Frequently Asked Questions
What are your thoughts on agitation?All our systems feature tank agitation, however since we have introduced our SPIKER EVI direct injection units I have modified my opinion on just how much agitation is necessary.
In spraying regimes, unless direct injection is used, tank agitation is essential & the general rule is that the contents of the tank be turned over every ten minutes. Spraying & liquid furrow banding are however, poles apart.
Many of the liquid fertilisers that we now use are classed as clear liquids. Clear liquids are often referred to as perfect liquids because their elements do not fall out of suspension.
They are generally 'super-saturated' & if any trace elements, fungicides etc. are required to be added to these liquids, the liquid itself must be diluted slightly to allow 'space' to accept them. Compatible trace elements etc. can be tank mixed & this will require agitation to some degree. Now that high analysis trace elements are readily available this is becoming much easier.
We spent a great deal of time in late 2009 studying vortexes /currents etc. created within tanks utilising a range of venturi agitation systems. We have now settled on a single agitator configuration with suitable jetting using just our primary, single pump. We found that this combination works well as it delivers a softer 'mixing' in the tank, particularly if microbial liquids are being banded. Our 2010 A-i120 produces what we class as our level 2 agitation intensity. With constant liquid bypass to the tank from the regulating valve on the A-i120's auto- rate valve set added to the equation there is quite a deal movement of product within the tank.
Remember that clear liquids themselves need no agitation & if you desire to go to the next level - (direct injection of trace elements, fungicides etc. into the carrier liquid, external to the tank & prior to the tillage metering system) you can utilise our SPIKER EVI.
SPIKER EVI negates the need for tank mixing & provides the operator unprecedented control over liquid application. Product can now be introduced to the carrier liquid at a rate that is totally independent. With SPIKER you can variably apply say UAN & at the same time apply traces & fungicides at either a set or variable rate. In other words, tank mixing is inflexible as the products that are introduced will always be at a set ratio. SPIKER adds a whole new dimension to liquid furrow banding.
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