Hey all,
We have two waterjets here and my guys are telling me that they are having a problem with mosquitos coming eating them up. I guess they are breeding over night in the water tanks. Is there some thing out there that would be safe to run through the waterjet that will kill or repel the mosquitos?

BTW
I told them to just wear some jungle netting and quit crying but that didn't go over to well. :violin:

Either put in some small ciculating pumps you can leave in all the time or if the water does not get recirculated (used again for cutting) a few capfuls of light oil will keep them from laying eggs in the water.

bleach?

Throw some goldfish in there...:)

But don't combine bleach and goldfish :) .

There's a skin conditioner called "skin so soft" that (beleive it or not) I've found to be the best mossy repellant. I know a few guys in the army who use it too.

Dunno how big burly machinists would feel about using it though lol.

I agree with Torchhead. Mosquitoes only like still water. Circulate your fluid.

I do however feel it is best to avoid adding oil to your sump, although it would likely help with your biting insect problem. Oily sumps actually create an environment ripe for the growth of bacteria and fungus.

Because water-jet creates a fine breathable mist you should avoid the use of contaminated water. An equally serious problem can occur if someone is cut with water-jet from a recirculated system. As I understand it, a properly trained ER Doctor would amputate to the next joint upstream of the cut. This is the protocol originally developed for sanitary sewage workers. This is due to density of pathogens found in sewage and similarly found in recirculated water-jet fluids.

When using recirculated water you should likely be using some type of biocide / fungicide. I do not have a recommended product name, but I am sure a quick Internet search would help considerably. Although it’s best to check with the manufacturer of your system and or intensifier.

I don’t think the addition of a biocide / fungicide is considered in hospital protocol, but I believe these agents are especially helpful in reducing the likelihood and severity of associated respiratory infections.

I personally shy away from anything other than fresh water systems.

I am not a doctor or a specialist in the area of contaminated fluids. These are lessons that I have learned through my travels as a field tech. They are subject to error. I have met a few people who have gone through specialized training for recirculated water-jet who have informed me of these things. You should really check with the manufacturers.