Gerald R. Bodman

Electrical Wiring Methods and Materials for Agricultural Buildings

AN adverse atmosphere for electrical wiring materials and equipment exists in most buildings used in agriculture. In livestock production facilities, this adverse environment can include dust, salt, moisture, and corrosive vapors. Fires, equipment failures and animal losses have been attributed to improper wiring methods and improper selection of equipment. Insurance costs have risen, or insurance is unavailable in some cases, because of improper wiring and equipment. Wiring methods and equipment which must be used in order to function adequately and safely in this adverse environment are presented. These methods and equipment will provide safe, effective utilization of electric energy in livestock facilities. Specifications for grounding, service equipment, wiring methods, fans and motors, thermostats, lighting and general purpose outlets are included. In most instances, following these guidelines will ensure insurability.

An Analog Model of Neutral-to-Earth Voltages in a Single-Phase Distribution System

An analog model has been developed to illustrate the neutral-to-earth voltage phenomenon associated with multigrounded single-phase distribution systems. The model can be used to demonstrate the effects on primary lines of magnitude and location of loads with respect to the substation, poor neutral connections, and poor grounds. On secondary lines the effects of poor connections, poor grounds, and undersized neutrals can be illustrated with two farmstead loads. These loads can be connected to illustrate the effects of loads in phase and out of phase with the primary line and the influence of one farm on another. The effect of separating primary and secondary neutrals can be illustrated.

Digital Voltmeter for Checking Quality of Electrical Connections and Conductors

POOR, high-resistance connections and undersized conductors in electrical systems contribute to neutral-to-earth voltages and to extraneous or stray voltage problems in livestock housing facilities. A procedure based on electrical theory and utilizing a digital voltmeter has been developed to allow qualitative evaluation of connectors, splices and neutral conductors while in place and energized. When coupled with standard safety practices, the procedure is safe, time efficient, cost effective and accurate. The procedure has been tested in the laboratory and has been used in the field to evaluate both primary and secondary systems.

Development of indexed-position sprinklers and system design for year-round irrigation.

ABSTRACT DESIGNING an efficient and effective irrigation system for land application of treated municipal sewage effluent presents a challenge to the designer, especially when requirements for operation at temperatures from -30 to +40 °C, for management in both wooded and cropped areas, and for 24-h per day, year-round operation are included. Details are presented on the design and operation of a 26 ha solid-set spray ir-rigation installation which has been operated on an ex-perimental basis since 1963. In addition to general infor-mation on design, specific details on research to develop reliable sprinklers with good distribution patterns for year-round operation are presented. Also presented are practical suggestions and insight into some of the equip-ment and operational problems which should be an-ticipated in future designs of such systems. Detailed development work was necessary for year-round operation since the misting action of most com-merical sprinklers leads to ice buildup on the turning mechanisms and prevents rotation of the sprinklers, causing unsatisfactory operation during freezing temperatures. The fine spray of some other commercial sprinklers leads to a smooth ice layer with little subse-quent penetration of the effluent, making their operation unsatisfactory also. Efforts in this research were directed in the area of indexed-positioning to improve penetration and reduce runoff while maintaining good uniformity during winter operation. Three indexed-positioning sprinkler types were developed and tested. They were compared with two commercial and one previously developed experimental non-indexing sprinklers.