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Knowledge Center Mechanical Equipment What is the difference between fogging and LVM?What is the difference between fogging and LVM?
Written by Frank Schoenmakers | Last update: 07-11-2020
As a grower, you can choose to spray a crop protection agent, but – depending on the crop, the pest and the product – you can also choose to perform a space treatment. In the latter case, there are two options: fogging and LVM. With both techniques, you atomize a crop protection agent on the crops. Still, there are differences between fogging and LVM. In this article, our specialist lists these differences.
Working principle
Firstly, fogging and LVM have a different working principle. A fog device, such as a Pulsfog, atomizes a crop protection agent thermically with the use of jet engines. Sprayers inject the liquid into the nozzle, creating uniform droplets of about 30 to 80 microns. These are emitted with great force, which gives fogging equipment a large range (large throw).
LVM stands for Low Volume Mist and also works based on atomization, but there is a different technique behind it. With LVM, a crop protection agent is atomized cold using compressed air, vacuum pumps or air pumps. This produces very small droplets of about 5 to 15 microns. This fine mist is ideal for penetration into dense crops.
Atomization capacity
Another difference between fogging and LVM is the atomization capacity. Depending on its size, a fogging device can atomize up to 60 liters per hour. In practice, this means you can treat 2 to 3 hectares per hour. The atomization capacity of an LVM device is generally much lower.
Mobility and distribution
A fogging device works on gasoline, which makes it more mobile. It means you are in control of the distribution, because you can easily move the device through the greenhouse. This is not the case with LVM: this device requires an electrical connection and is set up in one place. The device then works through an automatic program in which the space is pre-ventilated, atomized, piping is automatically rinsed and if necessary also ventilated.
For distribution in the center of the crop with LVM, you need climate fans for support. The number of fans you need depends on the number of m³ of air in the greenhouse, the capacity of the fan and the type of fan. Make sure you are always properly advised on this.
It is not customary to purchase fans strictly for the use of an LVM (in other words: an LVM is usually only chosen if fans are already present in the greenhouse), but it may happen that you need a number of additional fans. This affects the return-on-investment period.
Time
A fogging device must be constantly moved, which means you need to be present during the space treatment. An LVM device does not need to be moved and can be set in advance, which means you can leave. On the other hand, the complete LVM process does take longer, because it requires pre-ventilation. In addition, the atomizing itself takes longer than with fogging.