Agricultural Ventilation Equipment
L. L. Christianson,* S. E. Ford, T. L. Funk, G. L. Riskowski, Y. Zhang
Various manufacturers and electric power suppliers; National Pork Producers Council; University of Illinois; Electric Power Research Institute

Factors that affect performance of agricultural ventilation equipment are evaluated (e.g., fans, heat exchangers, inlets, evaporative pads). Results for commercially available equipment are published in booklet form and distributed by extension engineers and electric utilities. This project is in cooperation with electric power suppliers, swine producers, and fan manufacturers.

Analysis and Development of a Noncontact Aerodynamic Deduster
Y. Zhang,* G. L. Riskowski, L. L. Christianson
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers; Illinois Council on Food and Agricultural Research

Existing dust removal equipment is limited in application to animal facilities, especially in farm animal buildings, as it requires frequent cleaning and/or replacement of filters. The limitation is primarily due to the contact filtration process. In this study, a prototype of noncontact, aerodynamic deduster will be developed to separate dust particles from an air stream. Theory of particle cut size will be reviewed and modified. Parameters such as the deduster configurations and turbulence intensity affecting the cut size and particle separation efficiency will be determined. Data collected will be used to validate the theory.

Assessment of Worker Exposure to Contaminants when Working with Laboratory Fume Hoods
G. L. Riskowski,* A. M. Zhivov
National Institutes of Health

Experimental protocols and facilities are being developed to test leakage of contaminants from laboratory fume hoods during operation. Effects of room ventilation design, facility layout, worker movements, and cross-drafts on leakage from fume hoods will be measured.

Bioenvironmental Engineering Research Laboratory
L. L. Christianson,* M. E. Tumbleson, R. J. Adrian, M. Ellis, J. W. Hummel, S. M. Larson, R. I. Mackie, M. T. McCulley, T. A. Newell, J. F. Reid, G. L. Riskowski, M. J. Rood, W. B. Rose, M. A. Smith, L. A. Spomer
National Science Foundation; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers; Center for Indoor Air Quality Research; U.S. Department of Agriculture; U.S. Department of Energy; University of Illinois (In cooperation with the Departments of Animal Sciences, Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Theoretical and Applied Mechanics, and Veterinary Medicine, and the Small Homes Council/Building Research Council)

An interdisciplinary research laboratory was established involving faculty from engineering and biological sciences. The purposes are to characterize and assess the microenvironment and its effects on organisms and biological products. Focus areas include animal and plant interactions with their microenvironments, sensors and instrumentation, indoor air quality, air and air contaminant movement, environmental conditioning equipment, and building materials.

Bioenvironmental and Structural Systems Laboratory
G. L. Riskowski,* L. L. Christianson, S. E. Ford
Acme Aerotech; GSI Group; Hired Hand; Multifan; Raydot; University of Illinois

A series of tests were conducted on how design and application affect performance of ventilation equipment and structures. Equipment tested included agricultural fans, grain-drying fans, evaporative pads, air diffusers, and building ridge vents.

Characterization of Dust Particles from Animal Buildings
Y. Zhang,* X. L. Wang, G. L. Riskowski, L. L. Christianson
Cooperative State Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture; University of Illinois

An air quality laboratory has been established in the Department of Agricultural Engineering. Grants from the sponsors enabled us to acquire a state-of-the-art aerodynamic particle sizer and the accessories. Particle size distribution, number and mass concentrations, and microbiological compositions of dust from animal buildings will be characterized to aid in developing air-quality control strategies. Together with gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, and other instrumentation such as a multipoint air sampler, a laser particle counter, and an Anderson sampler, the laboratory becomes one of the best equipped for air quality research in the nation.

Critical Flow Control Devices for Measurement of Dust Spatial Distributions
Y. Zhang,* X. L. Wang
University of Illinois

The existing aerosol sampling technology is a single point measurement, i.e., one measurement at one point at a time. To study the aerosol spatial distribution and behavior, it is critical to measure aerosol concentrations across an airspace at multipoints during the same time period. Otherwise, the time required for each measurement point will introduce large errors in aerosol distribution patterns which are highly time dependent. A critical air flow (air speed at the speed of the sound) device is being developed. The device will be able to maintain an accurate air flow regardless of the pressure. The device will be used to develop a multipoint aerosol sampler that can measure dust concentration at multiple points at the same time.

Develop and Evaluate a Low Cost Inflatable Cover for Earthen Manure Lagoon to Reduce Odor Emissions
Y. Zhang,* G. L. Riskowski, T. L. Funk, R. Hussey
Illinois Council on Food and Agricultural Research

We are developing a low-cost inflatable lagoon cover for rectangular-shaped earthen lagoons. Expected results of this study will likely be an economical and practical method for reducing odor from lagoons, preventing rainfall collection and accidental spillovers. Fertilizer values will also be preserved with the covered lagoon. The odor emission from the lagoon will be substantially reduced. The lagoon will be hidden from sight and thus the perception of odor will be eliminated.

Development of an Automatic Oil Sprinkling System to Reduce Dust and Odor from Swine Facilities
Y. Zhang,* G. L. Riskowski, T. L. Funk, A. Guativa
Illinois Council on Food and Agricultural Research

Sprinkling a small quantity of vegetable oil on floor surfaces has been proven a most effective and economical method to reduce odorous dust and odor in swine buildings. Previous research by the investigators was conducted using a manual oil sprayer, which is labor intensive.This proposed project is to develop an automatic oil sprinkling system to make this technology practical and economical for commercial swine facilities.

