estimated that the lab has done more than 3,000 tests over the last 16 years —working with manufacturing companies around the country, as well as fans from Europe and Australia. Ford says the goal is to help producers make more informed choices in ag ventilation systems because the right fan will reduce odors, minimize the health risk of inhaling dust and optimize profits.