Pig management expert John Gadd is a believer in artificially controlled natural ventilation (ACNV) systems. Unfortunately things often go wrong when producers try to create these types of solutions, he says. Here’s how to do it properly…
ACNV is a halfway-house between fully natural ventilation and forced (fan) ventilation. There are 2 reasons for this article…
Because it is becoming more popular due to its low cost and flexibility, especially where large areas have to be ventilated, when sufficient cooling or warming air can be placed just where it is most effective, and when needed altered quickly and simply as conditions change.
And because too many simple mistakes are made, needing the attention of specialists in piggery problems like myself. An airbag system is easy to make on the farm providing the careful measurements below are followed. When attending to such complaints I find one or more of the essential rules are not being obeyed. These are…
The 10 steps for successful design
Use any fan suitable for the weight of pigs to be ventilated in the climatic conditions expected. Now how to create a duct?
Hole size. Diameters greater than 40mm give directional jets and 30mm or less tend to give a diffusing effect.