IAQ Model Development
L. L. Christianson,* A. M. Zhivov, J. S. Zhang, K. Hagstrom
National Research Council, Canada

Experiments were conducted in the room ventilation simulator to evaluate the reliability of the models for predicting indoor air quality. Working with the NRC, a practical model is being developed that incorporates new product emission information as it becomes available. Further experiments are planned to evaluate and refine the model for more complex and realistic room conditions.

Illinois Odor and Nutrient Control Proving Center
G. L. Riskowski,* V. M. Gabert, Y. Zhang, M. E. Ellis, P. G. Stroot
Illinois Council on Food and Agricultural Research

Before results from laboratory studies can be recommended to livestock producers they need to be verified in larger scale studies that can include the effects of multivariables. A proving center with larger scale production facilities has been developed to test technologies for odor control that were successful in small-scale studies. Sprinkling small quantities of vegetable oil in facilities, using an aerodynamic deduster, and integrated nutritional practices were tested.

Measurement and Analysis of Flow Patterns and Particle Distribution Using Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) Technology
Y. Zhang,* L. Zhao, S. Zhang, G. L. Riskowski, L. L. Christianson
Illinois Council on Food and Agricultural Research

The objectives of this study are to develop a Particle Imaging Velocimetry (PIV) System for measurement of low-speed airflow and particulate air contaminant transport and distribution and to evaluate the ventilation efficiency, particle removal effectiveness, and nonuniformity of indoor thermal environments in animal buildings. This proposed project will provide fundamental measurement methodologies and techniques for other future studies.

Odor Scrubber for Swine Building Exhaust Air
G. L. Riskowski,* P. G. Stroot, A. M. Elenbaas, Y. Zhang
Illinois Council on Food and Agricultural Research; University of Illinois

Studies have been conducted on various designs of wet air scrubbers for swine building exhaust fans. Most of the odor exhausted from swine buildings is carried on particulates and a low-cost method of modifying existing ventilation fans to remove these particulates is being investigated. Methods of scrubbing particulates from fan exhausts have been investigated in the laboratory and in the field and, we have shown dust mass and odor reductions. Studies are being conducted to test the effectiveness of biofilters after the wet scrubber for further reduction of odor.

Reducing Fatality Risk from Livestock Manure Storage
R. A. Aherin,* Y. Zhang
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health; National Farm Medicine Center

This four-year project focuses on the following objectives: (1) understand the interaction of factors that promote gas production in manure pits that leads to dangerous situations; (2) develop potential control and management methods to reduce manure pit gas concentration; (3) review current sensor control technology and evaluate the capability of the most promising technology to function in livestock environments; (4) evaluate the current safe work behavior by swine confinement workers; and (5) develop safety procedures and effective safety educational training materials for people working in and around manure pits.

Reducing Fatality Risks from Livestock Manure Storage Facilities
Y. Zhang,* R. A. Aherin, M. J. Robert, R. E. Petrea
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health; National Farm Medicine Center

Studies will be done to understand the interaction of factors that promote gas production in manure pits and lead to dangerous situations. From this information, potential control and management methods will be developed to reduce manure pit gas concentrations. Safety procedures and educational training materials will be developed for people working in and around the manure pits. Sensors will also be evaluated for ability to monitor gases in manure pits. Information on gas concentration and sensors will be disseminated to the industry through an education program of this project.

Solid/Liquid Separation of Waste Using Gravity and Automatic Solid Removal
T. L. Funk,* Y. Zhang, J. Polakow
Illinois Council on Food and Agricultural Research

This project is to develop and evaluate a solid/liquid separation system for waste treatment using gravity settling and an automatic solid removal to minimize the maintenance and cost. Primary influent will be first settled in a settling basin with a sedimentation chamber, and an auger system will remove the solid periodically. The separated solids then can be used for further processing such as thermochemical conversion, composting, or digestion. The liquid, which is low in BOD, can be aerated mechanically or naturally without much odor emission.

Swine Odor Sampling and Characteristics
G. L. Riskowski,* E. G. Perkins, Y. Zhang, P. G. Stroot, X. Wang
Illinois Council on Food and Agricultural Research

Techniques are being developed to obtain accurate, representative samples of the gaseous and particulate components of odor emissions from swine facilities. Methods of sampling will be developed for both chemical and organoleptic analysis. GC/MS analysis of the samples will be done to identify odorous compounds in the gaseous forms and adhered to particulates.

Thermal Conversion (TCC) of Swine Manure to Produce Fuel and Reduce Odor
Y. Zhang,* B. J. He, Y. Yin, R. Masel, T. L. Funk, G. L. Riskowski
Illinois Council on Food and Agricultural Research

Thermochemical conversion (TCC) is a chemical reforming reaction of organic compounds in a heated enclosure. Swine manure with 5% to 20% solid matter is processed in a scale model TCC. The products are a light crude oil, gases, post-processed water, and solid fertilizer. The objective of this proposed research is to examine the critical solids content of manure at which the TCC can be a net energy producer, i.e., oil and gas produced are sufficient to operate the TCC processor. Critical solid content will be determined to balance the energy output and input.

Variable Rate Technology Slurry Applicator
T. L. Funk*
Illinois Council on Food and Agricultural Research

In Illinois, the most popular way of spreading swine manure, by slurry tank, has a serious shortcoming: it is very difficult to estimate and control the rate at which the slurry flows from the tank to the soil-injection equipment. Without better controls, the producer cannot assure the public that manure is being applied to land at environmentally acceptable rates. This project will develop a simplified, accurate system for controlling flow rate and the ability to couple the control with other hardware and software related to site-specific precision agriculture methods.