Frequently Asked Questions

What happened to the CS2020 Misting Tunnel?

ViraTek’s original Misting Tunnel was the model CS2020. It was fabricated for ViraTek by Viking Medical until 2005.  At that time, ViraTek made significant design and fabrication changes to the Misting Tunnel and moved the fabrication to a ISO 9001-2000 compliant, stainless steel fabricator who uses cutting edge technology including water jet cutting and wrapped instead of welded construction. Initially, these changes resulted in the model LE2020 Misting Tunnel and the larger model LE2828 Misting Tunnel that eventually evolved into the LE2020”C” and LE2828”C” current models.

How does the original model CS2020 differ from ViraTek’s current models?

In 2005, 2007 and 2009 ViraTek made significant design & fabrication improvements:

  • Water jet cut, wrapped stainless steel construction that gives a seamless, smooth finish with fewer welds making it stronger and easier to clean.  All access doors have stainless steel piano hinges with recessed stainless steel pulls. ViraTek upgraded the stainless steel from 304 to 316 to reduce the possibility of rusting.
  • Load end access to the reservoir, needle valve and in-line filter –   Everything the user needs to access is right at their fingertips – NOT behind a door. The reservoir and filter are visible at all times so that the operator always knows when sanitizer needs to be added or the filter needs to be cleaned. In addition, locating the reservoir on the exterior of the load-end panel eliminates the storage of the chemical inside the base of the machine where it can create rusting of the motor, torque limiter, pump, etc.  This has occurred in our older CS2020 models.  Components not requiring routine access are easily accessible behind the load end & side panel. 
  • Larger redesigned reservoir – the new reservoir design is angled to maximize the use of the larger 3-gallon capacity, increasing usage and decreasing down time to add solution.  The reservoir is now designed to allow the user to choose between recirculating the sanitizer or changing the setting to a one-time use without recirculating. This feature also allows the user to connect the drain line to a hose to drain directly into a floor drain or container, if desired. It also allows the user to completely flush the system by setting the reservoir to non-circulate and running clean water through the system. In addition, there is nowa valve at the end of the chemical line/spray pipe to allow the system to be completely flushed into the pan.
  • Visible level indicator – allows the user to see exactly how much solution is in the reservoir without opening the lid.
  • Redesigned drain pan – the creased, single drain pan increases the efficiency of drainage back to the reservoir with a filter screen to prevent debris from entering the drain. It also eliminates sanitizer pooling in the pan.
  • Motor mount – The motor mount has been reinforced to reduce noise and maintain consistent drive chain tension.
  • Safety conveyor belt guard – added protection at the load end to ensure the safety of the user.
  • Safety electric eye beam activator – allows the user to activate the mister while keeping their hands away from the conveyor.
  • Torque limiter- This safety device has been upgraded to allow easy adjustment and eliminate slippage.
  • Stainless steel drive chain – more durable than the plastic drive chain in the original CS2020.
  • Off-load conveyor – comes STANDARD with integrated hooks that attach to the Misting Tunnel or the Pass-Through Door, and a heavy-duty “package stop” at the end to prevent items from falling off the conveyor after being sanitized.

 In 2009, ViraTek took the suggestions of its current customers and incorporated a clean out tray that runs the entire length and width of the internal conveyor to catch debris and ensure easier cleaning.  These models became the LE2020”C” and LE2828”C” Misting Tunnels. ViraTek has continued to make upgrades. 

What are the electrical utility requirements for the Misting Tunnel?

The Misting Tunnel connects to a standard 110 Volt ground fault outlet with 15Amp service.  The machine draws less than 5 Amps of power. 

What are the exhaust requirements for the Misting Tunnel?

The Misting Tunnel is self-contained and therefore does not require any ductwork to be installed. The heat generated by the machine is nominal and basically undetectable.

Do I need a floor drain?

The sanitizing fluid recirculates and drains back into the reservoir which can then be drained as needed. No floor drain is required, although some customers may find it convenient to have one near to the machine.

What is the minimum doorway requirement to move the machine?

TheLE2020C Misting Tunnel is 33” wide, 60” long, and 59 1/2" high and requires at least a 34 ½” doorway opening (a standard 36” door). The LE2828C Misting Tunnel is 38" wide, 60" long and 67 1/2" high and requires at least a 40" wide doorway opening.

How do you install the Misting Tunnel?

When not used in a barrier setting, the Misting Tunnel alone requires no installation.  It is simply rolled into the desired location and the casters are locked and the Off-Load Conveyor is hooked to the off-load end. If the Misting Tunnel is being used in a barrier (dirty to clean room) setting, the Pass-Through Door provides a fixed location. (see below)

Can the Misting Tunnel be permanently mounted to a wall?

Yes. When used in a barrier facility (dirty to clean room), the Misting Tunnel can be mounted permanently to a wall using the optional Pass-Through Door. The Pass-Through Door is mounted in the wall between the dirty and clean rooms.  The Misting Tunnel is then rolled into place on the dirty side and sealed against the Pass Through frame. The off-load conveyor is hooked to the brackets on the door side of the Pass-through in the clean room. The wheels are left on the Misting Tunnel to allow ease of maintenance in case any problem should arise. 

What are the safety features of the Misting Tunnel?

There are two Emergency Stop buttons; one located on the load end and one on the off-load end.   In addition, there is a torque limiter mounted to the drive motor, a load end Chain Guard and an Electric Eye Beam Activator. Safety notices are located on each end of the conveyor.

What are the routine maintenance requirements for the misting tunnel?

There is a permanent in-line stainless steel mesh filter that needs to be regularly rinsed in hot water to remove any debris, usually once per week.  There are individual stainless steel mesh filters mounted inside each misting nozzle that should be regularly cleaned with a cotton swab, usually once a month.  The nozzles are easily removed with a ½ inch socket.  These cleaning recommendations are based on average use and will vary by user depending on the amount of fluid going through the machine and should be increased or decreased accordingly.

What adjustments can be made by the end user?

The conveyor belt speed can be increased; the electric eye delay can be adjusted; the flow rate of chemical can be adjustment; the conveyor belt torque can be increased or decreased  

How fexilbe is the off-load conveyor?

The off-load conveyor has a range from 2 feet to 8 feet in length. The conveyor can be turned from side to side to approximately a 30-degree angle and with additional optional conveyor attachments can form a 90-degree turn if desired.

How is the off-load conveyor supported?

The off-load conveyor has three sets of legs, each with a swivel locking caster that can be adjusted in height independent of the Misting Tunnel.

What is the chemical solution capacity of the misting tunnel?

The LE2020C LE2828C Misting Tunnels have a 3-gallon reservoir that supply the misting nozzles.

What chemicals can be used in the misting tunnel?

Any chemical that is pH neutral and produces little or no residues can be used in the Misting Tunnel.  Contact ViraTek to discuss chemical options.