What is a ULV Fogger?
A ULV fogger is a cold fogging machine that is an excellent sprayer mechanism for disinfection chemical . It uses large volumes of air at low pressure to convert a liquid into a fine mist, that can then be dispersed into the atmosphere. ULV stands for ultra-low volume because of the low volume of fluid that is required to create enough fog to cover very large areas.
Since Covid, the use of the ULV fogging machine for sanitising has become more prevalent in the restoration world. Following recommendations from our customers and advice from external sources, we have listed the top picks of ULV fogger currently available on today’s market.
ULV fogger machines are not one-size-fits-all. There are many on the market, with each one being designed with different applications in mind. Some are static, designed to be placed on a flat surface and left alone. Others are portable, and you can carry them around in a similar fashion to a garden sprayer. You can even find massive, industrial ULVs which need to be mounted on a truck, although these are usually reserved for specialist industrial jobs.
In principle, though, they all work in a similar way. They use a blower, a tank, and a power source which drives the blower (this is usually electric, but can also be a petrol engine, too). The blower creates a small amount of pressure, which forces air through the nozzle. The air pressure can be adjusted by the controls on the machine. Your liquid of choice is delivered to the nozzle, which contains special fins that cause the air stream to swirl around. This motion separates the liquid into tiny droplets and then disperses it into the air.
The droplets produced are very small – so small, in fact, that they have to be measured in microns. Different droplet sizes are suitable for different applications and usually range from between 5 to 50 microns. Most ULV cold fogger‘s will let you adjust your droplet size. Smaller droplet sizes of less than 20 microns give what’s known as a “dry” fog – a mist so fine you might not even notice it’s there. This is better for covering very large areas. Sizes of 20 microns and above are better for disinfection, mould removal, intense pesticide treatments, and so on.
Advantages of ULV foggers
ULV (Ultra-Low Volume) foggers have several advantages over other methods of pest control and disinfection:
- Efficient and Effective: ULV foggers are able to cover large areas quickly and efficiently, making them a popular choice for disinfection and pest control applications. The small droplets generated by ULV foggers are able to penetrate into small crevices and hard-to-reach areas, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
- Reduced Chemical Usage: ULV foggers use a very small amount of liquid to create a fog, resulting in less chemical usage compared to other methods. This not only saves money, but also reduces the environmental impact of the chemicals.
- Faster Application: ULV foggers are able to apply chemicals much faster than other methods, which is particularly useful in large commercial or industrial settings.
- Safe for Occupants: ULV foggers are designed to create a mist that quickly dissipates, minimizing the exposure of occupants to the chemicals being used. This makes them a safe option for use in homes, offices, and other settings where people may be present.
- Versatile: ULV foggers can be used for a variety of applications, including pest control, disinfection, odour control, and even crop protection. This versatility makes them a popular choice for a wide range of industries and applications.
Disadvantages of ULV Foggers
While ULV (Ultra-Low Volume) foggers have many advantages, they also have some potential disadvantages:
- Limited Targeting: ULV foggers are designed to disperse a mist of fine droplets over a wide area, which means that they may not be the best option for targeting specific pests or areas.
- Airflow Interference: The effectiveness of ULV foggers can be reduced if there is strong air movement or wind, as this can disperse the droplets and make it difficult for them to reach their intended target.
- Chemical Exposure: While ULV foggers are designed to minimize chemical exposure to occupants, there is still the potential for exposure if the chemicals are not used properly. It is important to follow all safety guidelines when using ULV foggers to minimize the risk of chemical exposure.
- Maintenance: ULV foggers require regular maintenance to ensure that they are functioning properly. This includes cleaning and replacing nozzles, checking filters, and ensuring that the machine is calibrated correctly.
- Cost: ULV foggers can be more expensive than other methods of pest control or disinfection. Additionally, the cost of the chemicals used with ULV foggers can also be higher than other methods.
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for Thermal Foggers see our blog Best Thermal Foggers
Electric Fogger Atomizer Disinfection Fogging Machine ULV Mist Sprayer 4.5L UK
A great little 240v ULV fogger for all small fogging requirements that’s non expensive, but we would recommend having an extension lead to help sanitise those hard to reach areas
Pro’s
- Light weight
- Adjustable angle
- Spray range of up to 8-10 meters
- 4.5L tank capacity
- Adjustable Flow
Con’s
- Short lead
10L Electric ULV Fogger Backpack Sprayer Disinfection Spray Fogging Machine
Lightweight backpack sprayer with useful on/off switch on output hose with handle. Nice ergonomic backpack strap.
Pro’s
- Light weight @ 5kg
- Directional Hose
- Spray range of up to 5-6 meters
- 10L tank capacity
- Adjustable Flow
- Backpack Strap assembly
- Convenient on/off switch
Con’s
- Require extension lead for most areas
Birchmeier REC 15 PC4 15L Battery Backpack
Ideal for areas with no power or large areas for sanitising. After using it for two hours, the re-charge is a welcome break, although the back pack strap is comfortable and well designed.
Pro’s
- Battery Powered
- Delivers 50 micron ULV mist
- Max 13m range
- 2.2hr battery life at max pressure
- 1hr re-charge
- Lightwieght @ 4.4Kg
- 15L Tank
Con’s
- Can be heavy when full of chemical
Spear And Jackson ULV Pump Sprayer
Don’t under estimate the good old sprayer as it will work just as well where sanitary misting is not required.
Pro’s
- Pump Powered
- Portable
- Spray nozzle can be adjusted from Jet to Cone to Mist
- Lightwieght @ 1Kg
- 5L Tank
Con’s
- Pumped pressure doesn’t last very long
Cordless Handheld ULV Fogger
Ideal for areas with no power or large areas for sanitising.
Shoulder strap is comfortable and well designed.
Pro’s
- 48v Battery Powered
- Delivers 50 micron ULV mist
- Max 10m range
- 9L Tank
- 4 size options available
Con’s
- Slightly heavy @ 8.3Kg
Professional ULV Cold Fogger
Robust UVL fogger, but could do with a longer hose. Useful shoulder strap.
Pro’s
- 0-150 microns adjustable particle size delivery
- Directional Hose
- Spray range of up to 5-6 meters
- 5L tank capacity
- Adjustable Flow
- Shoulder Strap assembly
Con’s
- Require extension lead for most areas
SuperHandy Backpack Fogger
Pro’s
- Light weight @ 5kg
- Directional Hose
- Spray range of up to 5-6 meters
- 10L tank capacity
- Adjustable Flow
- Backpack Strap assembly
Con’s
- Require extension lead for most areas
Ryobi RY18FGA-0 1 Cordless Fogger
Pro’s
- Ideal for use with disinfectants, cleaning solutions, herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides
- Made from high-grade chemical resistant materials
- Even and consistent particle size distribution (40 microns). Designed to leave sufficient dwell times on the surface for the chemicals to act
- Atomised particles can travel up to 4.5m
Con’s
- Batteries sold separately
