Testimonials
Spraying Application in Plant Care Equipment
This application note provides an overview of the successful use of seal-less diaphragm pumps for the application of treatments on residential and commercial vegetation.
THE INDUSTRY
Bartlett Tree Experts is a family-owned business founded in 1907 and is the UK’s leading scientific tree and shrub care company. The staff is always committed to develop better products along with more efficient treatment for tree and shrub care. With a living arboretum of over 15,000 plants, a cost effective and prompt application of products for insect and pests control along with treatments for tree diseases, is fundamental.
THE APPLICATION
A key role in all processes and a fundamental part of the equipment is the pump utilised for spraying the products onto vegetation. The liquids handled include a mixture of water and horticultural oil (vegetable oil and liquid soap), or a whitewash formula composed by water and hydrated lime (calcium hydroxide). Appropriate material compatibility is necessary from the pump.
A constant flow and stable pressure are mandatory for the correct dosage of process liquid. The pump must also be reliable to ensure scheduled timelines are not compromised by failures (i.e. during pest control operations).
THE PUMP SOLUTION
Wanner Hydra-Cell multi-diaphragm pump model H25XKCTHFECA belt driven by a petrol engine via a speed reducer. The overlapping interaction of the five diaphragms produces 10 ripples per shaft rotation. At the operating speed of approximately 1050 rpm, the pump produces a flow of approximately 75 LPM and 10,500 ripples per minute, meaning a virtually pulse-free flow. Ensuring constant spraying without excessive variation. With the pumping components contained in the pump bracket and separated from the process liquid by hydraulically flexed diaphragms, the chemical handling is left to only a few wetted components, while the mechanical moving parts are lubricated by hydraulic oil.
Regular service and preventive maintenance are also fundamental in the routine of the pumps service life, for which Michael Smith Engineers assist on inspection and repairs. Angela Chan (of Bartlett Tree Experts), who coordinates the maintenance and overhaul of the pumps between the engineers and Michael Smith Engineers, defines our workshop support as “great service, speedy turnaround!”
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FEATURE |
ADVANTAGE |
BENEFIT |
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Flexed Multi-Piston Diaphragm Design |
Simple to service and maintain |
Reduced downtime and less production lost |
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High pressure discharge for small flow rates |
High efficiency pumping |
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Accurate metering |
Repeatable performance |
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Triplex diaphragm design |
Virtually pulse-free flow |
Smooth, consistent flow |
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Hydraulically balanced diaphragms |
Stress on the diaphragms is significantly reduced |
Reduced downtime – longer time between servicing |
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Compact design |
Different mounting options: close coupled, long coupled, belt driven |
Reduced footprint drive package options for constricted spaces |
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Chemically compatible construction materials |
No corrosion due to incompatibility with process liquids |
Long pump life-time, reduced maintenance |
Angela Chan
