Chicks keep their cool
January 1st 2007 When temperatures at one of Cherry Valley's hatcheries reached in excess of 35°C during the summer, the duck producer decided to source a cost effective and ecologically friendly way of providing staff and chicks with a cooler environment. The company decided to trial a single cooler and opted for a Breezair unit from Seeley International (Europe). This was installed on the outside of the hatchery and ducted into the Take-Off room where chicks are removed from their shells. Vents were strategically placed in the room to give spot cooling. Clive Brown, chief engineer, says "Our staff immediately commented on the improved conditions and we were also aware that the cooler temperatures were helping stop the chicks from overheating." Such was the success of the trial that the hatchery has since installed two more Breezair coolers. Summer temperatures have been reduced by 8 to 10°C. By introducing a flow of fresh, cooled air, the units have accelerated very hot, stale air extraction from the building. Temperatures are controlled by programmable regulators, which provide four different control modes. More articles from Seeley International Ltd: | 
